Grow Systems Lead

The Automation Grow Systems Lead will primarily be responsible for the Green Automation growing system from media fill through harvest and finishing with washing the equipment. They will be responsible for training on all machine-specific functions such as configuring the equipment, loading and operating the machines, and optimizing the machine capability. They will have responsibility for opening all new greenhouses with regards to training on media application, sowing of seeds, quality checks, shift reporting, and troubleshooting. They should be initiative-takers and willing to undergo training to understand the operations of new equipment. The Lead must be able to travel often to support the opening of the new sites and assist in the development and deployment of strategies to meet the business objectives. They will be an integral part of Commissioning, Validation, and Start-up at each site. The Lead will have responsibility to ensure the growing team are trained on the equipment, SOPs, work instructions, and maintained in a safe, efficient, and reliable manner, as well as ensure the safety, quality, and productivity of the department. This position reports to the Launch Team Manager.

Specifically, you will:

• Living and leading a safety-first mentality and ensuring safe practices
• Provides site start-up training and collaboration for new grow equipment
• Effectively assists, as needed, on all capital projects/installations holding to committed results and outcomes
• Successfully develops, leads, and executes operational processes with site team
• Assist with the writing of standard operating procedures and training documents
• Drives continuous improvement through root cause analysis during startup operations
• Uses analytics to identify opportunities and reduce costs while striving for improved machine performance
• Ensure that the machines work at their full capacity, perform minor adjustments and maintenance, and perform timely quality checks
• Leads and develops talent at each future site through training, knowledge sharing, and employee development
• Work with site employees to commission, validate, and start-up new equipment
• Establishes clear and measurable performance expectations
• Drives engagement and supports cross-functional projects and teams
• Shares best practices across all sites, challenges thinking, and provides candid and respectful feedback
• Leads with key values, being a strong example for site employees and others throughout the organization

• High School diploma or GED
• Knowledge of heavy-duty and high-speed machinery and controls
• Analytical and numerical skills; ability to perform mathematical calculations (add, subtract, multiply, divide) in different units of measure
• Keen diligence and organizational skills
• A proven history of driving results, engaging others, and consistent accountability
• Previous experience with utilizing Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access)

Preferred Qualifications:

• Knowledgeable with automated systems and controls
• Knowledgeable with machine controls and interfaces
• Previous machine operating experience in a manufacturing facility or relevant experience; greenhouse preferred
• Familiar with basic mechanical tools
• Previous experience with PLC programming and operations
• Ability to train multiple team members at once
• Methodical thinker
• Inspire and energize others
• Collaborate and foster idea generation and teamwork
• Engage self and others in learning
• Excellent communication skills (written and oral)

Come grow with us - the future is BRIGHT!

BrightFarms is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer - All qualified applicants/employees will receive consideration for employment without regard to that individual’s age, race, color, religion or creed, national origin or ancestry, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, physical or mental disability, veteran status, genetic information, ethnicity, citizenship, or any other characteristic protected by law.