Technical Lead – Labor Automation Solutions in the Horticulture Industry (f/m/x)

ZEISS

Job Description

Step out of your comfort zone, excel and redefine the limits of what is possible. That's just what our employees are doing every single day – in order to set the pace through our innovations and enable outstanding achievements. After all, behind every successful company are many great fascinating people.

In a spacious modern setting full of opportunities for further development, ZEISS employees work in a place where expert knowledge and team spirit reign supreme. All of this is supported by a special ownership structure and the long-term goal of the Carl Zeiss Foundation: to bring science and society into the future together.

Join us today. Inspire people tomorrow.

Diversity is a part of ZEISS. We look forward to receiving your application regardless of gender, nationality, ethnic and social origin, religion, philosophy of life, disability, age, sexual orientation or identity.

Apply now! It takes less than 10 minutes.


Are you passionate about driving robotic solutions through artificial intelligence?

We are in search of an experienced, motivated, inquisitive, and results-oriented individual to be the Technical Lead in our newly formed AgTech department. ZEISS started a large strategic initiative to leverage our capabilities to bring labor automation solutions to high-end greenhouses, with an initial focus on robotics. Therefore, we established a dedicated team to drive this effort with a start-up like mindset within ZEISS.

As the selected candidate, you will play a crucial role in leading the technology and product development activities, establishing technology and platform strategy, guiding R&D teams, and foster technology partnerships. Collaboration with internal and external stakeholders is essential combined with a strong focus on customer-oriented product development and hands-on mentality.

  • Primary responsibilities include:

  • Develop and oversee technology strategy and full system engineering

  • Provide technical leadership to R&D teams, steering activities, and ensuring alignment of all technical efforts

  • Translate customer needs into technical requirements

  • Build and lead a technical team, including hiring, onboarding, mentorship, and coaching

  • Oversee product development and closely collaborate with business development and product management

  • Manage technology partnerships and vendors

  • Evaluate technological solutions of competition and benchmark them

  • Define IP strategy

  • Stay updated on general technology trends outside of horticulture that might be relevant in the future

  • Support recruiting of tech talent

  • Support and shape the overall vision for AgTech at ZEISS


  • A degree with excellent grades in natural science or engineering, - PhD or MBA as a plus

  • Proven track record with experience as a tech lead / lead system engineer for automation solutions with focus on robotics and machine learning gained during the last 7 years

  • Deep technical expertise and curiosity to keep track with new innovations and how they can be applied for our products

  • Experience in designing systems that combine AI/ML and robotics, experience in image processing a plus

  • Experience in leading and steering complex technical projects as a project manager

  • Superior communication and interpersonal skills, with the aptitude to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams and external stakeholders

  • Keen interest in investigating complex problems and drive labor automation solutions

  • A resourceful team player with a willingness to help others succeed

  • Proficiency in English, both in written and spoken communication. German is a plus

At ZEISS, we value innovation, collaboration, and a passion for driving change. If you are ready to take on this exciting role and contribute to the future of labor automation solutions in high-end greenhouses, we look forward to receiving your application.

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