Simulation Engineer / CTO (depending on experience) Acer Resources is a startup developing the next generation of multi-tonnes per day vertical farms, growing perfect fruit and vegetable in precisely controlled conditions under LED lights. Our founding team is building on the domain expertise we developed delivering two vertical farms in Japan , the first is growing 3-tonnes of leafy greens per day, and the second growing 4-tonnes per day. While the vertical farming industry has struggled, our experience provides a unique perspective on the innovation process, and we are developing the technologies we need to deliver for mass-market customers in the UK and beyond – we have global ambitions. Crucially, our experience means we can develop the technologies we need directly at large-scale in simulation before we build (this is where you come in). The result is that we can be confident that our multi-tonnes per day farms will be able to deliver the cultivation processes we’re refining in the lab to the precise tolerances required, and in production, we can use the simulation as the foundation for a full digital twin of the farm to continuously look for improvements in the cultivation process. This is a cutting-edge approach that is only possible because of our know how, and you will be a key part of this process. Acer is in stealth mode (so don’t be surprised if you can’t find much about us online), but our progress is confirmed by the significant grant funding we have won, including from Innovate UK and the Freeport East Clean Growth Fund, and the quality of our partners, which include the engineers at PhysicsX, Imperial College, and B-PHOT Photonics , and the UK’s leading controlled environment agriculture experts at the University of Essex , and we are working with a multinational corporate sponsor to derisk the delivery of our first farm in 2025. Our mission is to revolutionise fresh produce supply-chains, turning them from a significant source of climate change into part of the climate solution, and to grow the most delicious, most nutritious fresh food that helps improve the health of the nation. Our farms mean local, year-round production that minimises food miles, and because we grow pesticide-free in a clean environment, what we grow can be ready-to-eat without the need for an industrial wash, meaning it stays fresher for longer, lowering waste. We use a tiny fraction of the water and nutrient, and there’s no run-off, and by only using renewable energy our produce can be carbon neutral. We are looking for a capable and enthusiastic simulation engineer to join our team. We have specific projects to deliver, but this person could take on the role of CTO, depending on experience and ambition. If all of this sounds exciting to you, we would love to talk (even if you don‘t tick all the boxes – we hope to be recruiting for more engineering positions in 2025). Acer is a young company and you’ll be getting onboard early. That’s not for everyone, but we are well funded and you will participate in the upside of our success. We’re excited to hear from you. What you will do The role is largely remote, but you will work closely with Acer’s founders and plant scientists, and our world-leading partners, to build an understanding of the engineering challenges we’re solving and develop the design of some of the core technologies used in the farm Develop computational fluid dynamics (CFD) & multi-physics models to simulate and understand the cultivation environment inside the farm Work at the intersection of CAE and data science, generating highly accurate results and predictions in conjunction with advanced machine & deep learning models/simulations that form the foundation of Acer’s digital twin Own the delivery of technical workstreams and apply and improve engineering best practices and standards and coach your colleagues in their adoption What you bring to the table You will be a motivated self-starter, capable of taking responsibility for the scoping and effective delivery of technologies in the farm. A growth mindset. This is critical. We’re doing things that haven’t been done before, and the ability to think from first principles is important. We know that’s hard, and create a working environment where it is encouraged. We’re looking for people who see the opportunity in that challenge. Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to identify causes and recommend solutions – we are hiring you for your creativity and want to hear what you think Excellent collaboration and communication skills – we are integrating leading-edge engineering and plant science in innovative ways, and need to bring together a range of skills and experience. You will need to work effectively with Acer’s founders and plant scientists, and our world-leading partners Technically, you will need expertise in computational fluid dynamics and multi-physics modelling, plus an interest in data science and machine learning approaches The ability to use physics-aware machine learning to setup and solve of complex multi-physics problems, building on the work Acer has done with the Magri Lab at Imperial College London Understand how to build CFD models from scratch, from geometry clean-up to post-processing Proficiency in Python and Java for simulation development Experience with advanced meshing techniques and adaptive/dynamic mesh tools Expertise in model correlation and real-world validation What we offer Be part of something larger: Make an impact and meaningfully shape an early-stage company. Work on one of the most exciting and important parts of the climate solution. Do something you can be proud of Work with a fun group of colleagues that support you, challenge you and help you grow. We’re in business to solve hard problems. If you are similarly capable, caring and driven, you‘ll find yourself at home here Work in a flat hierarchy. We have seen many well-funded vertical farmers fail, and many seem to have made the same mistakes. Your ideas are encouraged, especially when they challenge the status quo Receive a competitive compensation and equity package, based on experience We value diversity and are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of sex, race, religion, ethnicity, nationality, disability, age, sexual orientation or gender identity. We strongly encourage individuals from groups traditionally underrepresented in tech, engineering, and horticulture to apply. Please introduce yourself, and attached a copy of your CV, by emailing leoacerresources.com.
