VP of Engineering

Climate Robotics is a venture-backed startup based in Houston, TX. We are building the next generation of agricultural machinery to produce biochar, a powerful soil amendment that improves soil health and sequesters atmospheric carbon. We are hiring a VP of Engineering to manage and mentor our engineering team, define and implement our engineering strategy, and oversee our in-field pyrolysis systems' design, development, and deployment. Excellent project management, budget management, and communication skills are essential. This role is in person at our Houston location.

Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement the engineering strategy and roadmap in alignment with the company's vision and goals.
• Oversee the design, development, testing, and deployment of R&D projects and in-field pyrolysis systems.
• Steer all engineering projects, ensuring we hit deliverables and achieve critical milestones.
• Manage and mentor the engineering team, including hiring, training, performance management, and career development.
• Align the engineering team to follow best practices for engineering design, QA, testing, commissioning, and deployment.
• Continuously improve our engineering processes and methodologies, driving innovation and efficiency.
• Monitor and analyze key engineering metrics and KPIs and regularly report to executive management.
• Develop and manage the engineering budget, ensuring we optimize resources and investments to achieve our goals.
• Work with cross-functional teams to support strategic, tactical, and operational company initiatives.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Previous experience in a fast-paced R&D environment
• Experience with large-scale industrial equipment, agricultural equipment, or mobile machinery
• Prior experience in developing and executing engineering roadmaps to achieve company objectives
• Experience leading and growing early-stage teams

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in an engineering field such as mechanical, electrical, or similar; MS/MBA preferred.
• At least ten years of industry-related experience, including three years in upper management.
• A breadth of exposure across engineering disciplines: mechanical, electrical, and software.
• Demonstrated project management experience managing multiple concurrent projects.
• A proven track record of solving problems and balancing competing priorities.
• Strong process orientation and ability to manage through complexity and rapid change.
• Excellent managerial skills and interpersonal skills. Able to effectively communicate and collaborate with all areas of engineering and staff at all levels
• Alignment with climate mission.

Work environment:

• Ability to work in office, lab, and shop floor environments
• Occasional lifting of up to 35 lbs
• Regularly works around moving mechanical parts and in outside conditions that include inclement weather, heat, and humidity. The noise level may be loud at times.
• Travel to customer sites/field testing sites

Benefits

• Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental, Vision)
• Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays)
• 401(k)