What are the responsibilities and job description for the Mechanical & Systems Design Engineer position at untill?
Company Overview
Untill is an agricultural technology company that develops automated vertical farming technology. We currently operate our patented technology through a commercial farm in Hudson, MA, growing pesticide-free leafy greens year-round and delivering fresh, local produce at competitive market pricing — not as a niche premium product.
Overview
We are seeking a mechanical and systems engineer to own the physical and electrical infrastructure of our current operation and to play a central role in designing and building the automation systems that will define our future facilities. You'll work hands-on alongside our team to engineer, iterate, and scale the technology that makes our farm run.
What You'll Do
- Design, build, and continuously improve automated production infrastructure including grow structures, automated conveyance systems, fluid delivery networks, and electrical control systems
- Specify, install, program, and maintain PLC-based automation systems to control and monitor production equipment
- Design, wire, and troubleshoot high-voltage and low-voltage electrical cabinet systems in compliance with applicable safety codes
- Lead the engineering design of automation systems for future Untill facilities — from concept and prototyping through full buildout
- Scope and manage multiple concurrent engineering projects, coordinating with external contractors and vendors to deliver on time and on budget
- Identify failure points and implement preventive maintenance programs for all mechanical, automation, and electrical systems
- Collaborate cross-functionally with cultivation staff to understand operational needs and translate them into automation and equipment solutions
What We're Looking For
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering
- 7 years of hands-on experience in mechanical and automation system design for manufacturing environments
- Demonstrated experience designing, maintaining, and troubleshooting complex automation systems
- Experience designing, building, and commissioning high-voltage and low-voltage electrical cabinet systems
- Experience programming and troubleshooting PLCs (Allen-Bradley, Siemens, or similar)
- Familiarity with NEC code, OSHA requirements for factory environments, and electrical safety best practices
- Demonstrated experience designing and troubleshooting pressurized plumbing and fluid handling systems
- Hands-on prototyping and fabrication experience (sheet metal, machining, structural assembly)
- Strong proficiency in SolidWorks
- Comfortable working in a fast-paced, resource-constrained environment where you own problems end-to-end
What's Preferred
- Experience in startups or small manufacturing operations where you've worn multiple hats
- Experience with hydroponic or controlled-environment agriculture systems
- Proficiency in Python for automation scripting or data collection
- Experience modeling and designing HVAC systems
- Understanding of HMI integration with PLC systems
- Experience with food-grade manufacturing standards and handling requirements
Compensation & Benefits
Untill offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience and the opportunity to build something from the ground up with a small, committed team. Our benefits package includes:
- 401(k) plan
- Fully subsidized health insurance plan
- Dental plan
- Health Savings Account (HSA)
- Flexible Spending Account (FSA) with company match
- Unlimited PTO
- Company stock option compensation