Job Description

Job DetailsLevel: Experienced

Job Location: Phillipsburg, NJ 08865

Position Type: Full Time

Salary Range: $120,000.00 - $130,000.00 Salary

Travel Percentage: None

Job Shift: AnyWe grow the world’s BEST Strawberries & that wouldn’t be possible without our Engineering Team!

We are seeking an Industrial Automation Robotics Engineer who drives some of the most cutting-edge engineering projects Oishii has to offer. You will play a key role in developing advanced automation solutions that drive reliability, scalability, and performance across our indoor vertical farms.

At Oishii, the Industrial Automation Robotics Engineer has the opportunity to shape the future of an industry. We leverage robotic harvesting, artificial intelligence, forecasting, and automation technologies to grow and harvest the world’s best strawberries. We are studying every aspect of strawberry production and finding ways to beat the status quo. On the plant science front we are creating smarter farms that can automatically harvest fruit, measure and analyze plant health, monitor environmental conditions, fine-tune nutrient levels, understand and control the micro-organism ecosystems, and much more. Working closely with cross-functional teams and external partners, you will drive automation projects from concept through commissioning, ensuring each system is safe, maintainable, and high-performing.

What you’ll be responsible for

• Lead the design and development of automation systems from concept to commissioning, including robotics, PLCs, motion control, and safety systems.
• Develop complete control system architectures including PLCs, safety systems, motion controllers, and sensors.
• Develop, program, and optimize control logic and robotic operations using PLC/HMI platforms (Allen-Bradley, Ignition) and robot programming environments (Yaskawa, Fanuc, KUKA).
• Lead small teams by setting goals, managing performance, and providing support and feedback.
• Write and maintain automation software tools and scripts in Python or C++ to support data acquisition, system monitoring, and integration with higher-level control or SCADA systems.
• Design and model automation systems, tooling, and layouts using 2D/3D CAD.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Engineering, Maintenance, Operations, and Plant Science to define system requirements.
• Oversee testing, validation, and commissioning (FAT/SAT) of automation systems, leading debugging and optimization efforts.
• Document system functionality through P&IDs, I/O lists, and schematics, ensuring maintainability and handoff readiness.
• Manage automation vendors and system integrators during design, fabrication, and installation.

QualificationsWho will love this job: Individuals who identify with our Core Values and exhibit skills within those values will thrive at Oishii.

• One Team, One Fight!
• Ability to quickly shift priorities to meet deadlines and effectively communicate, both verbally and in writing, clearly, concisely and with purpose at various levels of the organization.
• Ability to work cross functionally at all levels including across locations, and collaborate with a focus on supporting & understanding the evolving business needs of a startup environment.
• Ability to lead through others and develop teams with a diverse level of experience to succeed.
• Focus.
• Ability to remove obstacles in order to prioritize which could include problem solving, working through ambiguity and using fact based or sound judgment in the absence of process or policy. We are building it, but need to manage through the process with good judgment and a bias for action.
• Ability to synthesize information quickly to aid in the troubleshooting process.
• GSD (Get Sh** Done!)
• Possessing an entrepreneurial mindset with the tenacity to develop ideas, process, and policy and implement them rapidly.
• Capable of prioritizing tasks and considering the resources available when doing so.
• A bias for action! Ability to hold yourself accountable and take ownership of driving results that impact company outcomes.
• Track record of effectively handling complex employee relations issues, and addressing sensitive information and difficult situations with tact, discretion, and confidentiality.

What we look for in an Industrial Automation Robotics Engineer

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical, Mechanical, Mechatronics, Automation, or Robotics Engineering.
• 5-7 years experience in robotics integration (safety, communications, programming), industrial automation, and system integration.
• Expertise in PLC (Allen Bradley required) and HMI programming, motion control, pneumatics, SCADA (Ignition a plus), industrial networking, and industrial communication protocols (Ethernet/IP, Modbus, OPC UA).
• Experience managing individuals or small teams.
• Proficient in C++ or Python.
• Proficient in 2D/3D CAD and hands-on experience with robot end effector design, prototyping and fabrication.
• Strong understanding of control panel design (480V 3 phase, including pneumatics), wiring standards, and electrical schematics.
• Must be onsite 5 days/week in Phillipsburg, NJ and willing to troubleshoot system issues nights/weekends onsite/remotely.

Perks at Oishii

• Compensation: $120-130 K yearly plus equity
• Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance
• 401(k) Retirement Plan (Roth & Traditional)
• EAP Access
• 100% Employer Paid Life Insurance & Long Term Disability Insurance
• Paid Parental leave, Paid Time Off & Paid Sick Time
• Paid Training & 7 Paid Holidays
• Office social events including happy hours, parties, and community service projects
• Employee activity groups for basketball players, Yoga Enthusiasts, runners…

About Us

At Oishii, we grow the best berries in the world by deploying ground-breaking vertical farming technology that pushes the boundaries of agriculture. We’re the first in the WORLD to grow fruit in an indoor vertical farm at commercial scale. Our proprietary technology enables us to grow the very best produce year-round, at the same high level of quality, all without using any pesticides.

Oishii has been profiled in Eater, NPR, Time Magazine, and Fortune. Oishi was also one of the Fast Companies Most Innovative Companies of 2022.

At Oishii, everything we do works toward accomplishing our mission of transforming agriculture sustainably while bringing produce that truly delights people everywhere. This requires farmers, engineers, scientists, product managers, and members of many other backgrounds to work together day-in and day-out to innovate, while operating increasingly large farms. We have an amazing mission-driven team of highly motivated and engaged members.

Learn More https://oishii.com/.