VP of Operations (Technical)

About Fyto

Fyto has developed a proprietary aquatic crop production platform that uses a fraction of the resources required by terrestrial crops to create effective, environmentally-friendly products that enable farmers to do more with less. In partnership with America’s agricultural community, we help design, develop, finance, and operate aquatic cropping systems that transform nutrient, water, land, emissions, and labor challenges into animal and plant nutrition solutions. The company spun out of MIT in 2019 and is backed by top technology investors including Google Ventures (GV).

Our people are what make our mission possible. We are passionate about our contributions to Fyto and invested in building a rewarding culture of innovative and collaborative teammates, a supportive environment, diverse career opportunities, and meaningful work. Fyto is a place for people that believe they can change the world and want to take action to leave a positive lasting impact. If you share these traits and want to apply yourself to rewrite the rules of agriculture, then come grow with us!

About the Role

We’re seeking a technically skilled and experienced operations leader who is deeply motivated to improve the global food system and to play a crucial leadership role at a rapidly growing technology startup. You will work directly with our CEO to develop, manufacture, and implement state-of-the-art aquatic crop production facilities that allow farmers to accelerate and profit from lowering the carbon footprint of their operations. As the Vice President of Operations, you will lead efforts and teammates to achieve operational excellence within our growing facilities as well as the manufacturing of our state-of-the art aquatic farming equipment to be safe, reliable, and increasingly cost-effective.    

The ideal candidate will be a creative problem solver, a kind and capable people manager, a talented relationship builder, and relentlessly focused technology implementer. This position can be hybrid or in office (Petaluma, CA) with periodic travel (up to 20% annually) expected. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States and are subject to a background check.

Requirements

●       Bachelors degree in engineering, engineering management, or similar discipline.

●       12+ years of relevant professional experience including at least 5 years of managing hardware technology teams.

●       Significant experience in helping evolve early production models into higher volume, manufactured equipment and/or facilities.

●       An extensive network of vendors, suppliers, and partners within the industrial automation, automotive, and/or agricultural automation sectors.

●       Ability and willingness to travel to Fyto’s farming locations and equipment manufacturing partners throughout California and beyond as needs arise (up to 20% travel)

●       Have a valid driver’s license and good driving record

●       Quick learner who is flexible, self-motivated, able to ask questions, and thrive in a startup environment

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Other preferred qualifications

●       Master’s degree in engineering discipline or management

●       Experience in agriculture, food technology, or biotechnology engineering operations

●       Experience working in a start-up environment 

Salary range: $180,000-$220,000/yr depending on experience. Medical, dental, vision benefits, 401k, employee stock options

FYTO is committed to equal opportunity and complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action. FYTO does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, religion, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or veteran status in its recruitment processes and employment practices.