As global population numbers rise and labor shortages continue to persist, collaborative autonomous robots offer a way to enhance farm productivity and efficiency. Using a combination of computer vision, GPS, and artificial intelligence, our portfolio company Burro is alleviating tedious crop collection tasks by automating robots to work alongside humans on the farm.
Equipped with an autonomous mobility platform, Burro robots are able to navigate the farm and follow workers around while carrying their cargo. Burros are user friendly and easy to install and operate, and can quickly impact productivity through its side-by-side work with people.
Since the company’s addition to our portfolio, Burro has focused on rapidly growing their team to expand their platform’s offerings for farmers — and they are currently hiring for multiple roles. Check out the Toyota Ventures jobs board to learn more and read about two key roles below: VP of Growth and Embedded Systems Engineer.
VP of Growth (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)
In this critical role, you will work across multiple teams including sales and support as well as the engineering team to understand the technology, assess industries and expansion markets, and develop platform strategy. Additionally, you will be responsible for developing the company’s revenue growth strategy in collaboration with the leadership team. Candidates in this role will be expected to rigorously assess new markets and clearly articulate strategic priorities, identify potential customers, cultivate relationships, and drive deals to closure. Other responsibilities will include working closely with customers and traveling to locations in California and other geographies to understand customer operations, define necessary product capabilities, and to showcase robots.
The ideal candidate has five years of experience in an analytical role, consulting, venture capital, corporate strategy, and/or with an operating company. Deep experience in working with agtech or robotic sales, as well as an MBA and bachelor’s degree in a related field, are also required. Additionally, you should have a demonstrated track-record of effective relationship-based selling and account management. You should be an outstanding team contributor and leader that is able to work on and lead cross-functional teams including engineers, customers, sales/field support, and more. While this role is based in Philadelphia, this role will require travel to customer locations and trade shows (~50% travel).
Embedded Systems Engineer (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)
As an embedded systems engineer, you will work with an interdisciplinary team to execute product designs from concept to production including design, prototyping, validation and testing. Candidates in this role will design and revise electrical and embedded subsystems in the current and next generation Burro robots as well as play a key role in managing product development timelines. You will also be charged with producing printed circuit boards and wiring diagrams suitable for manufacturing.
You should have a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering or computer science, as well as over three years of experience in a related field. In addition, candidates must have in-depth knowledge of embedded system architecture, hands-on rapid embedded system prototyping experience (hardware and firmware), and demonstrated work with schematic and PCB design tools. Other requirements include solid programming skills in C, working knowledge of standard communication buses and protocols (e.g. UART, USB, I2C, SPI, CAN, etc.), as well as solid embedded hardware and software debugging skills. Familiarity with test/debug tools such as JTAG, oscilloscopes, logic analyzers and signal generators, and proficiency in SMD soldering are must-haves.