Vice President of Engineering

Overview

Job Title:

Vice President of Engineering (Co-Founder Capacity)

Location:

Hamilton, ON (Hybrid – The Forge, McMaster Innovation Park)

Job Type:  Full-time (Equity-Based / Probationary Trial)

About Us
MiON Forest is a climate‑tech startup pioneering the future of reforestation. We combine biodegradable "MiON Pot" seedling capsules, soil microbiome activation technology, and AI‑driven drone systems to restore degraded ecosystems. As we transition from R&D to operational deployment in 2026, we are looking for a technical visionary to lead our engineering strategy.

The Role
We are seeking a  VP of Engineering / Co-Founder  to partner directly with the CEO. You will not just manage a team; you will architect the integrated systems—mechanical, mechatronics, and software—that will allow us to scale tree planting to millions of trees.

Key Responsibilities

System Integration & R&D:  Lead the design, prototyping, and integration of seedling shooter systems and drone‑mounted planting modules. You will oversee cross‑disciplinary efforts in mechanical, mechatronics, and AI/software integration.

Strategic

Roadmap:

Establish the engineering roadmap, setting technical milestones that align with our funding, pilot projects, and business goals.

Team Building:  Build and mentor a high‑performing engineering team, including students, interns, and contractors, ensuring quality and motivation across varied experience levels.

Operational Deployment:  Transition our technology from lab prototypes to real‑world, field‑deployed solutions, ensuring they meet ecological requirements and withstand operational challenges.

Regulatory Compliance:  Ensure all drone operations comply with Transport Canada regulations and safety standards.

Who You Are

Entrepreneurial:  You thrive in lean, fast‑paced startup environments and are comfortable with risk, motivated by long‑term equity rewards.

Technical Expert:  You have a strong background in mechanical system design, actuation, and controls, with valuable experience in software integration (AI / vision systems).

Problem Solver:  You demonstrate creative problem‑solving skills, capable of identifying root causes in complex mechanical or drone systems.

Mission‑Driven:  You are deeply passionate about sustainability and using technology to solve the climate crisis.

The "Co‑Founder" Deal (Transparency)
Compensation
This is primarily an equity‑focused Co‑Founder role to start.

Salary:  Minimal / Stipend initially, with a roadmap to market salary upon securing 2026 funding.

Trial Period:  We begin with a 1‑month probationary trial in January 2026 to ensure alignment.

Join us to engineer solutions that make a global difference.

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