How to Be Greenhouse Design Engineer - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Sep 14, 2020 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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Greenhouse design engineering is a highly specialized field that requires a great deal of creativity, technical knowledge and expertise. The most important part of this role is to develop the optimum design to maintain a suitable internal environment for the plants within the greenhouse. This requires careful consideration of the climatic conditions, available materials and the specific requirements of the plants.

In addition, a successful greenhouse design engineer must be able to work closely with clients to ensure that the design meets their needs. The effects of a successful design can be significant, as the right design will allow for efficient management of resources, increased production and higher quality yields. Furthermore, a successful design will result in an improved working environment for staff and reduced energy costs.

Steps How to Become

Get a Bachelor's Degree. A bachelor's degree in agricultural engineering, horticulture, or a related field is the first step to becoming a Greenhouse Design Engineer. A bachelor's degree program typically takes four years to complete and will provide students with a solid foundation of knowledge in engineering principles, greenhouse structures, and plant science.
Obtain Professional Certification. Professional certification is not required to become a Greenhouse Design Engineer, but it will make you more competitive in the job market and can increase your earning potential. You can obtain certification through organizations such as the American Society for Horticultural Science (ASHS) or the American Society of Agronomy (ASA).
Get Work Experience. To become a Greenhouse Design Engineer, you will need to gain experience in the field. You can do this by working as an assistant to an experienced engineer or by joining a greenhouse design firm as an intern or apprentice. This experience will allow you to learn about the industry, hone your skills, and build relationships with industry professionals.
Find a Job. Once you have the necessary qualifications and experience, you can start looking for a job as a Greenhouse Design Engineer. You can search for positions on job boards, through professional associations, or by networking with industry professionals.
Keep Learning. As technology changes and new greenhouses are designed, it's important to stay up-to-date on the latest trends and innovations in the field. You can do this by attending conferences, reading industry publications, and taking courses to stay ahead of industry developments.

Greenhouse design engineering is a complex and challenging process, requiring a combination of technical knowledge, creative problem solving and an understanding of the environment. The design engineer must consider all elements of the design process to determine the ideal and most capable solution. This includes factors such as soil composition, lighting levels, temperature, humidity, ventilation and the overall size of the structure.

the design engineer must consider the needs of the plants that will be grown in the greenhouse and assess their potential to flourish in the designed environment. All of these elements must be taken into consideration to create a safe, efficient and effective structure that is capable of producing healthy, high-quality plants.

You may want to check Greenhouse Grower, Greenhouse Production Assistant, and Greenhouse Production Supervisor for alternative.

Job Description

Create detailed plans for greenhouse structures and systems.
Develop and test innovative designs for greenhouse projects.
Design and implement systems for efficient energy use, crop irrigation, and temperature control.
Develop cost estimates for greenhouse projects and equipment.
Oversee the installation and maintenance of greenhouse equipment and systems.
Work closely with architects, landscape designers, and other professionals to ensure optimal performance of greenhouses.
Monitor environmental conditions in greenhouses and make necessary adjustments to optimize growth and yields.
Research and test new materials and components for greenhouses.
Analyze project data to determine areas of improvement and develop solutions to maximize efficiency and productivity.
Keep up-to-date with the latest advancements in greenhouses and related technologies.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of greenhouse building materials and construction techniques.
Proficient in engineering design software such as AutoCAD and SolidWorks.
Understanding of building codes and regulations related to greenhouses.
Knowledge of climate control systems including heating, cooling, and ventilation systems.
Excellent communication and organizational skills.
Ability to troubleshoot and problem solve both technical and design issues.
Ability to work independently and take initiative on projects.
Ability to collaborate effectively with other engineers and stakeholders.
Knowledge of horticultural techniques and practices.
Understanding of electrical systems and components related to greenhouses.

Greenhouse Design Engineering requires a wide range of skills, from understanding the latest technological advancements to having a good understanding of environmental science. A Greenhouse Design Engineer must be knowledgeable in the principles of structural engineering, physics, materials science, and chemistry in order to create a structure that is suitable for its environment. the engineer must have an awareness of the impacts their design may have on the surrounding environment.

This includes understanding the effects of climate change and local weather patterns, as well as the requirements for sustainable energy sources and efficient ventilation systems. Furthermore, the engineer must have an eye for detail to ensure that their design meets the necessary safety standards and to ensure that the structure functions as expected. By being knowledgeable in these areas, a Greenhouse Design Engineer can create a structure that is both effective and aesthetically pleasing.

Greenhouse Automation Technician, Greenhouse Plant Propagation Technician, and Greenhouse Environmental Specialist are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in greenhouse design?
How have you successfully applied your skills and knowledge to develop greenhouses?
What challenges have you encountered in developing greenhouses and how did you address them?
What strategies do you use to ensure the design and development of cost-effective greenhouses?
How do you keep up with advancements in greenhouse design and technology?
What strategies do you use to ensure the best use of resources when designing greenhouses?
Describe a time when you had to make a difficult decision while designing a greenhouse.
How do you ensure your design is up to industry standards?
What methods do you use to ensure sustainability requirements are met in the design of greenhouses?
How do you ensure the safety of those using the greenhouse during the design and development process?

Common Tools in Industry

Autodesk Revit. a Building Information Modeling software used to design and document greenhouses (eg: creating 3D models of greenhouse structures).
Microsoft Excel. a spreadsheet program used to create, organize and analyze data (eg: tracking and analyzing crop yields).
Lighting Analysis Software. a program used to simulate lighting conditions and analyze light levels inside greenhouses (eg: LUXCalc).
CAD Software. computer-aided design software used to create detailed plans and drawings (eg: AutoCAD).
Climate Modeling Software. software used to simulate and analyze climate conditions inside greenhouses (eg: GreenSim).
Irrigation Design Software. a program used to design and analyze irrigation systems (eg: SprinkCAD).
HVAC Design Software. software used to design heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems for greenhouses (eg: HAP).

Professional Organizations to Know

American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE)
American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE)
International Society of Automation (ISA)
American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)
International Association for Energy-Efficient Horticulture (IAEEH)
American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA)
International Association of Horticultural Engineers (ICHE)
Association of Energy Engineers (AEE)
International Society of Horticultural Science (ISHS)
Greenhouse Manufacturers Association (GMA)

We also have Greenhouse Horticulture Technician, Greenhouse Production Manager, and Greenhouse Production Coordinator jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

HVAC System. Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning system; a type of mechanical system used to control the temperature, humidity, and air circulation of a building.
Thermal Insulation. A material used to reduce heat transfer between two surfaces; used in greenhouses to regulate temperature and humidity.
Heat Retention. The ability of a material to store heat, preventing it from dissipating quickly.
Glazing. The use of glass or plastic materials to create an air-tight seal around a greenhouse structure.
Shading. The use of reflective materials or screens to reduce the amount of sunlight entering a greenhouse.
Ventilation. The process of exchanging air in and out of a greenhouse, to reduce humidity and maintain temperature.
Solar Tracking System. A system used to orient and move solar collectors within a greenhouse in order to optimize light exposure.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Greenhouse Design Engineer?

A Greenhouse Design Engineer is a professional that specializes in designing and constructing greenhouses for the purpose of growing plants and crops.

What qualifications are needed to become a Greenhouse Design Engineer?

A Greenhouse Design Engineer typically requires a bachelor's degree in engineering or a related field, as well as practical experience in designing and constructing greenhouses.

What type of work does a Greenhouse Design Engineer do?

A Greenhouse Design Engineer is responsible for designing and constructing greenhouses that meet the client's needs, as well as designing and installing irrigation systems, climate control systems, and other equipment necessary to ensure the optimal growth of plants and crops.

What are the job duties of a Greenhouse Design Engineer?

The job duties of a Greenhouse Design Engineer include developing plans, designing and constructing greenhouses, installing irrigation systems, climate control systems, and other related equipment, and providing technical advice and guidance to clients.