Senior Electronics Engineer
Ampersand
Senior Electronics Engineer
We are looking for someone with a broad understanding of electromechanical systems that can assist with all aspects of the vehicle drivetrain R&D.
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Do you want to do work that matters? Do you want to help improve the lives of some of the most hardworking people in Africa, while also reducing carbon emissions? Do you want to use your skills to advance Africa and the Global South towards a zero-carbon future, not just to make a living? Ampersand is your answer.
About Ampersand
Ampersand is Africa’s emobility pioneer. Ampersand provides electric motorcycles and charging infrastructure (battery swap stations), uniquely tailored to serve half of Africa’s road fleet: Commercial motorcycle taxi and delivery drivers. Moto taxis are a primary means of public transport in African cities, and it is estimated that these drivers spend >$6Bn p.a. on gasoline in East Africa alone. Ampersand has developed an electric solution that is more powerful, fun to drive, and more cost-effective than the incumbent. Ampersand drivers routinely earn over 30% more income by going electric.
The company started in Kigali, Rwanda and expanded into Nairobi, Kenya in 2022. Today it has over 2,000 e-motorcycles on the road and 36 battery swap stations across the two countries. Ampersand is leading the market in quality and affordable tech, customer traction, and operational systems. The Ampersand team consists of 300+ staff drawn from diverse backgrounds and is working hard to see all 5 million taxi motorbikes in East Africa become electric by 2030. Ampersand is rapidly scaling its operations and is looking for innovative professionals who are passionate about clean energy and environmental impact to lead and contribute to our rapid growth.
Ampersand is a company that values innovation, creativity, and continuous improvement. It seeks people who are proactive problem solvers to drive results. Ampersand promotes leadership within the organization and is a place where you can grow your career as you work with some of the brightest and hard-working individuals in East Africa.
Our Values
Customer-centric Everyday: We prioritize our customers daily, tailoring solutions to exceed expectations.
Challenge The Status Quo Through Innovation: Our dedicated teams constantly challenge the status quo, driving innovation to enhance customer experiences and deliver solutions that go beyond expectations
Love Solving Problems Together: Internal collaboration is our approach; we thrive on solving challenges alongside our customers.
Stay Agile: We stay agile to swiftly meet dynamic customer needs and adapt to a changing landscape.
Driven By People And Planet: Beyond business, we're committed to people and the planet, ensuring a positive impact.
About the role
We require someone with a broad understanding of electromechanical systems that can assist with all aspects of the vehicle drivetrain R&D including but not limited to working with high power inverters, PMSM motors as well as low-voltage battery systems. We work hands-on and require our employees to have rapid prototyping skills. Ideally you have read the Art of Electronics end to end. You will report to the Head of Electrical systems and also lead a team of younger electrical engineers when needed.
- Solid/demonstrable understanding of power electronics, DC/DCs, battery systems, inverters.
- Solid/demonstrable experience in PCB design from schematic capture to layout
- Proven experience in writing firmware for embedded microcontrollers (C/C++) with knowledge of RTOS and automotive best coding practices.
- Some experience in manufacturing of PCBA for both prototyping and high volume.
- Battery systems and electric powertrain knowledge and experience.
- Strong leadership skills with experience managing a team of engineers and technicians.
Minimum requirements
A strong work ethic, and the ability to manage shifting priorities and unforeseen challenges.
- You are a doer; you move quickly and iterate, able to prioritize to get things done.
- You’re a mission-driven team player and fantastic communicator
- Out-of-the-box thinker, able to boil down complex problems into simple designs.
- Minimum 5 years of prior industry experience in working with automotive or power systems
- Experience taking products from design to manufacturing (DFM)
- Solid understanding of battery packs and battery cells, through experience working with them
- Solid understanding of automotive communication networks such as CANBus, UDS, etc.
- Good C/C++ programming skills
- Good CAD/CAM/FEA skills Altium is a plus.
- Fluency with Matlab and Excel simulink
- Degree in Electrical Engineering or equivalent
Timing
ASAP
Compensation:
A competitive compensation package commensurate with local market rates and experience including health insurance.
Job location
This role will be based in Kigali, Rwanda
- Locations
- Kigali
Kigali
Perks
- A competitive compensation package that commensurate with experience including health insurance and relocation support.
- A rare opportunity to make an impact in the world with a fast-growing start-up
- Connect and collaborate with engaging colleagues from diverse backgrounds
Workplace & culture
At Ampersand, we are guided by a shared commitment to serve our customers. We collaborate seamlessly to design solutions from within. Fostering a culture of teamwork, we collectively overcome challenges thus strengthening internal bonds. Together, we thrive on tackling obstacles, ensuring a team-centric approach to every solution while having fun!
About Ampersand
Ampersand is Africa’s first electric transport energy company headquartered in Kigali, Rwanda, with a presence in Nairobi, Kenya. We‘re achieving the world’s first true mass-market shift to electric vehicles, a vital tipping point in the fight against climate change.
East Africa’s 5 million moto taxi drivers are some of the hardest working people on the planet. Many days these drivers work more than 13 hours yet end up with little money in their pockets. Our energy and vehicle service platforms offer savings that can double a driver’s income.
Our electric motorcycles offer superior performance than the petroleum bikes and have zero tailpipe emissions. They produce 75% less lifecycle greenhouse emissions than petrol motorbikes using grid power, and 98% less on renewables.
In order to accomplish all this, we are building a world class team of mission-driven innovators, engineers, and managers that are ready to serve humbly and address the hard problems.
Senior Electronics Engineer
We are looking for someone with a broad understanding of electromechanical systems that can assist with all aspects of the vehicle drivetrain R&D.
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