OnePower (1PWR) is seeking a skilled and highly adaptable Technical Business Development Engineer to spearhead advanced technical projects, including solar embedded control systems, power electronics design, and diverse innovation initiatives, while simultaneously driving strategic business development across Sub-Saharan Africa. This unique hybrid role is central to OnePower’s growth strategy, requiring deep energy engineering expertise, advanced system design capabilities, and proven business acumen within the energy access sector. The ideal candidate can seamlessly transition between complex engineering design and effective stakeholder engagement, bridging the technical and business worlds to communicate clearly with investors, clients, and partners.

Key Responsibilities

1. Advanced Engineering and Product Development

• Design and develop proprietary solar tracking controllers
• Implement embedded programming solutions for automated solar tracking systems
• Design power electronics circuits for motor control and sensor integration
• Work within mechanical constraints to optimize tracker performance and reliability
• Conduct field testing and validation of tracking systems in harsh environments
• Contribute to other engineering projects such as implementing emerging technologies in smart grid integration and distributed generation, embedded programming solutions for various automated and IoT applications & sensor integration

2. Technical Due Diligence and Project Engineering

• Lead technical assessments of complex mini-grid and C&I solar projects
• Develop sophisticated financial models incorporating advanced solar tracking ROI calculations
• Conduct comprehensive site surveys and technical feasibility studies
• Provide technical expertise for tender responses requiring specialized engineering knowledge

3. Regional Market Development and Expansion

• Lead market entry strategies for new territories (currently establishing OnePower Zambia)
• Conduct technical market research and competitive analysis in Sub-Saharan Africa
• Represent OnePower at international energy conferences and technical forums
• Develop strategic partnerships with technology providers and system integrators
• Navigate complex regulatory environments across multiple African markets

4. Hybrid Commercial-Technical Project Development

• Identify and structure C&I partnerships requiring custom technical solutions
• Develop proposals combining technical innovation with commercial viability
• Lead client negotiations requiring deep technical & market understanding
• Support financing applications with detailed technical specifications and performance projections
• Bridge communication between engineering teams and commercial stakeholders.

Required qualifications, skills and experience:

Technical Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical/Electronic Engineering from a top-tier university
• Minimum 3-5 years of hands-on experience in power electronics design, embedded programming, and system integration
• Proven expertise in multiple engineering domains: solar systems, motor control, embedded systems, and power electronics
• Advanced proficiency in MATLAB, Simulink, C, Python, PCB design tools, and electrical CAD software
• Experience with industrial control systems, and electrical schematic design, PLC programming
• Demonstrated ability to work with complex electrical testing equipment and laboratory instrumentation
• Background in mission-critical systems design

Business Development Requirements

• Proven track record in energy sector business development with quantifiable results
• Experience in investor due diligence and company evaluation processes
• Demonstrated success in international market expansion, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa
• Strong financial modeling capabilities with complex energy project economics
• Experience in tender preparation and proposal writing for technical projects

Specialized Experience

• Direct experience with solar mini-grid development and deployment
• Knowledge of African energy markets and regulatory frameworks

• Demonstrated success in international market expansion, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa
• Proven ability to navigate complex procurement processes and technical tenders

Additional Requirements

• Multilingual capabilities, ability to learn new languages quickly
• Willingness to travel extensively across Sub-Saharan Africa
• Willingness to spend time at site and work overtime where required
• Valid work authorization and ability to obtain technical certifications as required
• Strong network within the global energy access and cleantech ecosystem
• Driving license and ability to drive manual vehicle

To apply:

Please Email cover letter and CV and a minimum of two references with contact details to jobs@1pwrafrica.com / hr@1pwrafrica.com. Please include certified copies of national ID, transcripts and certifications for any relevant educational qualifications.