Location: R&D Workshop, Masai Road, Nairobi, Kenya
Reports To: Senior Engineer
About SONGA Mobility
SONGA Mobility is a pioneering electric mobility company revolutionizing rural transportation in Sub-Saharan Africa. Our mission is to develop sustainable, efficient, and cost-effective electric mobility solutions tailored to rural markets. We specialize in electric trikes (eTrikes), charging infrastructure (AgrEHubs), smart battery technology, and IoT-based fleet management systems.
As part of our R&D team in Nairobi, we are seeking a Junior Electrical & Electronics Engineer to contribute to the design, development, and optimization of our e-mobility solutions through sourcing, testing, integration, and maintenance of electric motors, controllers, and IoT solutions. This is a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in Kenyas growing e-mobility industry and work alongside leading engineers in the field.
Key Responsibilities
- Electrical Systems Development & Testing:
- Assist in the specification, testing, integration, and optimization of electric powertrains and controllers for SONGAs eTrikes.
- Support the development of battery management systems (BMS) and IoT devices for real-time tracking, remote control, and diagnostics.
- Conduct bench testing and on-field performance analysis of electrical sub-systems to improve overall system efficiency and reliability.
- IoT Integration & Digital Systems:
- Work on embedded electronics and IoT applications, integrating CAN bus communication for real-time monitoring of vehicles and batteries.
- Collaborate with software engineers to develop sensor-based monitoring solutions for battery health, energy consumption, and predictive maintenance.
- Prototyping & Product Development:
- Help brainstorm electrical designs for benchtop testing and qualification of electrical components.
- Build first-hand prototypes of electrical systems for use in bench testing and vehicles.
- Participate in converting concepts into prototypes and scaling them into commercial products.
- Assist in designing electrical schematics and PCB layouts for new product iterations.
- Field Testing & Performance Analysis:
- Support on-site troubleshooting of e-mobility systems at SONGAs AgrEHubs and operational sites.
- Work closely with mechanics and technicians to analyze real-world usage data and optimize product performance.
- Test and perform repairs on electrical systems and individual components.
- Technical Documentation & Reporting:
- Develop detailed engineering documentation, schematics, and test reports.
- Provide insights for continuous product improvement and contribute to R&D decision-making.
Qualifications & Skills
Required:
- Bachelors Degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related field.
- 2-3 years of hands-on experience in electrical and electronics engineering.
- Hands-on prototyping skills, including soldering, crimping, breadboarding, and familiarity with electric bench equipment.
- Strong knowledge of electric motors, motor controllers, and power electronics.
- Experience with IoT systems, embedded electronics, and sensor integration.
- Familiarity with communication protocols and battery management systems (BMS).
- Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics and PCB layouts.
- Proficiency in diagnostics, troubleshooting, and testing of electrical components.
Preferred:
- Work experience at a fast-moving hardware startup.
- Firsthand design experience with CAN bus communication protocol and battery management systems (BMS).
- Hands-on experience with renewable energy systems, lithium-ion battery packs, and charging infrastructure.
- Experience with programming microcontrollers (Arduino, STM32, Raspberry Pi, etc.)
- Understanding of mechanical systems in electric vehicles.
Why Join SONGA Mobility?
- Cutting-Edge Innovation: Work on next-generation electric mobility solutions that directly impact rural communities.
- Hands-On Learning: Participate in the full product development cycle, from concept to commercial launch.
- Sustainability & Impact: Contribute to an initiative that reduces emissions, promotes sustainable transport, and enhances rural productivity.
- Collaborative Team: Work alongside experienced engineers, mechanics, and IoT specialists in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
