Technical Field Engineer

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# A short video explaining why you would be a good person to travel and spend a week in a remote village with (〜Remote with regular international travel required.
It is a requirement of our funders that we employ people in the UK under PAYE. The role will be a full-time position – in the first instance for two years, but our expectation is that further projects will come on-stream before that time is out, and the possibility for the contract to be extended therefore exists.

There is a probation period of 6 months, during which there will be regular professional development check-in calls. Working hours are reasonably flexible but should average out to at least 37.for current employees in this role, about 25- 50% of the year is spent abroad, for 1-5 weeks at a time on a regular basis, though the exact travel requirements vary depending on the person and project requirements. Depending on our schedule and that of our partners, we often work weekends and sometimes evenings as well when we are in the field. Conversely, when back in the UK, although working during normal daytime hours will be useful (since colleagues and our partners are likely to be working at the same time) we adopt a flexible hours policy, should you occasionally wish to walk the dog, go shopping, or see friends for the afternoon and make up the time outside normal working hours.

Annual leave is 31 days including bank holidays, and should it be necessary to work during weekends when overseas, days off in lieu may be taken.

We operate a statutory employer pension scheme, administered through NEST. Remote work from your home location takes up a large proportion of the working hours for this role. It is therefore essential that you have the skills and self-discipline necessary to motivate yourself to work outside of an office environment without constant contact with colleagues. This remote work can be done either from your home or – if you wish, and at your own cost – from a co-working location. But don’t bother buying a suit or a season ticket to get to the office While travelling abroad for work, all work-related expenses will be covered by the company (transport, accommodation, food etc.).

Desired qualities & skills
We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. If you're passionate about this field and believe you have relevant skills and experiences to offer, we strongly urge you to apply. Degree in Engineering or related field, or equivalent technical certification, with strong preference for electrical and mechanical skills
Hands-on experience with technologies including solar panels, inverter systems, and battery technologies, and in troubleshooting electrical issues
Strong understanding of electrical systems, technical diagrams, and renewable energy principles
Willingness to travel frequently to various countries for on-site project implementation
Ability to work on-the-ground effectively in remote and challenging environments
Comfort with independent/remote working is essential, confidence to contact remote colleagues with questions or uncertainties
Personal experience of independent travel
Interest and engagement with the communities in which we work
Experience with 3D modelling is an asset, but not essential
Experience with and interest in agriculture is an asset, but not essential
Experience with practical electrical installations is an asset, but not essential
Experience with construction is an asset, but not essential
Experience with water engineering is an asset, but not essential

Smart Villages Research Group ltd (SVRG) is a small company which evolved from an extensive research project exploring innovative and sustainable ways to achieve rural development and energy access in off-grid communities around the world. Over the last six years we have developed innovative technologies and business models and implemented these rural development solutions to meet the integrated needs of rural communities around the world, and to validate our approach through collection of impact data from the communities we work with.
SVRG is involved in a number of (industrial) R&D projects implementing and innovating new products, solutions and models in the field of energy access and rural development across multiple Global South countries. These projects support progress towards multiple Sustainable Development Goals, but always maintaining our community-led, bottom-up, holistic “Smart Villages” approach.
Projects include:
Testing innovative energy system designs to improve financial viability and suitability for the specific contexts
Adapting tools and methods to enable more successful community engagement and participation in energy access projects
Developing low-cost, sustainable technologies to support universal energy access and environmental stewardship aims and to integrate access to energy with innovative productive and social uses of energy to help drive social and economic development in those communities.

We are keen to recruit a graduated engineer or other practically minded individual with strong technical skills in electrical and mechanical work.

We are seeking a highly skilled and adaptable International Technical Field Engineer to join our team in implementing renewable energy projects across multiple countries. Recent engineering graduates or experienced electrical technicians with strong hands-on abilities and a solid understanding of electrical systems, particularly in the realm of renewable energy, are encouraged to apply. This role requires a passion for international development, cultural sensitivity, and the ability to work effectively both on-site in various countries and remotely from the UK.
The successful applicant will thrive in diverse environments, as the role involves frequent travel to various countries for on-site project implementation. The work is varied - the role may involve wiring inverters in remote Tanzanian fields one week and designing solar energy systems for rural petrol stations the next. Technical expertise will be put to the test daily, whether installing solar panels, configuring battery systems, or troubleshooting complex electrical issues.

When not in the field, the position is based in the UK, working remotely. SV staff keep in touch through daily virtual meetings and will often work together in-person at project sites abroad. Responsibilities will include conducting desk-based research on topics such as borehole characteristics and water pump specifications, remotely diagnosing technical faults for in-country partners, and assisting with solutions from afar.

Cultural sensitivity is paramount, as the successful candidate will be working closely with diverse communities and partners across multiple countries. Humility will allow them to learn from local experts and community members, while curiosity will drive them to continually expand their knowledge and skills.

Self-motivation and strong organisational abilities are essential, as the role often involves working independently both in the field and at home. Practical skills are the greatest asset for this position. Whether handling sophisticated electrical equipment, reading and interpreting technical drawings, or improvising solutions with limited resources, hands-on capabilities will be crucial to success in this role.

Above all, the ideal candidate should have a genuine commitment to sustainable development and a desire to make a positive impact on communities through their work.