Job Description
Position:IoT Agriculture Solutions Engineer
Company:John Deere Zambia
Location:Kasese, Zambia
Experience:3-5 years
Education:Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related
Employment Type:Full-time
Industry:Agriculture Technology
Department:Engineering
Salary:SSP 150,000 – 250,000 per month
Vacancies:1
Company Overview
John Deere Zambia is a leading provider of advanced agricultural equipment and digital solutions across Southern Africa. With a legacy of over a century in delivering innovative farming technologies, the company supports Zambian farmers in increasing productivity, sustainability, and profitability. As part of a global organization, John Deere Zambia combines local market insight with cutting‑edge research to drive the transformation of agriculture in the region. The company’s commitment to excellence, safety, and community development makes it an employer of choice for professionals seeking impactful careers. This role contributes directly to the company’s mission of empowering farmers through smart technology, creating new opportunities for Zambia Jobs and reinforcing the nation’s food security.
Job Overview
The IoT Agriculture Solutions Engineer will design, develop, and implement Internet of Things (IoT) platforms that enable precision farming, real‑time monitoring, and data‑driven decision making for smallholder and commercial farms in Zambia. Working closely with product managers, software developers, and field technicians, the engineer will translate agricultural challenges into scalable digital solutions that improve yields, reduce waste, and enhance resource efficiency. This position offers a unique chance to shape the future of agriculture technology in Zambia, contributing to Job Vacancy in Zambia listings and expanding career opportunities for local talent.
For more information about John Deere Zambia’s broader initiatives, visit the main website.
Key Responsibilities
- Design end‑to‑end IoT architectures that integrate sensors, gateways, cloud services, and analytics for crop monitoring.
- Collaborate with agronomists to define data collection parameters such as soil moisture, temperature, and nutrient levels.
- Develop firmware and embedded software for field‑deployed devices, ensuring low power consumption and robust connectivity.
- Implement data pipelines that transform raw sensor data into actionable insights using machine learning models.
- Conduct field trials in Kasese and surrounding districts to validate system performance and gather user feedback.
- Provide technical support and training to farmers and extension officers on device installation, maintenance, and data interpretation.
- Document design specifications, test results, and best practices in compliance with industry standards.
- Stay abreast of emerging IoT trends, agricultural regulations, and sustainability guidelines to continuously improve solutions.
Required Skills
- Proficiency in embedded C/C++ or Python for microcontroller programming.
- Experience with IoT communication protocols (LoRaWAN, MQTT, NB‑IoT).
- Strong understanding of agricultural processes and precision farming concepts.
- Knowledge of cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud) and data analytics tools.
- Ability to work in remote field environments and troubleshoot hardware issues on site.
- Excellent problem‑solving, communication, and stakeholder‑management skills.
- Familiarity with GIS mapping and geospatial data is a plus.
Education
A Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Engineering, Electrical/Electronic Engineering, Computer Science, Mechatronics, or a related field is required. Advanced certifications in IoT, cloud services, or precision agriculture are advantageous.
Experience
Applicants should have 3‑5 years of hands‑on experience developing IoT solutions, preferably within the agriculture sector. Prior exposure to rural deployments in Africa and experience working with multidisciplinary teams will be highly valued.
Salary
The position offers a competitive salary range of SSP 150,000 to 250,000 per month, commensurate with experience and qualifications. Performance‑based bonuses and incentives are also part of the compensation package.
Benefits
- Health insurance covering employee and dependents.
- Retirement savings plan (pension).
- Paid annual leave and sick leave.
- Company‑provided laptop and field equipment.
- Professional development allowance.
- Employee assistance program.
Training
- Comprehensive onboarding program covering John Deere products, safety protocols, and company culture.
- Continuous technical training on emerging IoT platforms, data analytics, and precision agriculture.
- Access to global John Deere learning portals and certification courses.
Working Environment
The role combines office‑based design work in Kasese with regular field visits to farms across the Western Province. Employees enjoy a collaborative, safety‑focused environment that encourages innovation and knowledge sharing. John Deere Zambia promotes a culture of respect, diversity, and inclusion, ensuring that every team member can thrive. For additional career resources, explore the additional website.
Application Process
Interested candidates should submit an online application through the John Deere careers portal, attaching a current resume and a cover letter outlining relevant experience. Shortlisted applicants will be invited to a virtual interview followed by a practical assessment conducted on a prototype IoT device. Successful candidates will receive an offer letter within two weeks of the final interview.
Equal Opportunity Statement
John Deere Zambia is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all employees are valued, respected, and given the chance to succeed regardless of gender, race, religion, or background. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment.