Role title: Systems Engineer

Location: Kigali, Rwanda

About Ampersand

Ampersand is an energy and mobility startup based in beautiful Rwanda. We’re building taxi motorcycles that perform better, are easier to drive, cost less to buy and operate, and take less time to refuel. They just happen to be electric.

We want to achieve the world’s first true mass-market shift from petrol to electric propulsion across a major vehicle fleet, achieving a vital tipping point in the fight against climate change. After years of preparation we’re now launching a pilot of electric motorcycle taxis in Kigali as a dress-rehearsal for replacing the 3 million petrol motorcycle taxis in East Africa. Our game-changing battery charging system enables moto drivers to get back on the road in less time than it takes to refuel.

You may also like:

Role:

As part of this mission, Ampersand requires high-tech equipment and complex financing in order to leap-frog the old transport system. Ampersand manufactures electric 2-wheelers, lithium battery packs and charge/swap stations in Kigali.

We require someone with broad understanding of systems and mechanics that can assist with all aspects of the vehicle R&D and battery pack system R&D as well as manufacturing

Requirements:

• Understanding mechanical systems and able to think about designing for durability and lowcost manufacturing.

• Able to do in depth analysis and troubleshoot complex systems involving 3 phase motors,
controllers and lithium batteries.

• Able to do complex mathematical analysis (MATLAB, OCTAVE, Excel)

• Able to review and build complex CAD/CAM and FEA

• Can lead a team of junior mechanical engineers

• Design, build and iterate in a fast-moving environment

• Work with state-of-the-art testing equipment in our Lab to work on designing next
generation vehicles.

• Work with suppliers and getting our requirements met in sourcing and testing new
components.

• Writing and putting together specifications and testing criteria for manufacturing

• Traveling between China and Kigali as needed.

Qualifications:

• Minimum 5 years of prior industry experience in working with automotive or power systems role.
• 3 years managing a team of engineers
• Degree in Mechanical engineering or Systems engineering
• Out of the box thinker, able to boil down complex problems into simple designs
• Understanding of manufacturing and machining
• Fantastic communicator
• Strong CAD/CAM/FEA skills
• Good comprehension of Matlab and Excel
• Able to go from design to manufacturing (DFM)
• Extensive knowledge of BMS’s, batteries, controllers and BLDC motors.

Timing:

Start date: As soon as possible.

Women and minority groups are especially encouraged to apply.

Interested?

Please email info@ampersand.solar with your CV and cover letter, or if you have questions.

Please Share to