Agricultural Engineer - Precision Farming Systems

Placements24; Pretoria; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement fund

Professional development

Career progression

Job summary

Placements24 seeks an Agricultural Engineer to lead design, implementation, and optimization of precision farming systems in Centurion, Gauteng. You will integrate GPS guidance, GIS, sensor tech, and IoT into farm operations, driving efficiency and sustainability.

The role requires 6+ years in agricultural engineering, hands-on GIS and data analytics experience, and the ability to work with agronomists and farm staff to deploy cutting-edge technology.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or master's degree in a relevant engineering field with a focus on agriculture.
• 6+ years of experience in agricultural engineering with exposure to precision farming technologies.
• Proficiency with GIS software (ArcGIS, QGIS) and data analytics.
• Hands-on experience with sensor technologies, automation, IoT in agriculture, and GPS systems.
• Strong understanding of crop production cycles and farm workflows.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical and project management skills.
• Ability to communicate complex technical information clearly to diverse audiences.
• Experience with drone technology for agricultural surveying is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and implement precision agriculture technologies including GPS, VRT, and sensor-based systems.
• Oversee installation, calibration, and maintenance of machinery integrated with precision farming solutions.
• Collect, process, and analyze large datasets from farm operations (yield maps, sensors, drone imagery) for insights.
• Develop and manage GIS databases for land management and decision-making.
• Troubleshoot and resolve hardware/software issues in precision farming.
• Collaborate with R&D to evaluate and adopt new agricultural technologies.
• Provide training and technical support to farm staff on precision tools.
• Ensure initiatives align with sustainability goals and regulatory requirements.

Skills

GIS

Data analytics

Automation

IoT in agriculture

GPS guidance

Drone surveying

Communication

Project management

Engineering principles

Education

B.Sc./M.Sc. in Agricultural/Mechanical/Electrical Eng

Tools

ArcGIS

QGIS

Agricultural management platforms

Drone technology

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking an innovative and skilled Agricultural Engineer to lead the design, implementation, and optimization of precision farming systems within their operations based in Centurion, Gauteng . This role is crucial for enhancing farm efficiency, sustainability, and productivity through the application of advanced technologies. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in engineering principles applied to agriculture, including expertise in sensor technology, data analytics, automation, and geographic information systems (GIS). You will work closely with agronomists and farm managers to integrate these technologies into daily operations, troubleshoot technical issues, and drive continuous improvement. This is an exciting opportunity to be at the forefront of agricultural innovation in Centurion .

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and implement precision agriculture technologies, including GPS guidance, VRT (Variable Rate Technology), and sensor-based systems.
• Oversee the installation, calibration, and maintenance of agricultural machinery and equipment integrated with precision farming solutions.
• Collect, process, and analyze large datasets from farm operations (e.g., yield maps, soil sensors, drone imagery) to provide actionable insights.
• Develop and manage farm mapping and GIS databases for efficient land management and decision-making.
• Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues related to precision farming hardware and software.
• Collaborate with research and development teams to evaluate and adopt new agricultural technologies.
• Provide training and technical support to farm staff on the use of precision agriculture tools and systems.
• Ensure that precision farming initiatives align with the company's sustainability goals and regulatory requirements in Centurion, Gauteng.
• Conduct feasibility studies and cost-benefit analyses for proposed technology investments.
• Stay updated on the latest advancements in agricultural engineering and precision farming.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's or Master's degree in Agricultural Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related discipline with a focus on agriculture.
• A minimum of 6 years of professional experience in agricultural engineering, with significant exposure to precision farming technologies.
• Proven expertise in GIS software (e.g., ArcGIS, QGIS), data analysis tools, and agricultural management platforms.
• Hands-on experience with sensor technologies, automation, IoT in agriculture, and GPS systems.
• Strong understanding of crop production cycles and farm operational workflows.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and project management skills.
• Ability to communicate complex technical information clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Experience with drone technology for agricultural surveying is a plus.
• Must possess a valid driver's license for site visits across Gauteng.
• Strong commitment to innovation and improving agricultural practices.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary package, excellent health insurance coverage, a retirement fund contribution, and opportunities for professional development and certifications. This role provides a dynamic work environment where you can apply cutting-edge technology to real-world agricultural challenges. You will have the chance to work on innovative projects and make a significant impact on the efficiency and sustainability of modern farming. The company values employee growth and offers clear career progression paths. Join a forward-thinking team dedicated to advancing agriculture through technology in Centurion .