Remote Precision Agriculture Engineer

Placements24; Pretoria; Remote; ZAR 550,000 - 900,000; Full time

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a remote Precision Agriculture Engineer to join a cutting-edge agtech team. The role focuses on designing and implementing hardware–software solutions that optimize crop yields, reduce resource use, and boost farm profitability from a remote, distributed team.

You will integrate GPS, sensors, drones, and data analytics platforms, develop data pipelines and models, and collaborate with agronomists and farmers to tailor solutions for diverse farming contexts in Pretoria and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in the specified fields.
• 5+ years of experience in precision agriculture or related tech.
• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, C++, or Java and data analytics libraries.
• Hands-on experience with sensor technologies, GPS/GNSS systems, IoT platforms, and drone technology.
• Familiarity with GIS software (ArcGIS, QGIS) and agricultural data management platforms.
• Understanding of crop physiology, soil science, and general agricultural practices.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to work independently and remotely.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills for a distributed team.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop hardware and software solutions for precision agriculture applications, including sensor networks, data acquisition systems, and control algorithms.
• Integrate and calibrate GPS, GIS, and IoT devices for accurate farm mapping, guidance, and data collection.
• Develop data processing pipelines and analytical models to extract actionable insights from agricultural datasets.
• Implement and manage drone-based data collection and analysis for crop monitoring, health assessment, and yield prediction.
• Collaborate with agronomists and farmers to tailor precision agriculture solutions to specific farm requirements.
• Provide technical support and training to end-users on the operation and maintenance of precision agriculture equipment and software.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in agricultural technology, automation, and data science.
• Contribute to research and development of new technologies and methodologies in precision farming.
• Ensure data security and privacy in all implemented systems.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Problem-solving

Communication

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Agricultural Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science

Tools

Python

C++

Java

ArcGIS

QGIS

IoT platforms

Drone technology

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a highly skilled and innovative Remote Precision Agriculture Engineer to join their cutting-edge agricultural technology team. This is a fully remote position, enabling you to contribute to the advancement of modern farming practices from anywhere. You will be instrumental in designing, developing, and implementing precision agriculture solutions that optimize crop yields, minimize resource usage, and enhance farm profitability. Your work will involve integrating various technologies such as GPS, sensors, drones, and data analytics platforms to create intelligent farming systems. We are looking for a candidate with a strong engineering background, a deep understanding of agricultural processes, and a passion for leveraging technology to solve complex challenges in the **Pretoria, Gauteng, ZA** agricultural landscape. This role demands a proactive, problem-solving mindset and the ability to collaborate effectively with a distributed team, all within a supportive remote-first work environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop hardware and software solutions for precision agriculture applications, including sensor networks, data acquisition systems, and control algorithms.
• Integrate and calibrate GPS, GIS, and IoT devices for accurate farm mapping, guidance, and data collection.
• Develop data processing pipelines and analytical models to extract actionable insights from agricultural datasets.
• Implement and manage drone-based data collection and analysis for crop monitoring, health assessment, and yield prediction.
• Collaborate with agronomists and farmers to understand their needs and tailor precision agriculture solutions to specific farm requirements.
• Provide technical support and training to end-users on the operation and maintenance of precision agriculture equipment and software.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in agricultural technology, automation, and data science.
• Contribute to research and development of new technologies and methodologies in precision farming.
• Ensure data security and privacy in all implemented systems.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Agricultural Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field with a focus on precision agriculture.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in precision agriculture, agricultural engineering, or a related technology role.
• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, C++, or Java, and experience with data analysis libraries.
• Hands-on experience with sensor technologies, GPS/GNSS systems, IoT platforms, and drone technology.
• Familiarity with GIS software (e.g., ArcGIS, QGIS) and agricultural data management platforms.
• Understanding of crop physiology, soil science, and general agricultural practices.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to work independently and manage projects remotely.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, suitable for a virtual team environment.
• Knowledge of agricultural challenges and opportunities in the **Pretoria, Gauteng, ZA** region is a significant advantage.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary and benefits package, recognizing the value of specialized skills in this growing field.
• As a fully remote position, you will enjoy the freedom and flexibility to work from your preferred location.
• We provide excellent opportunities for professional development, attending industry conferences, and continuous learning in the rapidly evolving world of AgTech.
• You will be part of an innovative and supportive team, contributing to the sustainable future of agriculture.
• Access to state-of-the-art tools, technologies, and a collaborative virtual workspace are standard.
• Join us to make a tangible impact on global food production.