Senior Agricultural Engineer - Precision Farming Systems

Placements24; Pretoria; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company vehicle

Performance bonuses

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 in Pretoria, Gauteng, seeks a Senior Agricultural Engineer to lead design, development, and deployment of precision farming systems, integrating GPS, sensors, drones, and data analytics.

You will collaborate with research teams and farm managers to implement scalable solutions across Gauteng and beyond, with a strong emphasis on field testing and practical operation in a hybrid work setting.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Agricultural Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field with agricultural applications.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in agricultural engineering, with a focus on precision farming systems.
• Strong knowledge of sensor technologies, IoT devices, GPS/GNSS, and data acquisition systems.
• Proficiency in data analysis, statistical modeling, and programming languages (e.g., Python, R).
• Experience with CAD software for system design and schematic development.
• Familiarity with drone technology and aerial data capture is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and test new precision agriculture technologies and integrated systems.
• Oversee the installation, calibration, and maintenance of precision farming equipment on client farms.
• Develop data acquisition and management strategies for large-scale agricultural operations.
• Analyze sensor data, satellite imagery, and other sources to provide actionable insights for farm management.
• Collaborate with software developers to create user-friendly interfaces and data visualization tools.
• Provide technical support and training to farm staff on the operation and utilization of precision farming technology.
• Stay abreast of emerging trends and technologies in agricultural engineering and precision farming.
• Conduct field trials to validate system performance and identify areas for improvement.
• Ensure that all systems comply with relevant industry standards and safety regulations.
• Contribute to the strategic roadmap for agricultural technology development within Pretoria, Gauteng.

Skills

Agricultural engineering

Data analysis

Python

R

Sensor technologies

IoT

GPS/GNSS

CAD

Drone technology

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Agricultural Engineering

Tools

CAD software

Drone technology

Data acquisition systems

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a forward-thinking agricultural technology company situated in Pretoria, Gauteng , is seeking a Senior Agricultural Engineer to lead the design, development, and implementation of advanced precision farming systems. This role is crucial for integrating cutting-edge technologies such as GPS, sensors, drones, and data analytics into modern agricultural practices to enhance efficiency, sustainability, and profitability. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in engineering principles applied to agriculture, coupled with expertise in software, hardware, and systems integration. You will work closely with research teams, farm managers, and technology providers to ensure the seamless deployment and operation of these sophisticated systems across various agricultural enterprises in Gauteng and beyond. This hybrid role allows for significant time working from home, balancing personal flexibility with essential on-site collaboration and field testing.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and test new precision agriculture technologies and integrated systems.
• Oversee the installation, calibration, and maintenance of precision farming equipment on client farms.
• Develop data acquisition and management strategies for large-scale agricultural operations.
• Analyze sensor data, satellite imagery, and other sources to provide actionable insights for farm management.
• Collaborate with software developers to create user-friendly interfaces and data visualization tools.
• Provide technical support and training to farm staff on the operation and utilization of precision farming technology.
• Stay abreast of emerging trends and technologies in agricultural engineering and precision farming.
• Conduct field trials to validate system performance and identify areas for improvement.
• Ensure that all systems comply with relevant industry standards and safety regulations.
• Contribute to the strategic roadmap for agricultural technology development within Pretoria, Gauteng .

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Agricultural Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field with agricultural applications.
• A minimum of 7 years of experience in agricultural engineering, with a specific focus on precision farming systems.
• Strong knowledge of sensor technologies, IoT devices, GPS/GNSS, and data acquisition systems.
• Proficiency in data analysis, statistical modeling, and programming languages (e.g., Python, R).
• Experience with CAD software for system design and schematic development.
• Familiarity with drone technology and aerial data capture is a plus.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and critical thinking skills.
• Strong project management and communication abilities.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a hybrid team.
• Willingness to travel to farm sites within Gauteng for installation and support.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary, comprehensive health and wellness benefits, and a generous retirement savings plan.
• This hybrid role provides a balance between remote work flexibility and essential in-person collaboration.
• Employees benefit from opportunities for professional development, including advanced training and conference attendance.
• Access to cutting-edge technology and the chance to work on innovative projects in the heart of South Africa's agricultural hub in Pretoria .
• We foster a collaborative work environment where engineering excellence drives agricultural advancement.
• Additional perks include a company vehicle and performance bonuses.
• Join a team dedicated to revolutionizing farming through technology.