Company Overview:
Synnefa is an innovative ag-tech startup dedicated to transforming agriculture through smart, climate-resilient solutions. We provide end-to-end solutions that integrate smart greenhouses, FarmShield IoT sensors, and FarmCloud record-keeping software to enhance farming efficiency, sustainability, and profitability. Our mission is to empower farmers with technology that simplifies farming and increases incomes.
What sets us apart is not just our technology but our people and culture. We’re looking for individuals who are passionate about impact, eager to learn, and driven by a sense of purpose. As a Field Operations Engineer, you will gain hands-on experience supporting the deployment, maintenance, and optimization of solar-powered irrigation systems in the field. You will also interact directly with farmers and field teams, helping ensure smooth system operation and strong customer support.
Job Summary
The Field Operations Engineer supports the deployment, maintenance, and performance monitoring of solar-powered irrigation systems in the field. The role involves working closely with farmers and field teams to ensure systems operate efficiently and reliably. The Field Operations Engineer assists with installations, troubleshoots technical issues, conducts system inspections, and collects operational data to support continuous improvement in field operations and system performance.
Responsibilities
- Prepare Bills of Quantities (BQs), structural drawings, and site layouts for Smart Solar Dryer and Smart Greenhouse civil works using AutoCAD and SketchUp
- Source, evaluate, and qualify suppliers for all raw materials required to build dryers, drying racks, greenhouse structures, and civil works — including galvanised steel, GI pipes, polycarbonate/UV glazing, UV-treated polythene film, mesh, shade nets, and structural hardware
- Negotiate supplier pricing and terms; build and maintain a vetted supplier register with quality benchmarks, lead times, and cost comparisons
- Manage procurement cycles — raise LPOs, track deliveries, inspect incoming materials for quality compliance, and reject non-conforming goods
- Plan and manage end-to-end deployment logistics for Smart Solar Dryers and Smart Greenhouses across Kenya, Uganda, and Ghana
- Recruit, onboard, and manage field technicians and casual labourers for deployment and maintenance assignments
- Manage subcontractors and vendors: scope definition, contract execution, performance monitoring, and payment certification
- Conduct client onboarding at deployment sites — including asset commissioning, handover documentation, and initial operator training
- Own asset tracking and maintain accurate field records for all deployed hardware across all markets
- Enforce and manage warranty obligations — log defects, coordinate repairs, manage spare parts inventory, and escalate unresolved issues
Skills and Qualifications
- A degree in Civil Engineering or a closely related field, such as Structural or Construction Engineering.
- 3+ years of experience in civil or construction project delivery.
- Experience in industries such as construction, agritech hardware, greenhouse manufacturing, renewable energy, WASH infrastructure, or steel fabrication.
- Proficiency in AutoCAD (required).
- Proficiency in SketchUp (required).
- Experience using Excel for Bill of Quantities (BQ) preparation and procurement tracking (required).
- Familiarity with MS Project (preferred).
- A valid driving licence.
- Demonstrated experience sourcing structural or industrial materials such as steel, GI pipes, polycarbonate, polythene, mesh, and similar materials.
- Willingness to travel frequently within Kenya and to Uganda/Ghana.