Powertrain Engineer

Design and Development:

• Collect feedback from real-world clients, experienced colleagues, and field data repositories to identify priorities for improvement / innovation.

• Develop and optimize electric powertrain systems, including electric motors, controllers, battery integration, dashboard, and chain systems.

• Ensure compliance with electrical safety standards such as ISO26262 throughout powertrain design and development processes.

• Utilize expertise in Electric Motors, including BLDC, PMSM, SRM & SynRM, to optimize powertrain performance.

• Ensure robust Motor control unit design and implementation to meet performance objectives.

• Lead the design of electrical systems for high voltage batteries, battery management systems, electrical motors, and components

• Create and implement CAN and RS485 protocols, working with suppliers to optimize system performance and achieve market-requested features.

• Design and implement practical testing procedures to optimize and validate performance in real-world conditions.

Integration:

• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, both internal and with suppliers and strategic partners, to ensure seamless integration of powertrain components into the motorcycle chassis and vehicle architecture.

• Ensure designs meet quality standards, safety regulations, and environmental requirements (QHSE).

• Work closely with the manufacturing and assembly team to design processes that ensure every motorcycle is built and delivered to specifications.

• Prototyping and Testing:

• With the Chief R&D engineer, develop prototypes and conduct validation testing for powertrain systems, pushing limits and testing thresholds to move the performance-efficiency curve up and right.

• Analyze test data to refine designs and resolve performance or reliability issues.

• Stay up-to-date with emerging technologies in electric motorcycle powertrain components, materials, and energy efficiency.

• Identify and implement innovative solutions to improve power, efficiency, and overall system performance.

• Visit suppliers and trade shows and and if appropriate, buy and test new products and technologies with promise for the African context and improvement on our current designs.

Project Management and Sourcing

• Coordinate with suppliers, contractors, and internal teams to meet project deadlines and milestones.

• Work closely with suppliers to design, test and apply design innovations and integrate these into scaled orders.

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Aerospace Engineering or related discipline; advanced degree preferred.

• Minimum of 2 years of experience in powertrain development, preferably in the automotive industry.

• Proven track record of delivering innovative solutions in powertrain development.

• Excellent communication and teamwork skills to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams.

• Track record of working cross-functionally, particularly with Software, R&D and engineering teams, to integrate multiple components into product development.

• Flexibility and ambition to work in a fast-paced startup environment with multiple competing priorities and limited resources.

Nice To Have:

• Experience living or working in Africa. Consider this before applying – our product designers need to be very close to customers and their needs and realities.

• Experience with electric vehicle (EV) or hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) technologies, particularly at an innovative startup (Tesla, Rimac, Ola Electric) is highly desirable.

• Proficiency in powertrain simulation software (e.g., MATLAB/Simulink, PLECS) and CAD software.

• Motorcycle permit / motorcycle enthusiast.

Zembo Electric Motorcycles SMC Ltd offers a fun, supportive work environment and opportunities for continued professional growth within a fast-growing global enterprise. It is an Equal Opportunity  and considers all applicants regardless of race, colour, religion, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, national origin, HIV/Aids, disability, or any other protected characteristic as established by law.