Electronics Engineer

Electronics Engineer - Vehicle Squad

Do you want to do work that matters? Do you want to help improve the lives of some of the most hardworking people in Africa, while also reducing carbon emissions? Do you want to use your skills to advance Africa and the Global South towards a zero-carbon future, not just to make a living? Ampersand is your answer.

About Ampersand

Ampersand is Africa’s e-mobility pioneer. Ampersand provides electric motorcycles and charging infrastructure (battery swap stations), uniquely tailored to serve half of Africa’s road fleet: Commercial motorcycle taxi and delivery drivers. Moto taxis are a primary means of public transport in African cities, and it is estimated that these drivers spend >$6Bn p.a. on gasoline in East Africa alone. Ampersand has developed an electric solution that is more powerful, fun to drive, and more cost-effective than the incumbent. Ampersand drivers routinely earn over 30% more income by going electric.

The company started in Kigali, Rwanda and expanded into Nairobi, Kenya in 2022. Today it has over 10,000 e-motorcycles on the road and 36 battery swap stations across the two countries. Ampersand is leading the market in quality and affordable tech, customer traction, and operational systems. The Ampersand team consists of 600+ staff drawn from diverse backgrounds and is working hard to see all 5 million taxi motorbikes in East Africa become electric by 2030. Ampersand is rapidly scaling its operations and is looking for innovative professionals who are passionate about clean energy and environmental impact to lead and contribute to our rapid growth.

Ampersand is a company that values innovation, creativity, and continuous improvement. It seeks people who are proactive problem solvers to drive results. Ampersand promotes leadership within the organization and is a place where you can grow your career as you work with some of the brightest and hard-working individuals in East Africa.

Our Values

• Customer-centric Everyday: We prioritize our customers daily, tailoring solutions to exceed expectations.
• Challenge The Status Quo Through Innovation: Our dedicated teams constantly challenge the status quo, driving innovation to enhance customer experiences and deliver solutions that go beyond expectations.
• Love Solving Problems Together: Internal collaboration is our approach; we thrive on solving challenges alongside our customers.
• Stay Agile: We stay agile to swiftly meet dynamic customer needs and adapt to a changing landscape.
• Driven By People And Planet: Beyond business, we're committed to people and the planet, ensuring a positive impact.

About the role

We are looking for an Electronics Engineer to anchor our Vehicle Squad. While the battery squad focuses on the energy storage system, you will own the electronics that make the rest of the vehicle run. You will be responsible for the architecture, design, and integration of Vehicle Control Units (VCUs), power distribution, harnesses, and sensors, ensuring the entire vehicle operates safely and reliably.

Key Responsibilities

• Vehicle Electronics Architecture: Lead the design and integration of low-voltage and high-voltage vehicle electronic systems, including VCUs, body control modules, and power distribution systems.
• Hardware Development: Design, prototype, and test PCBs for vehicle-side modules and control systems.
• System Integration: Own the communication architectures (CAN, LIN, Automotive Ethernet) and ensure seamless integration between the powertrain, battery, and vehicle subsystems.
• Wiring & Harness Design: Oversee the schematic design, BOM generation and routing of vehicle wiring harnesses, ensuring robust physical and electrical connections.
• Testing & Validation: Develop Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) testing environments and lead vehicle-level electrical debugging and validation.

Requirements

• Experience: 4-5 years of electronics engineering experience, with significant time spent in the automotive or EV space.
• Technical Skills: Expertise in vehicle communication protocols (CAN, CAN-FD, LIN). Strong PCB design skills for automotive environments (EMI/EMC compliance, thermal constraints). Experience with wiring harness design and vehicle-level power distribution.
• Systems Focus: Strong understanding of automotive safety standards (e.g., ISO 26262) and vehicle-level systems engineering.

Ampersand is a good fit if:

• You’re interested in clean energy and environmental impact (even if without experience in it yet)
• You are a proactive problem solver
• You enjoy having a focus on the customer, and care deeply about the impact we make on their lives
• You are looking for an entrepreneurial company that values innovation and strong execution
• You value diversity and community in the workplace

Timing

December 2026

Compensation:

A competitive compensation package commensurate with local market rates.

Women and minority groups are especially encouraged to apply.