Research & Development Officer

Job description

JOB DESCRIPTION: RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT OFFICER

 Company: Emerging Cooking Solutions (Zambia) Limited, trading as SupaMoto

Reporting to: Manager – R&D and Maintenance

Location: Lusaka, Zambia

Terms: Full-time position, 1-year contract with a 3-month probation period

About Us:

Emerging Cooking Solutions (Zambia) Limited, trading as SupaMoto, is a leader in the Advanced Biomass Cooking sector, committed to environmental sustainability and reducing deforestation. As a Zambian/Swedish joint venture, we develop clean-burning modern cookstoves that utilize renewable cooking fuel pellets. Our locally produced pellets offer an affordable and eco-friendly alternative to charcoal, helping to combat deforestation and provide sustainable energy solutions.

Our Research & Development (R&D) team plays a crucial role in innovating and optimizing our products to enhance efficiency, performance, and durability. We are looking for a dedicated and analytical Research & Development Officer to support and drive technological advancements in our stove and fuel technology

Position Overview:

The Research & Development Officer will be responsible for conducting research, testing product performance, analyzing data, and contributing to product development initiatives. This role will require technical expertise in combustion testing, IoT stove performance analysis, and continuous improvement of product designs. The R&D Officer will also support the repair, troubleshooting, and enhancement of both physical and digital components used in our biomass stoves.

This role is ideal for a technical professional with an engineering background who is eager to contribute practical research skills, problem-solving abilities, and a structured approach to advancing sustainable cooking solutions.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Product Testing & Performance Evaluation

• Conduct combustion tests on prototype pellet stoves to evaluate performance, efficiency, and emission levels.

• Develop and refine testing protocols to improve stove designs and functionality.

• Analyze and interpret test data, identifying trends and recommending modifications for improved efficiency.

• Ensure accurate documentation of all test results, maintaining organized records for internal review.

2. IoT & Data Analysis for Stove Performance

• Monitor and analyze IoT-connected stove performance data, identifying patterns, trends, and anomalies.

• Use data analytics to recommend design adjustments, optimizing efficiency and durability.

• Work with software and engineering teams to refine stove control mechanisms and automation.

• Prepare reports and presentations for stakeholders on findings and recommendations.

3. Product Repair & Troubleshooting

• Oversee the repair and maintenance of pellet stoves used in testing and trials.

• Collaborate with the maintenance team to ensure quick and effective solutions for product malfunctions.

• Troubleshoot printed circuit boards (PCBs) used in stove technology, working with partner engineering teams to resolve issues and implement improvements.

4. Continuous Improvement & Research

• Participate in product improvement brainstorming sessions, contributing innovative solutions for stove and fuel technology.

• Develop process enhancements to improve test procedures, combustion efficiency, and user experience.

• Work closely with the IT & R&D team to integrate new technologies, including IoT advancements and material innovations.

• Stay updated on industry advancements in biomass energy and clean cooking technologies.

5. Documentation & Reporting

• Prepare detailed research reports summarizing test results, trends, and product performance insights.

• Maintain technical documentation for product specifications, testing methodologies, and research outcomes.

• Present research findings to management and stakeholders, translating technical data into actionable recommendations.

• Translate conceptual ideas and R&D specifications into detailed technical drawings and 3D models using CAD software

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs):

• Product Efficiency: Improve stove combustion efficiency by at least 10% annually based on R&D findings.

• Data Analysis Accuracy: Ensure 95% accuracy in IoT performance tracking and trend identification.

• Product Reliability: Reduce product failure rates by at least 15% through proactive troubleshooting and testing.

• Timely Reporting: Maintain 100% compliance with documentation and reporting deadlines.

• Process Improvement Contributions: Successfully propose and implement at least 3 process improvements per year in testing and product development.

Skills & Competencies Required:

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a focus on data-driven decision-making.

• Experience in combustion testing, thermal analysis, or stove efficiency assessment (preferred).

• Technical troubleshooting experience, particularly with printed circuit boards (PCBs).

• Proficiency in data analysis tools and ability to interpret IoT-generated data.

• Strong documentation and reporting skills, ensuring clear communication of research findings.

• Ability to work independently and manage multiple research tasks simultaneously.

• Team-oriented attitude, capable of working in a collaborative R&D environment.

Qualifications & Experience:

• Minimum Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical field.

• At least 1-2 years of experience in a research, engineering, or product development role.

• Experience in IoT technology, data analytics, or smart devices is an advantage.

• Familiarity with biomass energy or stove technology is beneficial.

• Strong command of 2D and 3D CAD tools for product development, mechanical design, and rapid prototyping

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, data analysis tools, and basic coding (preferred but not mandatory).

Why Join Us?

• Be part of a mission-driven company working to combat deforestation and provide sustainable energy solutions.

• Engage in cutting-edge R&D projects that improve biomass stove efficiency and IoT-enabled technologies.

• Work in a fast-paced and innovative environment with opportunities for career growth.

• Contribute to a company that values research, sustainability, and technological advancement.

To apply for this position, please send your details to: recruitment@supamoto.global