Field Engineer - Samoa

The following are illustrative responsibilities that are expected to evolve over time and depend on the organisational and programmatic needs. An effective Engineer will combine relevant technical know-how with excellent interpersonal skills and an ability to ‘get things done’ under challenging conditions. The Engineer’s responsibilities for this task include but are not limited to:  

• Work with a broad array of manufacturing processes, from digital fabrication to traditional large-scale processes to local craft techniques and provide technical support and professional advice to the team in these areas. 

• Demonstrate a strong understanding of locally available materials, suppliers, and fabrication capabilities, and apply creative, “outside-the-box” thinking to solve technical challenges in resource-constrained environments. 

• Help strengthen Field Ready’s technology projects by providing support throughout planning and implementation. 

• Assist in addressing technical training needs, conduct training as appropriate for Field Ready staff and apprentices, and for key stakeholders. 

• Help develop and manage technical work-plans and ensure implementation. 

• Ensure regular communication with technical and administration teams, especially with regards to risk management, procurement and project monitoring. 

• Ensure the highest possible quality and rigour, with high standards of engineering professionalism. 

• Apply sound engineering judgement to adapt best-practice principles and standards to real-world field constraints, balancing safety, quality, time, and budget to ensure successful project delivery.   

• Provide technical input into tender documents preparations, proposals, bid evaluations, contractor procurement, supply chain, designs and installation of equipment. 

• Represent Field Ready to outside partners when required. 

• Assist in managing local contractors and apprentices. 

• Effectively communicate engineering principles, design decisions, and technical trade-offs to non-technical audiences, including partners, community members, and stakeholders. 

QUALIFICATIONS  

Required competencies: 

• Engineering: Skilled in the use of a wide range of manufacturing equipment and processes and a first-rate ‘maker’, with strong hands-on experience in making, equipment maintenance and troubleshooting, CAD-based design (including experience with professional engineering software such as SolidWorks), concept generation, product development, and prototyping. Demonstrates a strong understanding of engineering best practices, while applying critical technical judgement and creative problem-solving to adapt designs and standards to local materials, suppliers, and resource-constrained field contexts in order to deliver safe, practical solutions within time and budget constraints.   

• Project management: the ability to effectively manage technical projects throughout their life cycle, backed up by project management experience. 

• Line management: the ability to effectively manage a small team of apprentices, trainees and volunteers. 

• Partnerships: the ability to maintain and grow relationships with external partners including manufacturing partners and donors. 

• Working with others: the ability to work effectively with others and promote a congenial work environment. 

• Self-management: the ability to undertake technical work independently in a potentially challenging environment. 

• Needs assessments: the ability to conduct needs assessments to identify need and engage with users/beneficiaries which may lead to innovative engineering opportunities. 

• Humanitarian commitment: knowledge of or experience in a humanitarian or development setting and an understanding of the principles that govern humanitarian action. 

Required skills and experience: 

• English Language: excellent written and interpersonal communication in English, including the ability to explain technical concepts clearly to non-technical audiences 

• Local work: practical experience of working in the manufacturing, engineering or technical sector in the Pacific region, with familiarity with local materials, suppliers and production contexts 

• Location: ability and willingness to travel around the region for periods up to two months at a time. 

• Must have a valid driver's licence and passport. 

Desirable criteria:  

• Training: Experience of delivering technical training. 

• Humanitarian work: experience working with vulnerable groups such as people with disabilities. Familiarity in working with institutional partners and donor grants (e.g., USAID/OFDA) is a distinct advantage.   

• Networks: strong connections in the maker community or the manufacturing sector and ability to use them for the furtherance of Field Ready’s vision. 

• Education: A professional engineering qualification is required; however, this role is not confined to a single engineering discipline. Field Engineers are expected to operate as versatile, all-round practitioners, working beyond their primary specialisation and confidently tackling a wide range of mechanical, civil, electrical, fabrication, and systems-level challenges using sound engineering judgement and practical problem-solving skills.