Program Associate – Energy Access & Livelihoods (Engineering & Design)

About the role

Customized Energy Solutions is seeking a motivated Program Associate to support engineering and design projects that improve energy access and livelihoods across Zambia. The role blends software development, electronics, AI, and field deployment to create sustainable energy solutions.

Key responsibilities

• Assist in development, implementation, and troubleshooting of electronics and software engineering projects.
• Identify opportunities for system improvement and new development to enhance efficiency and power utilization.
• Gather and analyse energy consumption data to support AI model development and decision‑making.
• Contribute to design, training, and integration of AI/ML models for energy and system performance optimization.
• Support deployment, testing, and maintenance of field systems to ensure reliability and scalability.
• Prepare purchase orders, schedule technical field activities, and coordinate procurement.
• Collaborate with internal teams and external partners to keep projects aligned and on schedule.
• Produce technical reports, progress updates, and data insights for supervisors and managers.

Required profile

• Degree in Electronics, Software, Computer Engineering or a related field.
• Proficiency in Java, Python, C or C++.
• Understanding of electronic systems, sensors and circuit design.
• Exposure to AI/ML tools, data analysis and cloud‑based deployment.
• Strong analytical, problem‑solving and communication abilities.
• Experience with IoT, smart energy systems and scheduling/resource management tools is a plus.

Required skills

• Java
• Python
• C / C++
• AI/ML frameworks
• Cloud deployment platforms
• Electronic systems and circuit design
• Power systems modelling
• MATLAB / Simulink
• IoT and smart energy technologies
• Financial systems integration (e.g., MxExchange, MX.3)

What we offer

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience.
• Extensive travel (~80%) to rural communities and field sites across Zambia, with occasional overnight stays.
• One‑year contract with possibility of extension based on performance.
• Equal employment opportunity without discrimination.