Maintenance Engineer: Water & Energy Systems

GivePower is seeking a Maintenance Engineer for Water & Energy Systems in Kenya. The role involves providing technical support for Solar Water Farms, troubleshooting issues, training local technicians, and improving maintenance procedures. The ideal candidate is a hands-on problem solver motivated by technical challenges and meaningful impact. Responsibilities include monitoring system performance, diagnosing equipment issues, and collaborating with various teams to ensure optimal operations and project management.
WHO WE ARE The GivePower Foundation (“GivePower”) is a growing team of passionate problem-solvers creating innovative ways in which to use and develop clean energy systems around the world, for developing regions that need it most. GivePower’s primary programs include solar electrification for medical, educational and economic needs in developing regions; deploying scalable solar-powered desalination solutions for clean water access in remote communities, promoting global female empowerment, and sponsoring “voluntourism” treks for donors and partners that want to experience the impact firsthand.

JOB SUMMARY

As the Solar Water Farm Maintenance Engineer, you will be instrumental in helping GivePower accomplish ambitious goals by providing advanced technical support for the maintenance, troubleshooting and repair of GivePower’s award winning Solar Water Farms. Working closely with the engineering team, site operations teams, and the Maintenance Director, you will be responsible for helping keep our portfolio of Solar Water Farms operating at their peak capacity. You will work with cutting-edge products and designs and get to work firsthand to create technological solutions to one of the world’s most pressing challenges, access to clean drinking water.

When standard troubleshooting and repair practices fail to produce results, as the SWF Maintenance Engineer, your job will be to find fast, creative solutions to keep the Solar Water Farms providing clean drinking water for the communities they serve.

This position is ideal for a hands-on problem solver who thrives in dynamic environments and is motivated by both technical challenges and meaningful impact.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Technical Support & Operations
• Serve as the primary escalation point for complex technical issues across Solar Water Farm sites in East Africa
• Provide remote and on-site troubleshooting support to field technicians
• Monitor system performance remotely and proactively identify anomalies
• Diagnose and repair equipment escalated to workshop level

Training & Capacity Building
• Design and deliver training programs for local technicians and operators
• Equip teams with tools, documentation and best practices for effective system operation and maintenance
• Support international teams with remote troubleshooting as needed

System & Process Improvement
• Develop and standardize maintenance procedures, including preventive maintenance schedules and reporting systems
• Create and maintain technical documentation such as SOPs and troubleshooting guides
• Evaluate system performance and recommend design improvements to enhance reliability, uptime and efficiency

Engineering & Innovation
• Test, calibrate and validate new or alternative equipment prior to deployment
• Lead commissioning and startup of new Solar Water Farms, including remote commissioning strategies
• Support R&D initiatives and implementation of new treatment technologies and system designs

Asset & Project Management
• Maintain accurate asset management records and documentation
• Assist with procurement planning, spare parts inventory and forecasting
• Coordinate with contractors, engineering firms and external partners for on-site work
• Deliver projects within defined budgets and timelines

Cross-Functional Collaboration
• Work closely with engineering, operations and leadership teams to ensure alignment and execution
• Support organizational knowledge sharing across regions
• Perform additional duties as required to support operational success

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

Technical Expertise
• Minimum of 3 years’ experience working with water treatment systems, including design, operation and maintenance
• Minimum of 3 years’ experience working with solar systems, inverters and battery storage
• Strong understanding of water treatment systems, including design, operation and maintenance
• Knowledge of solar systems, inverters and battery storage
• Experience troubleshooting complex electromechanical systems
• EPRA T1 or T2 licence preferred

Professional Skills
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a focus on root-cause analysis
• Excellent project management and organizational abilities
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and projects simultaneously
• High attention to quality, detail and reliability

Communication &