Hardware Engineer (Network & RF) at Poa Internet

We are growing very fast to cover the rest of Kenya and eventually Africa. It is envisaged that success of the business will grow to over 150 networks across East Africa. It is from this background that we seek prospect candidates to fill the role of Hardware Engineer (Network & RF).

At Poa, we pride ourselves on being a values-driven company and we love working with values-driven employees. Poa's vision is “Internet in every home in Africa”. To achieve this vision, we live by our values, captured in the acronym, We CONNECT. At Poa, we: Create a better world for the people we serve, Open our eyes to problems and opportunities, Never stop learning never stop moving forward, Name it, own it , solve it, Engage with the bigger picture even in details, Care about each other and Tujienjoy kazini.

Mission Statement for the Role:

• To participate in the deployment of new equipment, technologies, hardware, and systems, within the innovation projects that Poa Labs will run.
• To support the project management team and Labs leadership in achieving the goals set out for each project.
• To be inquisitive, proactive, questioning, participative, and think out of the box.

Overall Responsibility

Hardware configuration, deployment, operation, and maintenance. Use software components where required to support the operation of the hardware, such as NMS or monitoring tools.

Key SMART Results for A-Player Success

• Hardware configuration, deployment, operation, and maintenance. Use of software components where required to support the operation of the hardware, such as NMS or monitoring tools. - Q3 2022
• Question, probe, and challenge assumptions, think out of the box, try new approaches on how hardware is used within Poa's systems - Ongoing
• Execute the trial of a new in-building wireless distribution technology, evaluating different approaches to AP deployment, channel configuration, RF surveys, and QOS. - Q3 2022
• Identify issues with hardware by using tools and measuring equipment, and software where applicable - Ongoing
• Document existing and new hardware deployments, their configuration, and troubleshooting - Q3 2022
• Build a strong working relationship with the software development function in order to bring together the best hardware/software combined products and solutions - Ongoing
• Identify when to fast-track the approach to quickly test versus building solid long-term solutions - Ongoing
• Create the road map for hardware testing and introduction based on the prioritized project list - Q4 2022

Key Competencies Criticality (H,M,L)

• Specify, source, configure, deploy, test, and debug hardware systems from vendors including Mikrotik, Ubiquiti - H
• Must have deployed complex hardware systems and documented them - H
• Demonstrated problem-solving skills - H
• Build test setups in a lab, which then get documented, and deployed in the field - H
• Able to climb towers and work at heights - H
• Communicate in real time with other team members during deployment and troubleshooting of hardware - H
• Use software tools to configure the hardware as required - H
• Use software platforms to monitor hardware (e.g. NMS and remote consoles) - H

Mandatory Criteria if Any with no exceptions to hire.

• Must have operated complex systems involving multiple hardware vendors, in routing, switching, and RF.
• Must have worked with at least one of Mikrotik or Ubiquiti.
• Must have worked at heights (towers, rooftops, etc.)
• Must be confident building structured and unstructured cable systems, including power (AC and DC), RF coaxial with N, SMA connectors, ethernet, and fibre mechanical and fusion splicing.
• Must have documented hardware systems in full detail.
• Must have operated in a business with similar Values and DNA to Poa to ensure cultural alignment.