National Consultant - Agricultural Engineering

Job ID:

HQ01924

Location

Thailand

Closing Date

15-Oct-2026

About IRRI

The International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) is dedicated to reducing poverty and hunger through rice science; improving the health and welfare of rice farmers and consumers; and protecting the rice-growing environment for future generations. IRRI is an independent, nonprofit, research and educational institute, founded in 1960 by the Ford and Rockefeller foundations with support from the Philippine government. The institute, headquartered in Los Baños, Philippines, has offices in 17 rice-growing countries in Asia and Africa, and over 1,000 staff.

Working with in-country partners, IRRI develops advanced rice varieties that yield more grain and better withstand pests and diseases, as well as flooding, drought, and other harmful effects of climate change.

Job Purpose

IRRI seeks to engage a National Consultant - Agricultural Engineering to provide technical expertise in the improvement and development of cage wheel systems for tractors used with mechanized direct-seeded rice (m-DSR) machines. The assignment will involve modifying an existing cage wheel and designing and fabricating a new cage wheel to improve tractor mobility and traction in wet and muddy rice field conditions. The consultant will also support preliminary and field testing of the developed systems and work closely with the National Agricultural Machinery Center (NAMC), Kasetsart University, and IRRI to generate technical insights for the further development and application of cage wheel systems in mechanized rice production.

This position will be based at the IRRI Thailand Office and may only be filled by permanent citizens of Thailand.

Roles and Responsibilities

The consultant will work closely with the IRRI Thailand team and the National Agricultural Machinery Center (NAMC) and will perform the following tasks:

  • Assessment and Modification of Existing Cage Wheel. Assess, repair, and upgrade the existing cage wheel to improve its performance in wet rice field operations, ensure compatibility with the tractor, and validate its functionality through workshop and field testing.
  • Design and Development of New Cage Wheel. Design and develop a new cage wheel to support the tractor’s rubber wheels by reviewing the existing concept, optimizing dimensions and structural components, preparing engineering drawings and specifications, supporting fabrication and assembly, and conducting preliminary testing to refine the design for improved field performance.
  • Field Testing and Performance Evaluation. Conduct field testing to evaluate and compare the performance of the modified and newly developed cage wheels under clay or heavy clay rice field conditions, collect key operational and performance data, and identify technical improvements for future development.
  • Technical Documentation and Reporting. Prepare editable technical drawings and specifications, document the design and modification process, analyze field test results, provide recommendations for further improvements, and submit a final technical report in English and Thai to IRRI.
Qualifications
  • Bachelor’s degree or higher in Agricultural Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Farm Mechanization, Agricultural Machinery, or a related engineering discipline.
  • Demonstrated knowledge or practical experience in agricultural machinery, tractor systems, farm machinery, or mechanical design and development.
  • Experience in mechanical design and development, preferably involving agricultural machinery or equipment.
  • Experience or demonstrated ability in machinery fabrication, modification, and testing.
  • Experience in agricultural machinery field testing, particularly under actual field conditions, is an advantage.
  • Experience working with tractors, rice production machinery, or mechanized rice production systems is an advantage.
Skills Required

Mandatory

  • Proficiency in Computer-Aided Design (CAD) or other appropriate engineering design software.
  • Ability to develop, interpret, and communicate engineering drawings, technical specifications, and design requirements.
  • Basic understanding of tractor systems and agricultural machinery, including their operation and performance under field conditions.
  • Ability to accurately conduct, document, and interpret machinery performance tests and field observations.

Preferred

  • Ability to support machinery fabrication, modification, and performance testing.
  • Strong technical problem-solving skills, with the ability to translate field requirements into practical engineering solutions.
  • Good technical communication and documentation skills.
  • Ability to work collaboratively with researchers, engineers, technicians, and external partners in a multidisciplinary environment.
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Before applying, please make sure that you have read the requirements for the position and that you qualify. Applications from non-qualifying applicants will most likely be discarded by the recruiting manager.