Mechanical/Product Design Research Assistant (6-month contract)

About the role

The Mechanical/Product Design Research Assistant will lead the engineering design and development of a precision planting device for smallholder farmers in Ghana. This 6‑month, full‑time position involves translating farmer‑informed requirements into concept designs, detailed CAD models, prototypes, and field testing.

Key responsibilities

• Convert requirement documents into detailed product concepts and select preferred design.
• Create system‑level and detailed CAD models, drawings, and machine element designs.
• Perform structural design and analysis, kinematic and seed‑metering simulations to validate designs.
• Conduct Design for Manufacturability (DFM) analysis and build a digital twin with complete manufacturing files.
• Support procurement of materials, supervise fabrication (machining, welding, CNC laser cutting, 3D printing) and assembly of prototypes.
• Oversee bench‑checking and field testing with farmers, capture performance data, and document iterations.

Required profile

• Degree or diploma in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related field.
• Strong grounding in mechanics with hands‑on experience in CAD/CAM/CAE and fabrication.
• Good understanding of engineering drawing and GD&T conventions.
• Ability to manage end‑to‑end mechanical product development.

Required skills

• CAD (mechanical design)
• CAE (structural and kinematic simulation)
• Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing (GD&T)
• CNC machining and laser cutting
• Welding and 3D printing
• Design for Manufacturability (DFM)
• Digital twin modeling
• Bill of Materials (BOM) creation