Research Assistant – Mechanical / Product Design Engineer (6 Months)

About the role

The Nkabom Precision Planting Project seeks a Mechanical/Product Design Research Assistant to lead the engineering development of a low‑cost precision planting device for smallholder farmers in Ghana. This six‑month, full‑time position combines hands‑on prototype fabrication with detailed CAD/CAE work, bridging farmer requirements and functional hardware.

Key responsibilities

• Translate farmer‑informed requirements into detailed product concepts and select the optimal design.
• Create system‑level and detailed CAD models, drawings, and machine‑element designs.
• Perform structural, kinematic, and seed‑metering simulations (CAE) to validate designs.
• Conduct Design for Manufacturability (DFM) analysis and generate a complete digital twin with manufacturing files, tolerances, and bill of materials.
• Support procurement of raw materials and components for prototyping.
• Supervise and participate in prototype fabrication (machining, welding, CNC laser cutting, 3D printing) and assembly.
• Oversee bench‑checking of subsystems and field testing with farmers, capturing performance data.
• Document design iterations, test results, and recommendations for future product versions.

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.
• Good understanding of engineering drawing conventions, including GD&T.
• Ability to manage end‑to‑end mechanical design and prototype development.

Required skills

• CAD (solid modeling)
• CAM and CNC machining
• CAE (structural, kinematic, seed‑metering simulation)
• Design for Manufacturability (DFM)
• Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing (GD&T)
• Machining, welding, CNC laser cutting
• 3D printing
• Digital twin creation
• Bill of Materials (BOM) preparation