Mechanical Engineering Intern - Field Operations

About the role

Synnefa builds Smart Solar Dryers and greenhouses for African farmers, combining engineering with IoT monitoring. It is looking for a recent mechanical engineering graduate to join its hardware team on a six-month internship, helping standardise the product line's drawings, bills of quantities, quality control and field performance data. The intern spends real time on site in places such as Kericho, Nyandarua, Makueni and Kisumu.

Key responsibilities

• Prepare and maintain engineering drawings for the standard product range under version control
• Document drying chambers, airflow paths, ventilation and fan and component selection
• Instrument installed dryers, collect temperature, humidity and airflow data and present it clearly
• Detail drying beds, racks and materials handling arrangements
• Support thermal and drying performance testing across crops and regions
• Produce quantity take-offs and bills of quantities from approved designs
• Produce fabrication drawings and jig documentation for the workshop and subcontractors
• Inspect sites against quality control checklists, verify materials on delivery and prepare as-built documentation and closeout packages
• Submit a written weekly report on the sites by the agreed day

Required profile

• Recent graduate with a BSc in Mechanical Engineering completed within the last two years; agricultural or biosystems engineering with a strong thermal and fluids grounding also works
• Candidates awaiting conferment may apply with a transcript
• Willingness to travel to rural field sites at short notice
• Clear written English and a hands-on approach to learning

Required skills

• AutoCAD
• SolidWorks, Inventor or equivalent (a plus)
• Excel for take-offs, schedules and data

What we offer

• A monthly stipend of KES 20,000 gross (net figure confirmed in the offer)
• Six months of real engineering work with honest feedback and clear goals
• Field travel and related costs covered
• A certificate of internship and a reference on successful completion

Applications are made through the company's online application system with a CV, academic transcript and one example of technical work. Shortlisted candidates meet the CEO and complete a take-home technical assignment. The internship is fixed for six months and does not automatically convert to a permanent role.