Research Assistant – Mechanical / Product Design Engineer
AI summary
A 6-month full-time in-person research role on the Ashesi University campus leading the mechanical design and development of a precision planting device for smallholder farmers. The position covers concept design, CAD/CAE, prototyping, fabrication, and field testing in the Akuapem South District.
- 6-month full-time in-person role based at Ashesi University
- Hands-on end-to-end mechanical design and hardware development
- Involves CAD/CAE, prototyping, fabrication, and field testing
- Occasional travel to farming communities in Akuapem South District
- Very competitive compensation
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- RequiredEducation or certification mentioned in the postThe captured text mentions education, a diploma, certificate, or licence.
- PreferredPractical evidence in research assistant, mechanical engineer, product designThe tags and summary point to skills connected with this role.
- RequiredAvailability to work in AccraThe vacancy is associated with this location.
- UnclearComfort with the Full Time contract termsConfirm hours, duration, probation and benefits at the original source.
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Original source description
- M
- Research Assistant – Mechanical / Product Design Engineer (6 Months)
- MeSADA PCL
- Research, Teaching & Training
- Yesterday
- New
- Accra & Tema Region
- Full Time
- Confidential
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- Language Requirement:
- English
- Working Hours:
- Full Time - 8 to 5
- Applicant
- Location:
- Ghana
- Job descriptions &
Requirements
About the Project
The Nkabom Precision Planting Project is a 6-month applied research and product development initiative led by the Autonomous Dynamical Systems Lab at Ashesi University. The project sets out to understand the baseline conditions of smallholder maize, groundnut and bean growers in the Akuapem South District, and to design, prototype and field-test a precision planting technology that helps these farmers reduce input costs, expand their cultivated acreage, and optimize yield — while fitting their context in terms of maintenance and operating requirements, cost, and the specific performance needs of their farms.
Role Summary
The Mechanical / Product Design Research Assistant (Technical Researcher) will lead the engineering design and development of the project's precision planting device — taking it from farmer-informed
through concept design, detailed CAD/CAE, fabrication and field testing. This is a hands-on, end-to-end mechanical design and hardware development role suited to someone equally comfortable at a CAD workstation and on the workshop floor or in the field.
Key
and specification documents into detailed product concepts.
• Develop concept designs for the planting device and support selection of the
Responsibilities
• Convert
Preferred Qualifications
- Create system-level and detailed CAD models, drawings and machine element designs for the final product.
- Conduct structural design and analysis, and kinematic and seed-metering simulations (CAE) to validate and iterate the design.
- Perform Design for Manufacturability (DFM) analysis.
- Build a detailed digital twin of the product and produce complete manufacturing files (drawings, tolerances, bill of materials).
- Support procurement of raw materials and mechanical components for prototyping.
- Supervise and take part in fabrication and assembly of prototypes (machining, welding, CNC laser cutting, and outsourced 3D printing where required).
- Supervise bench-checking of assembled subsystems.
- Supervise field testing of the prototype with farmers; capture and document performance data.
- Document design iterations, test results and recommendations for subsequent product versions.
Experience
- Degree or diploma in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related field.
- Strong grounding in mechanics, with hands-on CAD/CAM/CAE and fabrication experience.
- Good understanding of engineering drawing and drafting conventions (GD&T).
- Demonstrated ability to carry out end-to-end mechanical hardware and mechanism design.
- Structural design and analysis, and machine elements design experience.
- Hands-on part nesting for CNC laser cutting is a plus.
- Comfortable supervising fabrication, assembly and field testing teams.
- Willingness to travel to Ashesi University and farming communities in the Akuapem South District for field testing.