Junior Mechanical Engineer

Location: R&D Workshop, Masai Road, Nairobi, Kenya

Reports To: Senior Engineer

About SONGA Mobility

SONGA Mobility is a pioneering electric mobility company dedicated to transforming rural transportation in Africa​. Our integrated e-mobility platform focuses on electric trikes (eTrikes), charging hubs (AgrEHubs), and electric-powered agricultural tools (Power Africa), enabling sustainable and cost-efficient logistics for smallholder farmers and rural businesses​.

We are looking for a Junior Mechanical Engineer to help design, prototype, and support the manufacturing of mechanical components for electric vehicles (eTrikes) and electric agricultural tools. This role is an excellent opportunity to gain hands-on experience in mechanical system development for e-mobility solutions and work with leading engineers in Kenyas sustainable transport sector.

Key Responsibilities

• Ideation and Sketching
  • Brainstorm new ideas and concepts collaboratively
  • Work with customers, designers and non-technical field staff to gather product insights.
  • Express ideas visually through hand sketches, storyboarding, and quick mockups
• Mechanical Design & Prototyping
  • Build smart, efficient, low-resolution prototypes yourself out of wood, paper, cardboard, and plastic etc. before jumping into CAD
  • Develop prototypes for new mechanical components, including chassis, drivetrain parts, and electric agricultural tools​.
  • Work closely with fabricators and machinists to produce advanced looks like, feels like, and works like prototypes.
• Product Development:
  • Test and refine prototypes for electric vehicles (eTrikes) and electric agricultural tools.
  • Conduct rigorous performance testing, analyzing mechanical stress, efficiency, heat dissipation, safety, and durability in real-world conditions​.
  • Assist in design modifications to improve load capacity, durability, and vehicle efficiency​.
  • Translate successful prototypes into 3D modeling software to create detailed CAD models and engineering drawings.
• Manufacturing and Quality Control:
  • Assist in the industrialization process, optimizing parts for mass production and assembly.
  • Collaborate with suppliers and production teams to ensure quality and efficiency in manufacturing​.
• Field Testing & Documentation:
  • Collect data on eTrike performance, mechanical stress, and energy efficiency.
  • Maintain technical documentation, including design specifications, test reports, and assembly instructions.
  • Provide regular progress updates to the engineering and product development teams.

Qualifications & Skills

Required:

• Bachelors Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related field.
• 2-3 years of experience in mechanical design, product development, or prototyping.
• Strong drawing, hand sketching, brainstorming, whiteboarding, and spatial reasoning skills.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills including storytelling.
• Hands-on construction and prototyping skills in wood, paper, cardboard, and plastic using hand tools and power tools
• Familiarity with different 3D CAD modeling platforms and concepts of parametric design
• Familiarity with low-volume and high-volume manufacturing processes, including CNC machining, and metal fabrication.
• Basic understanding of electric motors, powertrains, and energy storage systems.

Preferred:

• Work experience at a fast-moving hardware startup
• Firsthand skills using a Mill, Lathe, and/or welding/fabrication equipment
• Firsthand experience with any of the following: Precision Metrology, GD&T, and/or Injection Molding.
• Experience designing at least one product for high-volume production (1000+).
• Hands-on knowledge of battery enclosures, thermodynamics, vehicle dynamics, and/or agricultural machinery
• Familiarity with integration of electrical systems (IOT, Motors etc) with mechanical systems.
• Knowledge of vehicle chassis design, drivetrain components, and mechanical linkages.

Why Join SONGA Mobility?

• Innovation-Driven Environment: Work on cutting-edge electric mobility solutions designed for rural Africa​.
• Hands-On Engineering Experience: Gain real-world experience in prototyping, testing, and manufacturing mechanical systems.
• Sustainability & Impact: Contribute to reducing emissions and improving livelihoods through innovative mobility solutions​.
• Collaborative Team: Work alongside top engineers, fabricators, and technologists in a dynamic and fast-paced environment.