Mechanical Engineering Internship

Mechanical Engineering Intern at Synnefa in Nairobi: Join our fast‑growing ag‑tech team as an intern in Hardware Production & Field Operations, gaining real‑world experience across Kenya’s emerging climate‑smart farming technology. You will coordinate bill‑of‑materials processing, liaise with suppliers, produce simple CAD models, and assist with pilot builds and field installations. The six‑month, entry‑level position (KES 20,000 stipend) offers mentorship, weekly progress reviews and the chance to shape sustainable farming solutions while traveling to workshop and site locations around Nairobi and continuous improvement.

Department: Hardware Production & Field Operations

Reports To: Head of Hardware Production & Field Operations

Work Location: Nairobi (frequent travel to field sites and workshop/fabrication partners)

Employment Type: Internship (6 months, with 3-month probation)

Monthly Stipend: KES 20,000 gross

The intern will support day-to-day BOQ/BOM processing, supplier coordination, simple CAD work, and field support, helping the team improve build speed, quality, and delivery timelines. This role offers a strong learning pipeline toward a future Design/Production Engineering position.

Key Responsibilities

• BOQ/BOM Processing & Supplier Coordination;
  Support incoming BOQs/BQs, populate and maintain standard BOQ templates, manage master BOMs, and maintain supplier price registers, including landed-cost calculations. Prepare RFQs and supplier comparison tables for review and approval.
• Procurement Follow-up & Vendor Management;
  Track supplier lead times, maintain vendor records, log quality feedback, flag procurement risks early, and assist with purchase order preparation.
• CAD & Parts/BOM Development (Learning Role);
  Create simple subassembly models and part drawings using Fusion 360 or AutoCAD. Maintain CAD file structure, naming conventions, and revisions, and ensure alignment between CAD models and BOMs.
• Fabrication Drawings, SOPs & QA Documentation;
  Under supervision, assist in developing basic fabrication drawings, assembly SOPs, QA checklists, and documentation for pilot builds and small subassemblies.
• Field Support & Continuous Improvement;
  Participate in installations and pilot builds, capture site feedback, document issues or failure modes, and feed improvements back into CAD, BOMs, and SOPs.
• Documentation & Cross-functional Communication;
  Maintain clear, accurate records, provide weekly progress updates, and participate in mentoring and review sessions with the hardware and technical development teams.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Diploma or Degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, Industrial, Production Engineering, or equivalent hands-on fabrication experience
• 0–2 years of experience (internships, early graduate roles, or workshop experience)
• Exposure to fabrication workshops, structural projects, agri-equipment, construction, or field operations is an advantage
• Basic CAD experience (Fusion360 or AutoCAD) or strong willingness to learn quickly
• Comfortable using Excel or Google Sheets for cost and BOM tracking
• Familiarity with basic fabrication concepts such as welding, steel profiles, and BOM structures
• Willingness to travel to field and workshop sites on short notice
• Valid driver’s license is an added advantage but not required
• Strong communication, organisation, and documentation skills