Mechanical Engineer and Research Associate-Grade AD11 at Kibabii University College

Job Reference Number: KIBU/KTP/001/2023

Job Purpose

• The Africa Agriculture Knowledge Transfer Program (AAKTP) – Mechanical Engineer and Research Associate-Grade AD11 (KTP Associate) will work in collaboration with Carbon Footprint Ltd, Kibabii University and the University of Huddersfield as part of an exciting African Agricultural Knowledge Transfer Partnership (AAKTP), funded by Innovate UK, for a fixed-term of two years.
• The aim of the partnership is to develop appropriate specifications, design, construction and testing of a dryer for sugar cane waste (bagasse). Bagasse disposal is a serious problem in many parts of the world where sugar cane is grown, as it comprises over a quarter of the original mass of the cane produced. The company takes fresh bagasse from the sugar factory and processes it to create fuel briquettes which are used in place of charcoal in the traditional cooking stoves prevalent in the area. The bagasse needs to be dried in order to process it into briquettes. Bagasse is currently dried by spreading it out in the sun, however use of the proposed dryer would allow much more throughput, as the drying process is both time and labour consuming, and weather dependent. Removal of this bottleneck will increase the consumption of bagasse thus easing the bagasse disposal problems for sugar manufacturers, and also expanding briquette production whilst maintaining the existing workforce. Such dryers should be designed for local manufacture, maintenance and repair setup, as well as being affordable to operate. These constraints preclude most commercially available dryers, and a specific solution, appropriate for the local conditions is sought.

Main Duties and Responsibilities:

• Managing the KTP project, including maintenance of project plans, organisation of project-related meetings, and budget monitoring;
• Liaising regularly with the academic and company staff, updating them on project progress and planning future direction;
• Researching available bagasse dryers and provide suitable specifications for a system appropriate for use in the situation in Kenya;
• Designing a bagasse dryer protocol to the required specification;
• Building and testing a prototype bagasse dryer in both laboratory and field conditions;
• Developing a bagasse dryer design for further / large scale manufacturing;
• Preparing and producing research reports, project progress reports and other documentation (including assisting in preparing joint publications from the findings);
• Participating in team meetings, committees and conferences, as may be appropriate from time to time;
• Delivering guest lectures and participating in seminars for University teaching;
• Proactively identifying personal and professional development needs and opportunities to enable effective project leadership and implementation; and
• Undertaking other duties as may be assigned by the Academic and Industry Supervisors.

The Person

The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate the following attributes:

Qualifications/Training

•  A first Degree in Mechanical Engineering/Renewable Energy or a closely related technology discipline, or relevant industrial experience.
•  Master’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering/ Renewable Energy or any other similar subject with proven experience

Experience

•  Demonstrable ability to use an industry standard solid modelling package(s) to aid the design and analysis of mechanical components.
•  Experience of component / structural design
•   Industrial experience in a manufacturing environment

Knowledge

•   Knowledge of design methods
•  Understanding of thermodynamics and fluid flow
•  Knowledge of industrial drying methods
•  Knowledge of DFM (Design for Manufacturing) methods

Skills & Attributes

•  Ability to communicate concisely both verbally and in writing within a technical context
•  Experience in communicating with a range of staff at different levels within an organisation
•  Innovative and self-motivated
•  Able to work effectively both independently and within a group setting
•  A commitment to work collaboratively with the project Partners
•  A structured approach to problem-solving
•  Attention to detail
•  Time management skills
•  Inquiring mind and willingness to learn
•  Able to travel

Terms and Conditions

Hours of Work

•  The hours of work for this position are 40 per week.

Length of Appointment

• Fixed term appointment for 24 months

Starting Salary

• The salary for this post is KES 150,000.00-200,000 Consolidated per month (depending on qualifications and experience) plus approx. KES 365,000 per annum training allowance.