Mechanical Design Engineer
Company: Ecolife Companies Ltd.
Location: Kampala, Uganda (hybrid)
Part-Time (8 – 12 hours per week)
Temporary Individual Contract position: 2 months with possibility of extension
About Ecolife
Ecolife is a social enterprise dedicated to developing innovative technologies and businesses for
sustainable agriculture in Uganda. We are pioneering the use of ice-based thermal energy storage (iTES)
cooling technology to create cost-effective, energy-efficient walk-in cold storage units for smallholder
farmers. Experimentation and innovation are the cornerstones of the mechanical design engineer job
profile. We are seeking a motivated and talented team player to join our dynamic and international team
and contribute to the future of agriculture in East Africa.
About the Role
As a Mechanical Design Engineer, you will employ your love for design and problem solving to design
mechanical, structural, and thermal-fluid components, conduct research, and evaluate local supply chains
for a novel solar-powered refrigeration unit. Your work will ensure the product is safe, functional,
affordable, and commercially successful. You will work alongside a team of USA engineers, agricultural
entrepreneurs, and suppliers.
Responsibilities
● Play a key role in taking designs from concept generation to functional prototype
● Aid in the design of the ice-thermal storage cooling system
● Perform back-of-the-envelope design calculations (mechanical, structural, or thermal) to evaluate
concepts before committing to detailed designs.
● Research and design insulation methods, considering pros/cons, cost, transportation, and
assembly methods.
● Create 3D CAD models and 2D drawings of the cold store structure, component layout, and
cooling components
● Create and maintain a Build of Materials (BOM)
● Work with civil engineers to design the interior and exterior walls and framing.
● Define cold room assembly steps and document procedures
● Initiate, evaluate, and build strong relationships with East African suppliers to create a local
supply chain that meets cost targets.
● Regularly report to senior mechanical engineers who are overseas and to the company regarding
the status of projects. Meetings are typically held from 9-10pm EAT.
● Contribute to design reviews of mechanical, heat transfer, and thermo-fluids designs.
● Ensure your designs meet customer requirements and national or local compliance standards.
Required skills and qualifications
● Bachelor’s degree in mechanical or agricultural engineering, or in your senior year and in good
standing.
● Strong fundamental understanding of heat transfer and mechanical design.
● Demonstrated experience in creating CAD models and drawings with Solidworks.
● Able to access Solidworks 2022 or later (a free student version is sufficient)
● Strong verbal, written, and cross-cultural communication skills.
● Willing and able to visit and build relationships and negotiate with suppliers.
Preferred skills and qualifications
● Sound knowledge of GD&T
● Familiarity with HVAC systems, refrigeration cycles, and thermodynamics.
● Demonstrated project experience performing mechanical design (Please share an example of your
mechanical design work, or a portfolio if you have one)
● Familiarity with embedded hardware (i.e. microcontrollers, programming), and instrumentation
and PLCs.
How to Apply
● Send you application to ecolifeuganda@gmail.com by 6th February 2025
● Please include resume and an example of your relevant engineering work.
