Company Overview
Mobius is an early stage social business working to enable mobility across Africa by transforming its automotive market. We recognise that appropriate transport is a key enabler to social-economic development in deprived rural communities across the developing world and aim to unlock this vast potential by releasing an entirely new vehicle fit for Africa’s degraded roads at an affordable price.
Our envisaged solution is a vehicle with the full functionality of an off-road car (able to travel long distances on bumpy dirt roads) sold at a similar price point to the ubiquitous urban 3-wheel motorised rickshaw (tuk-tuk), which cannot travel long distances effectively – in short, a tuk-tuk replacement. We integrate off-the-shelf parts within a tubular steel frame to create a basic but safe and fully functional vehicle whilst pursuing all opportunities to reduce cost. Our design methodology is similar to the Sandrail, yet serves a wholly different demographic for a wholly different purpose.
The result, a vehicle that existing local entrepreneurs in rural areas can easily afford to improve their public transport business (typically people who might otherwise purchase and run a tuk-tuk), and an affordable transport service for rural end-users who crave increased mobility. In summary, every-person public transport to enable social-economic prosperity for rural Africa.
Since launching operations in mid 2009 we have built a small workshop, purchased basic equipment, established a committed Kenyan team and are nearing the completion of our first prototype vehicle. The business is led by Joel Jackson, a successful management consultant with substantial NGO experience in Africa; and advised by Tevis Howard and Andrew Youn, two successful and highly acclaimed social entrepreneurs in their own right. We are now aiming to build an improved second prototype.
Automotive Engineer:
The Role
We are seeking a minimum one year commitment from an exceptional early career automotive engineer to lead the design, build and test of a new prototype tubular steel frame vehicle that may ultimately become production ready across Africa – a truly unique opportunity to create impact on a global scale. The role will require a close working relationship with the venture’s CEO as well as the local Kenyan mechanics and welders on the team. Specific duties include, but are not limited to:
1. Designing and producing visual interpretations of prototype vehicle framework and systems, using computer-aided design packages; paying attention to issues of safety, reliability, economy and functionality.
2. Deciding on the most suitable materials for framework fabrication as well as the most appropriate systems to integrate within the framework (standard, off-the-shelf systems).
3. Reviewing and revising design and/or production processes in response to feedback from colleagues, safety concerns, quality issues, loading requirements etc.
4. Advising and assisting our team of local Kenyan mechanics and welders on the prototype vehicle build and general workplace best practices (e.g. equipment safety standards). Our team already has prior experience building dune buggy style vehicles, including the first prototype.
5. Verifying welding capability and product feasibility of all welding tools/processes and implementing programs to improve overall weld performance (e.g. coordinating weld pry testing and weld tear downs).
6. Applying mechanical, pneumatic, hydraulic and electrical principles and rigor to resolve engineering problems with appropriate solutions.
7. Ensuring high quality standards throughout the vehicle build. Developing test procedures and conducting tests using software packages and physical testing methods.
8. Utilising in-country equipment and materials and adapting approach to the resources available. Typically such equipment and materials are relatively low tech, e.g. manual pressurised pipe bender versus computerised hydraulic pipe bender.
9. Working as an active member of the team, ensuring effective communication between colleagues and positively contributing regularly to meetings and briefings.
10. Taking ownership of end-to-end projects, managing associated budget, delivery schedules and resources (including staff), and supervising quality control.
Location
Mombasa is the largest coastal port in East Africa. It also has some of the best white sandy beaches in Africa. The warm waters of the Indian Ocean offer great opportunities for a quiet swim, deep-sea fishing and water sports activities such as scuba diving and sailing. In addition to its beautiful beaches, Mombasa offers a diverse cultural history which has left a lasting influence on the city’s food, architecture, and people. Nightlife in Mombasa is always exciting, and the city has numerous bars, clubs and casinos. Or, you can always catch a movie at the cinema, go bowling, or grab a drink at the local pub. Similarly, there is diversity in the cuisine, including a host of quality restaurants both western and local. Eat mangoes for breakfast and crab for dinner; go for a regular morning jog or join a local soccer team; catch up on reading—we work very hard, but we make up for it by occasionally relaxing very hard!
Compensation
The primary benefit of this position is the extremely unique opportunity to take a lead role in the creation of a new vehicle aimed to revolutionize transport across Africa, working as part of a high caliber team. We will also provide a return flight to Kenya and 12 months accommodation in Mombasa.
Beyond these benefits, you will be responsible for the cost of any health insurance (up to $200 per month), visas (~$100 per year), immunizations (up to $500), and low living costs (~$60 per week).
Significant opportunities exist for career advancement for employees who exhibit extraordinary job performance, as Mobius continues to grow. After 6 months of strong performance, we will also offer a commensurate equity incentive and a modest salary (predicated on funding growth).
Qualifications:
An ideal candidate should combine outstanding technical skills in design and engineering with excellent interpersonal and communication skills to work effectively with a multidisciplinary team. They should be rigorous, pragmatic and on-the-ground solution focused – not overly academic.
Requirements
Minimum Bachelor degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Industrial Systems Engineering or similar
3.4 GPA or higher from a top university engineering program
Passion for prototype development and a “gear-head” attitude
1-3 years of automotive-related experience, preferably on a vehicle build project
Ability to adapt to a dynamic working environment, work within a diverse team and communicate effectively
Ability to self manage; taking ownership of projects: budgeting, work planning, resource management and reporting
Ability to read and write design and manufacturing drawings
Extreme patience and a good sense of humor
Proficiency in Auto-CAD (or equivalent)
Welding experience and knowledge of weld quality controls
A start-up personality that fits Africa well: entrepreneurial; ambitious; independent; systematic attention to detail; structured thinker; goal-oriented; flexible and able to deal well with setbacks
Desired
- Proficiency in CATIA
- Proficiency in COSMOS
- Hands-on experience with pipe bending and notching
- Involvement in a dune-buggy/sandrail build specifically
- Fluency in Kiswahili (the national language of Kenya)
Mobius is an early stage social business working to enable mobility across Africa by transforming its automotive market. We recognise that appropriate transport is a key enabler to social-economic development in deprived rural communities across the developing world and aim to unlock this vast potential by releasing an entirely new vehicle fit for Africa’s degraded roads at an affordable price.
Our envisaged solution is a vehicle with the full functionality of an off-road car (able to travel long distances on bumpy dirt roads) sold at a similar price point to the ubiquitous urban 3-wheel motorised rickshaw (tuk-tuk), which cannot travel long distances effectively – in short, a tuk-tuk replacement. We integrate off-the-shelf parts within a tubular steel frame to create a basic but safe and fully functional vehicle whilst pursuing all opportunities to reduce cost. Our design methodology is similar to the Sandrail, yet serves a wholly different demographic for a wholly different purpose.
The result, a vehicle that existing local entrepreneurs in rural areas can easily afford to improve their public transport business (typically people who might otherwise purchase and run a tuk-tuk), and an affordable transport service for rural end-users who crave increased mobility. In summary, every-person public transport to enable social-economic prosperity for rural Africa.
Since launching operations in mid 2009 we have built a small workshop, purchased basic equipment, established a committed Kenyan team and are nearing the completion of our first prototype vehicle. The business is led by Joel Jackson, a successful management consultant with substantial NGO experience in Africa; and advised by Tevis Howard and Andrew Youn, two successful and highly acclaimed social entrepreneurs in their own right. We are now aiming to build an improved second prototype.
Automotive Engineer:
The Role
We are seeking a minimum one year commitment from an exceptional early career automotive engineer to lead the design, build and test of a new prototype tubular steel frame vehicle that may ultimately become production ready across Africa – a truly unique opportunity to create impact on a global scale. The role will require a close working relationship with the venture’s CEO as well as the local Kenyan mechanics and welders on the team. Specific duties include, but are not limited to:
1. Designing and producing visual interpretations of prototype vehicle framework and systems, using computer-aided design packages; paying attention to issues of safety, reliability, economy and functionality.
2. Deciding on the most suitable materials for framework fabrication as well as the most appropriate systems to integrate within the framework (standard, off-the-shelf systems).
3. Reviewing and revising design and/or production processes in response to feedback from colleagues, safety concerns, quality issues, loading requirements etc.
4. Advising and assisting our team of local Kenyan mechanics and welders on the prototype vehicle build and general workplace best practices (e.g. equipment safety standards). Our team already has prior experience building dune buggy style vehicles, including the first prototype.
5. Verifying welding capability and product feasibility of all welding tools/processes and implementing programs to improve overall weld performance (e.g. coordinating weld pry testing and weld tear downs).
6. Applying mechanical, pneumatic, hydraulic and electrical principles and rigor to resolve engineering problems with appropriate solutions.
7. Ensuring high quality standards throughout the vehicle build. Developing test procedures and conducting tests using software packages and physical testing methods.
8. Utilising in-country equipment and materials and adapting approach to the resources available. Typically such equipment and materials are relatively low tech, e.g. manual pressurised pipe bender versus computerised hydraulic pipe bender.
9. Working as an active member of the team, ensuring effective communication between colleagues and positively contributing regularly to meetings and briefings.
10. Taking ownership of end-to-end projects, managing associated budget, delivery schedules and resources (including staff), and supervising quality control.
Location
Mombasa is the largest coastal port in East Africa. It also has some of the best white sandy beaches in Africa. The warm waters of the Indian Ocean offer great opportunities for a quiet swim, deep-sea fishing and water sports activities such as scuba diving and sailing. In addition to its beautiful beaches, Mombasa offers a diverse cultural history which has left a lasting influence on the city’s food, architecture, and people. Nightlife in Mombasa is always exciting, and the city has numerous bars, clubs and casinos. Or, you can always catch a movie at the cinema, go bowling, or grab a drink at the local pub. Similarly, there is diversity in the cuisine, including a host of quality restaurants both western and local. Eat mangoes for breakfast and crab for dinner; go for a regular morning jog or join a local soccer team; catch up on reading—we work very hard, but we make up for it by occasionally relaxing very hard!
Compensation
The primary benefit of this position is the extremely unique opportunity to take a lead role in the creation of a new vehicle aimed to revolutionize transport across Africa, working as part of a high caliber team. We will also provide a return flight to Kenya and 12 months accommodation in Mombasa.
Beyond these benefits, you will be responsible for the cost of any health insurance (up to $200 per month), visas (~$100 per year), immunizations (up to $500), and low living costs (~$60 per week).
Significant opportunities exist for career advancement for employees who exhibit extraordinary job performance, as Mobius continues to grow. After 6 months of strong performance, we will also offer a commensurate equity incentive and a modest salary (predicated on funding growth).
Qualifications:
An ideal candidate should combine outstanding technical skills in design and engineering with excellent interpersonal and communication skills to work effectively with a multidisciplinary team. They should be rigorous, pragmatic and on-the-ground solution focused – not overly academic.
Requirements
Minimum Bachelor degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Industrial Systems Engineering or similar
3.4 GPA or higher from a top university engineering program
Passion for prototype development and a “gear-head” attitude
1-3 years of automotive-related experience, preferably on a vehicle build project
Ability to adapt to a dynamic working environment, work within a diverse team and communicate effectively
Ability to self manage; taking ownership of projects: budgeting, work planning, resource management and reporting
Ability to read and write design and manufacturing drawings
Extreme patience and a good sense of humor
Proficiency in Auto-CAD (or equivalent)
Welding experience and knowledge of weld quality controls
A start-up personality that fits Africa well: entrepreneurial; ambitious; independent; systematic attention to detail; structured thinker; goal-oriented; flexible and able to deal well with setbacks
Desired
- Proficiency in CATIA
- Proficiency in COSMOS
- Hands-on experience with pipe bending and notching
- Involvement in a dune-buggy/sandrail build specifically
- Fluency in Kiswahili (the national language of Kenya)
How to Apply:
Candidates should email a cover letter and CV to recruiting@mobiusmotors.com (Subject line: “Automotive Engineer Application”). Your cover letter and CV should each be a separate attachment to your email (no body text cover letters in your email please).
Optionally, you may also include a work sample for our team to review. This would preferably be a CAD drawing and/or various photos highlighting your work on a previous build project (preferably a vehicle).
While the start date for this role is September 2010, the position will be filled as soon as we identify a strong match. Serious applicants should therefore apply as soon as possible
Optionally, you may also include a work sample for our team to review. This would preferably be a CAD drawing and/or various photos highlighting your work on a previous build project (preferably a vehicle).
While the start date for this role is September 2010, the position will be filled as soon as we identify a strong match. Serious applicants should therefore apply as soon as possible
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