BURN Manufacturing is currently inviting applications for internship opportunities within its engineering function in Kenya. These roles provide hands-on exposure to sustainable product development, clean energy manufacturing, and environmentally responsible industrial design. As a leading clean cookstove manufacturer operating across Africa, BURN Manufacturing plays a critical role in advancing climate action, carbon reduction, and sustainable household energy solutions.
The organization is recruiting for two internship positions:
- Mechanical Drafting Intern – Ruiru, Kenya
- Mechanical Design Intern – Nairobi, Kenya
Both opportunities fall within the Environmental Services and Sustainability portfolio and are ideal for candidates seeking practical engineering exposure in mechanical design, drafting, and product development within a high-impact manufacturing environment.
Introduction to BURN Manufacturing
BURN Manufacturing is a clean energy company focused on the design, manufacture, and distribution of fuel-efficient cookstoves and clean cooking appliances. The company integrates mechanical engineering, industrial design, sustainability science, and large-scale manufacturing to deliver energy-efficient solutions that reduce carbon emissions and improve household health outcomes.
Through innovation-driven engineering and sustainability-focused production, BURN contributes to climate mitigation efforts by reducing reliance on traditional biomass fuels and lowering greenhouse gas emissions. Interns joining the organization gain exposure to real-world product engineering challenges in a mission-driven industrial setting.
Mechanical Drafting Intern – Ruiru, Kenya
Location: Ruiru, Kenya
Functional Area: Environmental Services / Sustainability
Position Type: Internship
Role Overview
The Mechanical Drafting Intern will support the engineering and product development teams in producing precise technical drawings and documentation for manufacturing processes. The role is based at the Ruiru manufacturing facility, where the intern will work closely with engineers, production teams, and quality assurance personnel to ensure technical accuracy and alignment with production requirements.
This position focuses on technical drafting, CAD documentation, revision control, and manufacturing drawing standards. It provides practical exposure to industrial-scale production and mechanical documentation workflows.
Key Responsibilities
• Develop and revise detailed mechanical drawings, assemblies, and component layouts using CAD software in accordance with company drafting standards.
• Convert engineering concepts and hand sketches into accurate technical drawings suitable for manufacturing and fabrication.
• Support the engineering team in preparing bill of materials (BOMs) and technical documentation required for production.
• Maintain drawing revision history and ensure documentation control procedures are followed.
• Collaborate with production teams to reflect design adjustments and process improvements in updated drawings.
• Assist in creating exploded views, assembly diagrams, and installation documentation for internal and external use.
• Participate in design reviews and incorporate feedback into revised technical drafts.
• Ensure all drafted outputs comply with quality standards and manufacturing tolerances.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives by documenting process modifications and component updates.
• Archive and organize engineering drawings within the company’s document management system.
Learning Exposure and Development Areas
• Industrial manufacturing drafting standards
• Engineering documentation control systems
• Product lifecycle documentation
• Production-floor collaboration
• Sustainability-oriented product engineering
Mechanical Design Intern – Nairobi, Kenya
Location: Nairobi, Kenya
Functional Area: Environmental Services / Sustainability
Position Type: Internship
Role Overview
The Mechanical Design Intern will support the design and development of sustainable cooking appliances and related mechanical components. The role is based in Nairobi and will involve participation in research, concept development, prototyping, testing, and product optimization initiatives.
The intern will work under the supervision of senior mechanical engineers and product designers, contributing to innovation-driven engineering processes aimed at enhancing product performance, cost efficiency, durability, and environmental impact.
Key Responsibilities
• Assist in the conceptualization and design of mechanical components and assemblies for clean energy products.
• Develop 3D models and simulations using CAD software to evaluate design feasibility and performance.
• Support prototype development, including preparation of technical specifications and design documentation.
• Participate in laboratory and field testing activities to assess product durability, thermal efficiency, and structural integrity.
• Analyze test data and prepare technical summaries to inform design improvements.
• Contribute to design optimization initiatives focused on material efficiency, cost reduction, and performance enhancement.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including production, quality control, and sustainability teams.
• Assist in conducting failure analysis and root-cause investigations for mechanical components.
• Support research into new materials, manufacturing methods, and energy-efficient design approaches.
• Prepare technical reports, presentations, and design review documentation.
Learning Exposure and Development Areas
• Sustainable product design principles
• Thermal and structural performance testing
• Prototype development lifecycle
• Manufacturing-for-design integration
• Environmental impact considerations in mechanical engineering
Sustainability and Environmental Context
Both internship roles are aligned with environmental services and sustainability objectives. BURN Manufacturing’s engineering teams integrate carbon reduction metrics, fuel efficiency optimization, and emissions testing into product development cycles. Interns will gain insight into how mechanical engineering contributes to climate solutions and sustainable development goals.
The company’s product engineering processes incorporate environmental performance standards, lifecycle assessment considerations, and efficiency-driven design methodologies. This exposure positions interns to understand the intersection between mechanical engineering, environmental sustainability, and scalable manufacturing.
Professional Development Value
Interns at BURN Manufacturing benefit from:
• Exposure to real-world manufacturing environments
• Cross-functional engineering collaboration
• Structured design and drafting workflows
• Direct involvement in sustainable technology innovation
• Practical experience in production-oriented mechanical engineering
These roles are particularly suitable for students or recent graduates in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or related disciplines seeking hands-on industrial experience in a sustainability-driven company.
Application Process
Interested candidates are encouraged to review the detailed role descriptions and application instructions on the official BURN Manufacturing careers platform. Applications should be submitted through the designated recruitment channel specified in the vacancy listing.
