Engineering Internship: UV Sterilization Equipment Prototyping
Location: Rangamalai Organic Farm, India (with potential for remote collaboration on specific tasks)Partner Organizations: VakeWorks AB (Sweden) & Rangamalai Organic Farm (India)Internship OverviewJoin a pioneering R&D project at the intersection of engineering, food safety, and open-source technology. We are seeking a motivated engineering intern to help design, build, and test a prototype UV sterilization system. This hands-on role is central to our mission of creating scalable, accessible technology that allows small-scale producers to meet the world's highest food safety standards.You will be instrumental in developing a solution that shortens the value chain for spices like pepper, enabling farmers in India to export directly to consumers in Sweden and the EU.Key Responsibilities· Design & Prototyping: Collaborate with engineers and life science experts to conceptualize and create functional UV sterilization prototypes using CAD software and machining/tooling systems.· Experimental Testing: Conduct experiments to determine the minimum effective UV exposure time for sterilizing dry spices (e.g., pepper). This includes designing test protocols and analyzing results.· Microbiological Validation: Assist in preparing samples inoculated with bacteria (e.g., Salmonella) and coordinate with local labs to test the prototype's sterilization efficacy.· Data Analysis & Documentation: Collect, analyze, and document experimental data to iteratively refine the prototype. Present findings and progress in regular team meetings.· Deliverables: Produce technical diagrams and a fully functional, working prototype. All final designs will be released under an appropriate Open Hardware License.Your Profile & Qualifications· Currently pursuing a degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.· Strong proficiency in CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, Fusion 360) and/or hands-on experience with machining, fabrication, and tooling.· Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.· A passion for sustainable technology, open-source innovation, and making a tangible impact on public health.· (Bonus) An interest or basic understanding of microbiology and experimental design.Project Details & Our Philosophy· Open Source Commitment: The final prototype design and specifications will be released under an Open Hardware License. This ensures that small fabricators and producers everywhere can build, use, and improve upon the technology, fostering community-driven innovation. The specific experimental data (e.g., exposure timings) may remain proprietary to the partners.· Support: You will have access to necessary equipment and a stipend for lab testing. The work is subject to a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA).· Stipend: A monthly stipend is provided, based on mutually agreed-upon deliverables and progress, to be finalized during the interview process.About the PartnersVakeWorks AB: A Swedish collaboration between farmers, researchers, and consumers dedicated to creating radically transparent, direct-from-producer food systems. We leverage systems research and thinking to build regenerative and resilient living systems. Our activities span regenerative agriculture, data science, AI, and education, including annual workshops and semester courses for PhD students across major Swedish universities.· Website: https://www.vake.works/· People: https://vake.works/people/Rangamalai Organic Farm: An organic farm in India focused on sustainable and regenerative agricultural practices, producing high-quality native seeds spices and other edibles.· Farm Website: https://manvasanai.in· Farm Store: https://www.goodfoodtoall.com
