JOB DETAILS:
Company Overview
Earth Enable is transforming how people live by making homes healthier for families across rural Rwanda, Kenya and Uganda and helping to reduce the polluting impact of the building industry on the environment. Most Ugandans live in homes with dirt floors that are dusty, unsanitary, and fertile breeding grounds for parasites and germs. While replacing a dirt floor with concrete has significant health benefits (e.g., reducing diarrhea by 50% and parasitic infections by 80%), concrete is unaffordable for many who need it and is a huge contributor to global pollution.
To counter the environmental and affordability issues surrounding concrete, Earth Enable has spent the past 8+ years developing and selling high-quality, earthen floors and plasters that are 50% cheaper than concrete with 90% less embodied energy.

Job Purpose
The R&D Intern will assist the Research and Development team in exploring innovative materials, techniques, and technologies to enhance Earth Enables flooring and plastering solutions. The role involves conducting research, testing new products, and contributing to the development of high-quality, cost-effective, and sustainable construction solutions.

Key Responsibilities
• Assist in researching and testing sustainable and cost-effective materials for flooring and plastering.
• Support the development of efficient construction techniques to reduce waste and improve durability.

• Conduct experiments, document findings, and evaluate the performance and environmental impact of materials.
• Analyze market trends and competitors to identify opportunities for product improvement and innovation.

• Work with engineers and designers to develop prototypes and test new flooring solutions.
• Prepare technical reports and presentations to communicate research findings to the team and stakeholders.
• Conduct field visits to gather data on construction practices and identify areas for improvement.
• Assist in creating training materials and guides for new construction techniques or materials.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the R&D Manager or Senior Engineer.

Qualifications and Skills
• Currently pursuing or recently graduated with a degree or diploma in Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, or a related field.
• Strong interest in research and innovation within the construction industry.
• Basic knowledge of construction materials, particularly in flooring and plastering.
• Familiarity with sustainable construction techniques is a plus.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
• Good communication and presentation skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Detail-oriented and able to work in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred Qualifications
• Previous internship or hands-on experience in construction or a related field.
• Experience with laboratory testing and analysis.
• Understanding of Uganda's construction industry and local building codes.