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2 people are interested
Project Manager for Fiber Processing Project
ORGANIZATION: Engineers Without Borders USA
Please visit the new page to apply.
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2 people are interested
DESCRIPTION
Impact on EWB-USA's mission + vision
The Research & Development team in the Engineering Service Corps is seeking a Project Manager to scope and lead a project to improve the processing of fiber for an organization in rural Nepal.
The project will further define the existing system and seek ways to improve the safety and efficiency of the process while reducing environmental impacts.
Description + Responsibilities
The challenge: This company employs about a dozen people right now to turn the raw stinging nettles plant into a fiber for weaving. In addition, hundreds of Nepali people in the mountain areas harvest the material and ship it there. They have been doing this for about 6 years now, but the process needs a lot of help as it's very rough, time-consuming, and dangerous in some aspects. The current production is about 60 ton per year but they want to up it to 1000 tons per year.
The company processes fibers in small inefficient batches which are inefficient, hazardous, and not environmentally friendly. Efficient heating of larger vessels needs to be developed. Cleaning of wastewater needs to be researched. Ideally, a follow-through would optimize their process.
The Project Manager would be responsible for: assessing the project, and assembling a technical team capable of developing solution(s).
Qualifications + Requirements
The Project Manager should have several years of experience in processes related to the conversion of natural fibers into useful products. Other desired qualities include:
- 5 plus years of mechanical engineering and team leadership experience.
- Project Manager managing process improvement project(s)
- Processes for heating fluids. Possibly using solar panels.
- Vessel designs used when treating long fibers
- General experience with textile processing
- Cleaning of effluent fluids from processes e.g. textile chemical processing
- Optimization of work flow for chemical processing e.g. textile industry
Financial Commitment
Typical costs incurred by the member will include travel, accommodations, some meals, and registration. In addition, the team should anticipate the need for some funding for development of prototype processes. Estimated prototype cost is $10,000 and may be covered in part by the client.
Time Commitment/Commitment Duration
Timeline and budget are uncertain, but the applicant (individual member or chapter) should assume a 2-year research & development project. The level of effort may be 1 to 3 people part-time with 1 or 2 trips to assess and implement a pilot project.
Financial Commitment
The project team will be responsible for raising funds for travel and for a prototype - on the order of $10,000.
More opportunities with Engineers Without Borders USA
1 ReviewNo additional volunteer opportunities at this time.
About Engineers Without Borders USA
Location:
1031 33rd Street, Ste 210, Denver, CO 80205, US
Mission Statement
Our mission: EWB-USA is a nonprofit humanitarian organization established to support community-driven development programs worldwide through partnerships that design and implement sustainable engineering projects, while creating transformative experiences that enrich global perspectives and create responsible leaders. Our vision: EWB-USA's vision is a world in which the communities we serve have the capacity to sustainably meet their basic human needs.
Description
Engineers Without Borders USA (EWB-USA) is a nonprofit humanitarian organization established to support community-driven development programs worldwide through partnerships that design and implement sustainable engineering projects, while providing transformative experiences that enrich global perspectives and create responsible leaders.
Today, more than two billion people lack access to the most basic things--clean drinking water, adequate sanitation, reliable passage to local markets and more. EWB-USA’s vision is a world in which the communities they serve have the capacity to sustainably meet their basic human needs.
At its core, EWB-USA’s model is rooted in practical and sustainable engineering solutions. In order to be successful, EWB-USA considers the socio-cultural dimensions of the community, local project ownership and other requirements for long-term sustainability. EWB-USA programs are full partnerships with a host community and one or more local non-governmental organizations. EWB-USA members work alongside local community members to successfully build, maintain and monitor each project. EWB-USA members are in remote corners of the world right now working hard to make EWB-USA’s vision a reality.
EWB-USA’s vision is ambitious but achievable and everyone has an important role to play--including you. Every contribution to their cause helps EWB-USA engineer a better world. Visit www.ewb-usa.org to learn more and get involved.
CAUSE AREAS
WHEN
WHERE
This is a Virtual Opportunity with no fixed address.
DATE POSTED
October 27, 2016
SKILLS
- Resource Development / Management
- Product Development
- Mechanical Engineering
GOOD FOR
N/A
REQUIREMENTS
- Must be at least 28
- Orientation or Training
- 2 years
- Project Management experience (5+ years), Mechanical Engineering (5+ years), EWB-USA member