Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Interests
Equipment Experience
Personal Information
Training
Timeline
Generic

Francois Wasserman

Control Technician
Midrand

Summary

Highly skilled professional with extensive experience in process control, software design, plant maintenance, fault finding, quality assurance, and plant management within a leading FMCG company. Renowned for outstanding engineering expertise and product utilization capabilities. Demonstrates over four years of proven expertise in product and process knowledge, including active participation in global forums. Flexible for local or international relocation and available to start immediately.

Overview

30
30
years of professional experience
1998
1998
years of post-secondary education
2
2
Certifications
2
2
Languages

Work History

Control Technician

Unilever
Boksburg
09.2015 - 04.2025
  • Program and commission PCS7 and other PLC projects onsite.
  • Maintain PLCs, SCADA systems, and networks, performing modifications as needed.
  • Setup and Maintain Servers with virtual machine configuration
  • Evaluate and improve process control philosophy to meet asset performance targets.
  • Implement continuous improvements on electronic equipment.
  • Assist in project commissioning and ensure proper documentation.
  • Manage spares availability and perform internal audits.
  • Conduct root cause analysis and calibration of process equipment.
  • Monitor downtime and develop corrective action plans.
  • Trained millwrights for succession planning.
  • Key support for process engineers and quality departments.
  • Provided training to junior technicians, fostering a team-oriented environment that promoted continuous skill development.
  • Maintained up-to-date knowledge of emerging trends and advancements in control systems technology, providing recommendations for future implementation opportunities.
  • Ensured compliance with industry regulations and internal guidelines through diligent inspection of control system installations during commissioning phases.
  • Implemented cost-saving initiatives by recommending upgrades or replacements for outdated or inefficient control systems components.
  • Evaluated vendor proposals for new equipment acquisition, providing technical expertise on compatibility with existing infrastructure.
  • Conducted detailed analyses of system failures, developing solutions that minimized future occurrences and improved overall productivity levels.
  • Reduced downtime by swiftly diagnosing and repairing control system malfunctions, ensuring minimal impact on operations.
  • Established a culture of continuous improvement by regularly soliciting feedback from operators and utilizing their input to optimize system performance and usability.
  • Performed routine calibration checks on instrumentation devices to maintain optimal accuracy and repeatability within established tolerances.
  • Increased workplace safety by identifying potential hazards within control systems and applying appropriate mitigation measures.
  • Improved process efficiency by conducting regular control system performance evaluations and maintenance.
  • Participated in root-cause analysis investigations following unexpected events or incidents involving process controls infrastructure.
  • Optimized energy usage by conducting thorough audits of control systems and implementing energy-saving measures.
  • Monitored channels for compliance with federal regulations and strict company rules.
  • Identified equipment issues and implemented troubleshooting techniques for resolution.

Senior Systems Engineer

Business Connexion
Boksburg
10.2011 - 08.2015
  • Delivered complete automation software project solutions.
  • Developed, documented, and maintained automation software.
  • Provided quotations for software changes and projects.
  • Supported instrumentation technicians and resolved process quality variances.
  • Completed projects on time and built strong client relationships.
  • Performed root cause analysis to provide resolutions for production issues.
  • Mentored junior engineers in advanced concepts, fostering professional development within the team.
  • Led successful system upgrades by creating detailed implementation plans and coordinating resources effectively.
  • Collaborated with cross-functional teams to deliver innovative solutions for business needs.

Process Analyst

British American Tobacco
Heidelberg
10.2006 - 09.2011
  • Managed staff, approval frameworks, and process specifications.
  • Provided analytical solutions to improve product quality.
  • Researched industry best practices to enhance processes.
  • Contributed to international forums on process standardization.
  • Increased tobacco utilization by 3%, saving R7 million.
  • Reduced tobacco waste by 1%, saving R14 million in 2010.
  • Identified alternative processes, saving R5 million.
  • Represented Africa and Middle East in global GTT forums.

Electronic Technician

British American Tobacco
Heidelberg
06.1998 - 11.2006
  • Developed and commissioned PLC, SCADA, and HMI control systems.
  • Performed maintenance and inspections on production equipment.
  • Trained technicians and updated equipment documentation.
  • Standardized electrical equipment with European suppliers.
  • Promoted to Process Analyst due to in-depth process knowledge.

Learning Technician

PMP (Division of DENEL)
Pretoria
07.1995 - 06.1996
  • Performed maintenance, PLC programming, and fault finding on machinery.

Education

National Diploma - Electrical (Process Instrumentation)

Technicon Pretoria

Grade 12 (Matric) - undefined

HTS Ligbron

Skills

  • PLC programming

  • SCADA systems

  • Control system design

  • Industrial Networking

  • Server and Virtual Servers

  • Electrical Diagram Design

  • Motor control circuits

  • Pneumatic controls

  • Control panel wiring

  • Electrical troubleshooting

  • Instrumentation calibration

  • Variable frequency drives

  • Process control optimization

  • Varias Fieldbus technology

  • Written and verbal communication

  • System maintenance

Certification

GIBBS Leadership Development Program

Interests

Golf
Fishing
Traveling

Equipment Experience

  • AS-Interface Devices
  • AC & DC Drives
  • Moisture Analyzers
  • Instrumentation (Pressure, Flow, Temperature)
  • Profibus/Profinet Networks
  • Steam and Pneumatics Equipment
  • Load Cells and Weighing Equipment

Personal Information

  • ID Number: 750728 5 086 085
  • Date of Birth: 07/28/75
  • Gender: Male
  • Nationality: South African
  • Driving License: Code EB (08)
  • Marital Status: Married

Training

  • Siemens PCS 7
  • SAP: Navigation - Getting Started
  • PRINCE2: Overview and Foundation Course
  • GIBS Leadership Development Study Blocks 1-3
  • ISO 9001 (2000): Internal Auditing
  • Emotional Intelligence
  • Diversity Workshop
  • Asset Management (Parts 1 & 2)
  • PLC Siemens Simatic S5/S7, Moeller, DX9100
  • Wonderware ArchestrA/Intouch Programming
  • Project Pulse Quality Training
  • Tobacco Utilisation

Timeline

Control Technician

Unilever
09.2015 - 04.2025

Senior Systems Engineer

Business Connexion
10.2011 - 08.2015

Process Analyst

British American Tobacco
10.2006 - 09.2011

Electronic Technician

British American Tobacco
06.1998 - 11.2006

Learning Technician

PMP (Division of DENEL)
07.1995 - 06.1996

Grade 12 (Matric) - undefined

HTS Ligbron

National Diploma - Electrical (Process Instrumentation)

Technicon Pretoria

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