Leonard Matake
Senior Electrical Engineer
Johannesburg,GP
Summary
-Technical Services Engineer with demonstrated expertise supporting business engineering activities and providing cross-functional technical support. Over 10 years of experience in technical projects management. Skilled in building and maintaining tools and processes to standardize work and improve efficiency.
-Versatile electrical engineer skillful in troubleshooting with top-notch repair knowledge and technical expertise. Accustomed to reviewing highly technical documentation to assess scope and develop repair strategy. Focused, reliable and results-driven with good safety records and attention to detail.
-Hardworking network planning/reliability engineer bringing 10+ years of experience performing diverse maintenance and repair duties. Dedicated to maintaining optimal equipment functionality by managing routine and complex equipment and facility matters. Strong knowledge of hand and power tool operation and safety measures.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Snr Technical Services Engineer
Eskom Holdings SOC, South Africa
07.2011 - Current
- Managing and directing electrical, civil, and mechanical construction projects. Overseeing the design, construction, testing and commissioning of MV & LV switchgear, Power Systems protection systems, MV & LV reticulation, Motors, Variable Speed Drives, SCADA systems, DC Battery Systems, UPS, Motor control Centres.
- Project reporting: Overseeing physical completion of projects and reporting on milestones.
- Project scheduling, budget planning and cost estimating (resources management):Contributing to successful project completions by serving as a reliable point of contact for technical expertise.
- Contracts management.
- Management of engineering contractors during project proposal and detailed design package development.
- Management of stakeholders to ensure alignment of objectives and compliance to scope.
- Supervision of contractors during construction to ensure work is executed safely, within budget and set timelines.
- Coaching, training and mentoring young engineers: successful onboarding of new team members by serving as a mentor and sharing technical knowledge, fostering an environment of growth and learning.
- Conducted risk assessments and site checks to meet compliance standards.
Snr Power Systems Reliability Engineer
Eskom Holdings SOC
12.2010 - 06.2011
- Real-time risk analysis for operating the Eskom Interconnected power system.
- Optimized the use of ancillary services at National Control centre.
- Optimized the operating costs of the South African Power System within acceptable security constrains.
- Provided engineering support in the field of Power Systems Operations.
- Trained junior engineers on reliability engineering practices, fostering a culture of continuous improvement within the team.
- Evaluated new technologies for potential implementation in existing systems, driving innovation and continuous improvement efforts.
- Provided technical advice to improve quality of engineering practices.
- Tested, identified and troubleshot problems with networks.
Network Planning Engineer
Eskom Holdings SOC
08.2008 - 11.2010
- Developed accurate network capacity planning models to ensure efficient resource allocation and utilization.
- Improved network performance by designing and implementing network infrastructure upgrades. Compiled engineering assumptions reports for large power users applications for supply.
- Mentored junior engineers in best practices for network design, configuration, troubleshooting, and documentation procedures.
- Conducted comprehensive network assessments to identify areas for improvement, recommending strategic solutions to boost system performance. Formulated regional network development plans (NDPs).
- Contributed valuable insights during strategy meetings aimed at improving current processes or adopting innovative technologies.
- Network Load forecasting using the Geographical load forecasting (GLF) tool.
Snr District Engineer
Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority (ZESA).
07.2004 - 03.2008
- Aligned district engineering goals with broader organizational objectives, ensuring a cohesive approach to infrastructure management and maintenance.
- Provided technical support to other departments, fostering inter-departmental collaboration for district-wide power network improvements.
- Enhanced district safety standards, conducting thorough inspections and addressing potential issues promptly.
- Projects and power system development activities which included upgrading of distribution equipment and replacement/refurbishments of aged equipment as part of an on-going strategic capital investment and performance improvement plan.
Section Electrical Engineer
Dairibord Zimbabwe Limited
08.2002 - 06.2004
- Designed effective planned and unplanned maintenance program's for electrical plant and equipment.
- Carried out equipment failure analysis and designed remedial measures to proactively prevent recurrent failures. Ensured production equipment availability and reliability (reduction of unplanned breakdowns)
- Developed comprehensive documentation for designs, including schematics, calculations, specifications, and reports for review by clients or regulatory agencies.
- Consistently met project deadlines by efficiently managing time and resources, ensuring timely completion of tasks.
- Provided technical support to colleagues on complex issues, assisting them in finding efficient solutions to problems.
- Established positive relationships with key stakeholders, including clients, contractors, and regulatory agencies, to facilitate project success.
- Performed regular inspections of facilities to assess the condition of electrical systems and recommend necessary upgrades or maintenance activities.
- Presented findings from research projects at professional conferences or workshops, contributing to knowledge-sharing within the field.
- Led training sessions for staff members on proper use of equipment or software tools related to electrical engineering projects.
- Mentored junior engineers, sharing technical expertise and providing guidance on best practices in the industry.
- Coordinated with contractors during construction phases to ensure proper execution of designs according to established specifications and plans.
- Ensured compliance with industry regulations, codes, and standards throughout all stages of product development.
Education
Master of Science - Electrical Engineering (Power & Energy Systems)
University of KwaZulu Natal
Durban, South Africa 04.2001 -
Bachelor of Science - Electrical, Electronics Engineering Technologies
University of Zimbabwe
Harare, Zimbabwe 04.2001 -
High School Diploma -
Goromonzi High School
Ruwa, Zimbabwe 04.2001 -
Skills
Customer Support
Computer Literacy (Ms Word, Ms Excel, Ms Powerpoint)
Power System Analysis -computer network simulation software such as Matlab, DigSilent Powerfactory, PSSE,)
Maintenance Planning & Asset management
Condition Monitoring (Infrared scanning etc)
Documentation Management
Root Cause Analysis
Auditing procedures
Problem-Solving of technical issues
Project Management
Professional & technical communication skills-Verbal and written communication
Technical Conference Presentations
Power system Capacity Planning (load forecasting, etc)
Hazard Identification & Risk Assessment
Site Inspections-Construction management
Quality Control
Work Planning and Prioritization
Good interpersonal skills
Affiliations
Engineering Council of South Africa.
South African Institute of Electrical Engineers.
Certification
Electrical Engineer's Certificate of Competency.
Playing Chess. Watching soccer. Camping and socializing.
I enjoy playing chess at intermediate level. I support local and international soccer teams. I mingle very well with people from diverse cultures.
Timeline
Electrical Engineer's Certificate of Competency.
11-2017
Snr Technical Services Engineer
Eskom Holdings SOC, South Africa
07.2011 - Current
Snr Power Systems Reliability Engineer
Eskom Holdings SOC
12.2010 - 06.2011
Network Planning Engineer
Eskom Holdings SOC
08.2008 - 11.2010
Snr District Engineer
Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority (ZESA).
07.2004 - 03.2008
Section Electrical Engineer
Dairibord Zimbabwe Limited
08.2002 - 06.2004
Master of Science - Electrical Engineering (Power & Energy Systems)
University of KwaZulu Natal
04.2001 -
Bachelor of Science - Electrical, Electronics Engineering Technologies
University of Zimbabwe
04.2001 -
High School Diploma -
Goromonzi High School
04.2001 -