Autodesk Inventor
Maleta Mpholo
Senior Mechanical Engineer
Kempton Park,GP
Summary
Senior Mechanical Engineer with 10+ years of experience delivering high-value water and
wastewater treatment projects across Africa. Expert in leading full project lifecycles from concept
through commissioning for systems exceeding R60M. Strong leadership in multidisciplinary
coordination, mechanical design, and system optimisation for RO, UF, and desalination
technologies.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
3
3
Languages
Work History
Senior Mechanical Engineer
WEC Water
11.2024 - Current
- Lead the mechanical design and development of water and wastewater treatment systems, including pump stations, pipelines, pressure vessels, and treatment equipment.
- Oversee the preparation and review of detailed engineering designs, drawings, specifications, and technical documentation to ensure compliance with industry standards and project requirements.
- Manage project execution from concept through commissioning, ensuring projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards.
- Provide technical leadership and mentorship to junior engineers and design teams, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and knowledge sharing.
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams (civil, electrical, process engineers) to ensure integrated and efficient system designs.
- Conduct feasibility studies, technical evaluations, and risk assessments for new and existing projects.
- Ensure compliance with applicable codes, standards, and regulations (e.g., SANS, ISO, environmental and safety standards).
- Interface with clients, contractors, and suppliers to support project delivery, resolve technical issues, and ensure alignment with specifications.
- Review and approve vendor designs, technical submittals, and equipment selections.
- Support procurement activities by preparing technical specifications, evaluating bids, and recommending selections.
- Monitor construction and installation activities, providing site support and resolving mechanical engineering issues.
- Lead commissioning activities, including testing, troubleshooting, and performance validation of mechanical systems.
- Drive innovation and optimization of treatment processes and mechanical systems to improve efficiency, reliability, and cost-effectiveness.
- Ensure adherence to health, safety, and environmental (HSE) requirements throughout all project phases.
- Prepare and present technical reports, project updates, and performance analyses to stakeholders and management.
- Industry: Water & Wastewater Treatment
- Period of Employment: November 2024 to date
Mechanical Design Engineer
Water & Waste Technology Southern Africa
06.2023 - 10.2024
- Design & engineered mechanical systems & components for water & wastewater treatment plants, including pump stations, screening systems, sludge handling units, & chemical dosing systems, ensuring compliance with applicable standards (e.g., SANS, ISO, & project specifications).
- Develop detailed 2D & 3D CAD models (e.g., AutoCAD, SolidWorks/Inventor) for plant layouts, piping systems, & equipment assemblies, improving design accuracy & reducing fabrication errors.
- Produce GA drawings, P&IDs, fabrication drawings, & civil interface drawings, ensuring seamless integration between mechanical, civil, & electrical disciplines.
- Perform mechanical design calculations & equipment sizing, including pumps (duty point selection), valves, piping sizing (flow/pressure loss analysis), & structural supports, ensuring optimal system performance & energy efficiency.
- Select & specified mechanical equipment such as pumps, blowers, valves, screens, tanks, & agitators based on process requirements, lifecycle cost, & supplier data sheets.
- Compile comprehensive technical RFQs & datasheets for bought-out equipment, clearly defining scope, specifications, QA/QC requirements, & commercial terms to support procurement.
- Evaluate supplier quotations through technical bid analysis (TBA), ensuring compliance with specifications, cost-effectiveness, & alignment with project timelines.
- Manage procurement of fabrication materials & mechanical components, coordinating with suppliers to ensure on-time delivery, budget adherence, & quality compliance.
- Supervise fabrication & workshop activities, ensuring adherence to engineering drawings, welding standards, tolerances, & QA/QC procedures.
- Coordinate & oversee mechanical installation & commissioning activities on-site, resolving design discrepancies, conducting inspections, & ensuring alignment with design intent & safety standards.
- Lead & coordinate subcontractors & multidisciplinary teams (civil, electrical, process engineers), ensuring effective communication, issue resolution, & timely project execution.
- Conduct site measurements, inspections, & troubleshooting to resolve engineering challenges & optimize system performance during installation & operation.
- Maintain continuous engagement with clients, consultants, & vendors, providing technical support, progress updates, & ensuring stakeholder satisfaction.
- Prepare & update as-built drawings & documentation, capturing all site changes & ensuring accurate records for operation, maintenance, & future upgrades.
- Apply health, safety, & environmental (HSE) standards throughout design & execution phases, ensuring compliance with regulatory & company requirements.
- Industry: Water & Wastewater Treatment
- Period of Employment: June 2023 to October 2024
Mechanical Design Engineer
Veolia Water Solutions & Technologies
03.2014 - 05.2023
- Designed & engineered mechanical systems for municipal & industrial water & wastewater treatment plants, including filtration systems, RO plants, UF systems, pump stations, sludge handling systems, & chemical dosing units, ensuring compliance with client specifications, SANS, ISO, & international water treatment standards.
- Developed & reviewed Process Flow Diagrams (PFDs) & Piping & Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs), ensuring process accuracy, operability, & alignment between mechanical & process design requirements.
- Created detailed 3D plant models & assemblies using CAD software (e.g., Autodesk Inventor), improving design visualization, clash detection, & installation planning.
- Produced high-quality general arrangement (GA), isometric, & fabrication drawings, including weld details, tolerances, & bill of materials (BOMs), enabling accurate manufacturing & site installation.
- Developed comprehensive engineering design data packs, including drawings, datasheets, calculations, & specifications, to support procurement, fabrication, & construction phases.
- Developed, maintained, & optimized the Autodesk Inventor Content Centre library, standardizing components & reducing design time while improving consistency across projects.
- Established & implemented mechanical design standards, procedures, & best practices in collaboration with multidisciplinary engineering teams & workshop management.
- Performed mechanical design calculations & equipment selection, including pumps, valves, piping systems (pressure drop & flow analysis), & structural supports, ensuring efficiency, reliability, & cost optimization.
- Prepared detailed technical RFQs, scope of work documents, & datasheets for mechanical equipment & subcontracted work packages.
- Conducted technical bid evaluations (TBE/TBA) & vendor assessments to ensure compliance with specifications, budget constraints, & project schedules.
- Managed mechanical subcontractors & suppliers, ensuring adherence to quality standards, delivery timelines, & contractual requirements.
- Developed & implemented Inspection Test Plans (ITPs) & compiled Quality Control (QC) data books, ensuring traceability & compliance with QA/QC procedures.
- Performed supplier & sub-contractor inspections, including outsourced fabrication works, ensuring conformance to drawings, welding procedures, & applicable codes.
- Participated in & supported Factory Acceptance Tests (FATs) & inspections, verifying equipment performance, functionality, & compliance prior to shipment.
- Coordinated & verified mechanical construction & installation activities on-site, conducting inspections & resolving technical issues to ensure alignment with approved designs.
- Prepared detailed Operation & Maintenance (O&M) manuals, ensuring proper system handover & long-term operational efficiency for clients.
- Led & participated in project kick-off meetings with clients, vendors, & subcontractors to align technical scope, deliverables, & execution strategies.
- Developed & maintained piping specifications, material selections, & design criteria in accordance with project requirements & industry standards.
- Provided technical support during tendering & project execution phases, contributing to solution optimization, cost reduction, & competitive bid development.
- Industry: Water & Wastewater Treatment
- Period of Employment: March 2014 to May 2023
Mechanical Engineer Trainee (P2)
Veolia Water Solutions & Technologies
08.2013 - 02.2014
- Supported project engineers in the planning, execution, & coordination of water & wastewater treatment projects, ensuring alignment with technical specifications, quality standards, & project schedules.
- Assisted in the procurement of mechanical equipment & components, including pumps, valves, piping systems, & instrumentation, ensuring compliance with technical requirements, budget constraints, & delivery timelines.
- Prepared & compiled detailed installation, operation, & maintenance (O&M) manuals, ensuring accurate documentation for system commissioning, operation, & long-term asset reliability.
- Conducted final quality inspections of fabricated plant assemblies, verifying dimensional accuracy, workmanship, & compliance with engineering drawings & specifications prior to dispatch to site.
- Participated in & supported Factory Acceptance Tests (FATs), assisting in functional testing, documentation of results, & verification of equipment performance against design criteria & client requirements.
- Assisted with the review of engineering drawings & documentation, including GA drawings & basic P&IDs, ensuring consistency & accuracy across project deliverables.
- Coordinated with suppliers & internal departments (engineering, procurement, workshop) to track equipment status & ensure on-time delivery & readiness for installation.
- Gained hands-on exposure to fabrication processes, welding standards, & QA/QC procedures, supporting compliance with industry & company quality requirements.
- Provided general technical & administrative support to project teams, contributing to efficient project delivery & documentation control.
- Industry: Water & Wastewater Treatment
- Period of Employment: August 2013 to February 2014
Mechanical Engineer Trainee (P1)
Pilot Crushtec International
01.2013 - 08.2013
- Assisted fitters & boilermakers in the assembly, installation, & maintenance of heavy-duty mechanical equipment, gaining hands-on experience in mining & crushing plant environments.
- Participated in the assembly, commissioning, & maintenance of static & mobile crushing equipment (e.g., jaw crushers, cone crushers, & screens), ensuring operational efficiency, reliability, & adherence to safety standards.
- Installed & connected hydraulic systems, including pumps, motors, cylinders, valves, & associated piping/hoses, ensuring correct pressure ratings, leak-free operation, & compliance with system design requirements.
- Assembled & aligned structural components & machine frames, ensuring dimensional accuracy, structural integrity, & compliance with engineering drawings & tolerances.
- Installed, lubricated, & maintained rolling element bearings, ensuring proper fitment, alignment, & optimal performance to minimize wear & prevent premature failure.
- Supported the installation & maintenance of conveyor systems, including rollers, idlers, pulleys, & drive systems, facilitating efficient bulk material handling operations.
- Assisted in performing preventative & corrective maintenance, identifying mechanical faults, replacing worn components, & contributing to reduced equipment downtime.
- Read & interpreted mechanical drawings & basic hydraulic schematics, ensuring accurate assembly & installation of components.
- Applied health, safety, & environmental (HSE) practices in workshop & site environments, ensuring compliance with company & industry safety standards.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams, gaining exposure to workshop fabrication, machining, & field service operations.
- Industry: Automation Machinery Manufacturing
- Period of Employment: January 2013 to August 2013
Education
BTech - Mechanical Engineering
University of South Africa
01-2019
Ndip - Mechanical Engineering
University of Johannesburg
01-2014
Skills
Engineering standards
Computer-aided design
Materials selection
Engineering calculations
Finite element analysis
Engineering drawings
Piping diagrams
AutoCAD proficient
Highly skilled in 3D and 2D CAD
Piping design
Work Availability
monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
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Accomplishments
- Resolved product issue through consumer testing.
Software
Autodesk Autocad
Autodesk Navisworks
Autodesk Nastran
Autodesk Vault
Timeline
Senior Mechanical Engineer
WEC Water
11.2024 - Current
Mechanical Design Engineer
Water & Waste Technology Southern Africa
06.2023 - 10.2024
Mechanical Design Engineer
Veolia Water Solutions & Technologies
03.2014 - 05.2023
Mechanical Engineer Trainee (P2)
Veolia Water Solutions & Technologies
08.2013 - 02.2014
Mechanical Engineer Trainee (P1)
Pilot Crushtec International
01.2013 - 08.2013
Ndip - Mechanical Engineering
University of Johannesburg
BTech - Mechanical Engineering
University of South Africa