John Raphoto
Rabie ridge Ext 1
Summary
Established RF engineer in Industrialisation with extensive experience in analyzing technical engineering products, systems and subsystems. Focuses on developing innovative methodologies and techniques to assist with antenna test optimisation, support, design, development and implementation of products and systems.
I bring 19 years of experience and full knowledge of all RF and Electronic Engineering and practices to ensure success in the execution of high level engineering field. I have worked extensively on RF antennas, soldering equipment, oscilloscopes, Network analyzer, spectrum analyzer, crimping tools, signal test generators and microprocessors. I have analyzed and diagnosed problems with various RF antenna PCB s, industrial cables, pneumatic tools, and digital communication systems. My knowledge extends to the reading of schematic drawings and wiring diagrams. I also have full knowledge of RF and digital/ Electronics theory and can apply this knowledge in areas of troubleshooting, diagnosis, prototyping, repair, and installation. I have managed to built complex antenna setup in the test range, calibrated them in the an-echoic chamber and processed captured data using the Matlab software. I have also reworked and modified PCBs and optimized newly designed antennas for desired performance. I have further offered support to testing antennas to foster repeatability in the test setup.
Overview
7
7
Languages
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
RF Engineer in Industrialisation
Alaris Antennas
Pretoria
12.2024 - Current
- Conducted research in radio frequency engineering to understand new technologies.
- Authored technical reports on RF system deployments, offering insights and recommendations for future enhancements.
- Led troubleshooting efforts on Antenna systems, identifying and rectifying complex issues to minimise downtime.
- Delivered training sessions on antenna test setup to junior staff, fostering a culture of continuous learning and development.
- Installed and tested RF cables for proper functioning.
- Maintained equipment in good working order, making repairs and replacing necessary parts.
- Managed inventory of RF components, ensuring availability of critical parts for urgent engineering projects.
- Trained staff on proper use and maintenance of test equipment.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to integrate RF systems into broader network architectures, enhancing overall efficiency.
- Determined appropriate type of RF cables and arrangement of DF antenna Cal at the field.
- Developed and optimised antenna setup for enhanced communication system performance, adhering to industry standards.
- Spearheaded the DF antenna CAL, contributing to organisational goals for sustainability.
- Used Matlab to test and analyse DF antenna data.
- Analysed designs to determine safety and sustainability code requirements.
- Adhered to health and safety regulations by wearing protective equipment and using equipment properly.
- Streamlined antenna testing procedures, cutting costs without compromising on quality or accuracy.
- Carried out investigations, identifying antenna setup problems and fixing issues.
- Gained strong understanding of DF antenna communication systems to carry out high quality workmanship.
- Repaired and installed antennas to transmit or receive radio signals.
- Conducted comprehensive field tests on RF equipment, analysing results to improve signal quality.
- Performed meticulous quality assurance checks on RF equipment, upholding high standards for reliability and performance.
R&D Electronic and RF technologist at
Alaris Antennas
Pretoria
01.2021 - 12.2024
- Prototype built
- Prototype Optimization
- Fault-finding
- Test range equipment setup
- Chamber test equipment setup
- Antenna tests in the anechoic chamber
- Antenna Calibration at the test range
- Antenna data processing
- Production assistance in troubleshooting
- Acceptance test procedure
- PCB cutting machine setup
- PCB cutting for prototypes
- Control PCB programming.
- Set up equipment to test and verify functionality and performance.
- Performed diagnostics and troubleshooting to evaluate equipment performance and increase reliability.
- Used bolts, screws and speed clips to assemble parts based on job requirements.
- Monitored all parts and devices used on each service call to maintain proper documentation and enable stock replacement.
- Interpreted manuals and manufacturer instructions to assemble, install and troubleshoot devices.
- Read and translated test results to improve quality and standards.
- Prepared operational reports to update supervisors with developments.
- Set up and operated R&D equipment safely to meet current good manufacturing practices and SOPs.
- Comprehended functionality of Antenna to improve quality across project planning and delivery.
- Established maintenance plans and oversaw repair work to maintain productivity.
- Communicated product and machine failure details to address and resolve root causes.
- Prepared operational reports to update manager with Antenna calibration and test development.
- Control PCB design for commutator switch.
Electronic technician
Alaris Antennas
01.2016 - 01.2021
- Assembling various antennas, soldering some micro components on pc boards
- PCB assembly
- Cable assembly
- Using oscilloscope to test some waves on the electronic circuits
- Using schematics to ensure quality on the material from supplier
- Fault finding on some DF antennas (RMA's)
- Ensure that only quality product leaves my hands all the time
- Electronic, digital and RF fault finding
- PCB rework, repairs, and modification
- Advanced soldering and de-soldering
- Serial number programming
- Microchip programming (firmware)
- PCB and antenna testing
- Voltage standing wave ratio testing (network analyser)
- Noise measurement (Spectrum analyser).
Antenna Assembler/Technician
Alaris Antennas
01.2012 - 01.2016
- Assembling various antennas, soldering some micro components on PCBs
- Modified components to adjust specifications and reduce assembly errors.
- Measured parts to precisely fit components and conform to set parameters.
- Studied parts to identify and segregate defects, recording findings.
- Aligned materials and integrated parts to construct complex units.
- Completed hand-finishing of final products to prepare for final inspection and distribution.
- Boxed, labelled and moved items to insert proper documentation and safeguard items.
- Utilised presses machine to irreversibly connect components or parts, applying pressure.
- Kept workstation tidy to comply with health and safety and cleanliness standards.
- Read and interpreted diagrams, blueprints and schematics to follow proper instructions in assembly process.
- Collaborated with line group to divide tasks and assemble products before target deadlines.
- Documented production quantities and time to maintain accurate and consistent records.
- PCB assembly
- Cable assembly
- Using oscilloscope to test some waves on the electronic circuits
- Using schematics to ensure quality on the material from supplier
- Fault finding on some DF antennas (RMA's)
- Ensure that only quality product leaves my hands all the time
- Electronic, digital and RF fault finding
- PCB rework, repairs, and modification
- Advanced soldering and de-soldering
- Serial number programming
- Microchip programming (firmware)
- PCB and antenna testing
- Voltage standing wave ratio testing (network analyser)
- Noise measurement (Spectrum analyser).
Antenna Assembler/technician
Radiant Antennas
01.2007 - 08.2012
- Responsible for assembling different antennas, soldering components on pc boards, fault finding, calibrating the network analyse, Performing pre-tests
- RF cable assembly
- Assembling different connectors
- Ensuring quality on every work I do.
Education
Bachelor of Engineering Honors in Electronic - Engineering
University of South Africa
Pretoria 2026 - Current
Advanced diploma(NQF level 7) In Electronic - Engineering
University of South Africa
Pretoria, GP01-2024
National Diploma in - Electronic and communication Engineering
University of South Africa
Pretoria, GP2019
N4 - Electrical Engineering
Tshwane North College
Pretoria, GP2006
Skills
Good:
- MATLAB
- Circuit cam
- Altium
- EasyEDA
Excellent:
- Attention to details
- Problem-solving abilities
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Interpersonal
- Excellent communication
- Diagnostic procedures
- Equipment management
- Effective communication
- Analytical thinking
Custom Section
Listening to Music, Reading
Languages
English
Proficient
C2
Xhosa
Upper Intermediate
B2
Afrikaans
Elementary
A2
Zulu
Intermediate
B1
Tswana
Upper Intermediate
B2
Pedi
Upper Intermediate
B2
Southern Sotho
Proficient
C2
Hobbies and interests
- Sports
- movies
- TV games
- Brain-exercising games
- Reading
- Music
- Vacation
- Outdoor games
- Hiking
Personal Information
- Date of birth: 08/12/1983
- Gender: Male
- Marital status: Married
References
- Kalinka Faul, former manager (Former Alaris Antennas), 0836572228
- TJ Phiri, Team lead (Alaris Antennas), 0812542302
- Gareth Wooding, Chief Engineer (Alaris Antennas), 0833245633
- Deon Smit, (SAAB),0824680893
Accomplishments
- Recognized by management for Antenna calibration at the test range, leading to increased delivery time.
- Promotion from R&D Technologist to RF engineer in Industrialisation.
- Recognized by management for reliability on projects prototyping, testing and data processing.
- Worked directly with senior engineers to develop and calibrate complex antennas.
- Advanced from [production technician] to [R&D technician] quickly as result of [problem solving ability] and [skills improvement] achievements.
Timeline
RF Engineer in Industrialisation
Alaris Antennas
12.2024 - Current
R&D Electronic and RF technologist at
Alaris Antennas
01.2021 - 12.2024
Electronic technician
Alaris Antennas
01.2016 - 01.2021
Antenna Assembler/Technician
Alaris Antennas
01.2012 - 01.2016
Antenna Assembler/technician
Radiant Antennas
01.2007 - 08.2012
Advanced diploma(NQF level 7) In Electronic - Engineering
University of South Africa
Bachelor of Engineering Honors in Electronic - Engineering
University of South Africa
2026 - Current
National Diploma in - Electronic and communication Engineering
University of South Africa
N4 - Electrical Engineering
Tshwane North College