Moloko Thabo Malotana
Junior Mechatronics Engineer
Pretoria
Summary
Junior Automation Engineer with hands-on experience in industrial automation, robotics, and system integration. Successfully commissioned two full-scale PSA systems: a CO₂ Scrubber PSA and a double dehydration PSA system, designing and programming the complete PLC and HMI solutions from scratch in Siemens TIA Portal, and building the control panels independently. Experienced in robotic production lines with KUKA robots, where I reduced downtime by maintaining and reprogramming welding and sealing systems. Skilled at system upgrades, including replacing legacy Mitsubishi HMIs with modern platforms, ensuring improved reliability and operator usability. Adept at delivering end-to-end automation solutions—from panel design and programming to on-site commissioning, troubleshooting, and client support—while ensuring projects meet quality, safety, and performance standards.
Overview
1
1
year of professional experience
2
2
Certifications
Work History
Junior Control System Engineer
Agora Automation
05.2025 - Current
- Programmed and commissioned PLC systems (Siemens, Delta, Omron, Allen-Bradley) for industrial automation projects.
- Developed and deployed HMI applications (Kinco, Siemens WinCC, Omron) to optimize operator control and monitoring.
- Designed, assembled, and wired industrial control panels, ensuring compliance with safety and quality standards.
- Executed system commissioning on-site, achieving successful start-ups and client sign-offs within project timelines.
- Conducted Factory Acceptance Tests (FATs) with clients, ensuring system performance met functional specifications.
- Performed maintenance, troubleshooting, and system upgrades, improving efficiency and reducing downtime.
- Delivered system integration solutions, seamlessly connecting PLCs, HMIs, and field devices into complete automation systems.
Graduate Electronic Engineer
IO Tech Manufacturing
09.2024 - 12.2024
- Designed an Automated Test Jig for Nemtek Connect Gateway products using Python and Raspberry Pi integration, improving production efficiency and reducing manual workload.
- Developed a Wireless Debug Tool with ESP32 modules, implementing MQTT and TCP/UDP protocols for field-deployed device diagnostics.
- Created electronic designs in Altium Designer, including schematic symbols, footprints, circuits, and PCB layouts, and prepared them for manufacturing.
- Implemented firmware in C/C++, enabling reliable data communication and remote debugging capabilities for embedded devices.
- Designed a Web User Interface for the Wireless Debug Tool using JavaScript, Preact, CSS, HTML, and REST APIs, enhancing usability and integration with backend systems.
- Optimized production workflows by automating repetitive testing processes, reducing human error, and improving throughput.
- Delivered a scalable testing solution, improving operational efficiency
- Strengthened field device troubleshooting through innovative debugging tools
Mechatronics Student
MA Automotive Tool & Die
07.2024 - 09.2024
- Monitored robotic production lines for BMW X3 assembly components, troubleshooting and resolving technical faults to maintain uptime.
- Performed maintenance on sealer robots, spot welding robots, friction welding robots, feeder machines, and plant communication networks.
- Diagnosed and resolved system issues using Siemens Simatic HMIs, ensuring continuous operation of production systems.
- Assisted in optimizing robotic line performance with KUKA robots, improving process efficiency.
- Programmed KUKA robots for path re-routing via Teach Pendant, under guidance from quality engineers, to enhance assembly precision and product quality.
Education
Bachelor of Engineering Technology - Mechatronic Engineering
Tshwane University of Technology
Pretoria, South Africa04.2024
Skills
- PLC Programming (Siemens, Allen Bradley, Omron, Delta)
- Panel Building
- System Troubleshooting and Maintenance
- Robotics (KUKA & ABB)
- AC/DC Drives and Servo Applications
- SCADA (WinCC, WinCC Flex, Kinco, Omron)
- HMI (Siemens)
- Programming Languages: Python, C/C, JavaScript, HTML, CSS
- CAD Tools: SolidWorks, Siemens NX, Autodesk Inventor
- Control Systems (MATLAB Simulink & Simscape)
- Altium Designer (Electronic Schematics Design, PCB Layout Design, Schematic Libraries, Schematic Footprints)
- Troubleshooting Electronic Boards using Measuring Equipment (Multimeters)
- Industrial Networks (Profibus & Profinet)
Certification
Jan 2024 Siemens Mechatronics Certification Program Assistant (SMCPA)
Timeline
Junior Control System Engineer
Agora Automation
05.2025 - Current
Graduate Electronic Engineer
IO Tech Manufacturing
09.2024 - 12.2024
Mechatronics Student
MA Automotive Tool & Die
07.2024 - 09.2024
Bachelor of Engineering Technology - Mechatronic Engineering
Tshwane University of Technology