NAHO TSHIKALANGE
Vanderbiljpark
Summary
Experienced Maintenance Engineer specializing in preventative and corrective maintenance. Managed complex machinery installations and implemented fault-finding techniques to enhance equipment longevity. Streamlined maintenance processes while ensuring compliance with safety standards and OHS regulations.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
9
9
years of post-secondary education
1
1
Certification
Work History
Mechanical engineer
Research Square Engineering
Somerset West
09.2025 - Current
- Executed Direct Air Capture (DAC) engineering projects, ensuring compliance with European design standards and industrial best practices.
- Developed 3D models, assemblies, and detailed engineering drawings, facilitating fabrication and manufacturing processes.
- Selected storage silos for bulk material handling applications, integrating structural and mechanical design considerations to optimize functionality.
- Developed configurable bucket elevator models in Autodesk Inventor, significantly reducing redesign and adjustment time for different project configurations.
- Performed lifting lug calculations and lifting studies to ensure safe handling and installation of heavy equipment.
- Conducted bolt calculations for seismic loading conditions in compliance with applicable engineering standards.
- Collaborated on multidisciplinary engineering solutions focused on manufacturability, safety, and reliability.
Mechanical engineer
Arcelormittal
Vanderbiljpark
01.2022 - 09.2025
- Installed the deflection wheel on the Flexowell charging system - a task not done in over 10 years - significantly extending belt lifespan.
- Designed a Venturi-based dust cleaning machine to effectively remove dust and improve environmental cleanliness in the plant.
- Developed an air knife system to reduce fume pollution at the cast house, enhancing workplace safety.
- Engineered chutes for sinter discharge bins to improve material flow and reduce blockages.
- Resolved weighing equipment issues by designing and installing adjusting rods.
- Skilled in preventative maintenance, root cause analysis, and CAD-driven plant upgrades.
- Registered Candidate Engineer with ECSA.
- Appointed FPS champion for Working at Heights.
- Experienced in maintenance, design, and project management in a heavy industrial environment.
Junior Mechanical Engineer
Route Management-Bloemfontein
Germiston
01.2021 - 12.2021
- Created chemical tanker design, one of the largest manufactured by company, approved by professional engineer.
- Designed dish polishing machine for workshop operations, enhancing quality of finished products.
- Prepared and released detailed engineering drawings.
- Developed jigs for mass production of trailer parts, streamlining production process.
- Performed quality checks on trailers and components to ensure compliance with standards.
- Delivered time studies and KPI reports to senior management.
Education
BEng - Mechanical
University of Pretoria
Pretoria 02.2016 - 01.2020
Matric -
Suiderlig High school
Vanderbijlpark 01.2010 - 01.2015
Skills
- Mechanical design and drafting
- Mechanical systems integration
- Heavy industrial maintenance
- Plant reliability
- Project planning
- Project execution
- Project commissioning
- Equipment upgrades
- System improvements
- Process optimization
- Production efficiency improvements
- Root cause analysis
- Preventative maintenance
- Documentation
- Analytical skills
- Team coordination skills
- Communication skills
Certification
- Golden Key
- BEng Mechanical Degree
- Basic welding courses
- National Senior Certificate
- ECSA
Websites Portfolios And Profiles
https://www.linkedin.com/in/naho-tshikalange-265b09168/
Achievements And Awards
- 01/01/2018, Golden Key Award (Top 15% of Engineering School with an average of 67.83%)
- 01/01/2015, Best Female Chess Player in High School
- Designed and Implemented a Dish Polisher
- Turning point tutor recognition awards
Languages
English
Upper Intermediate
B2
Timeline
Mechanical engineer
Research Square Engineering
09.2025 - Current
Mechanical engineer
Arcelormittal
01.2022 - 09.2025
Junior Mechanical Engineer
Route Management-Bloemfontein
01.2021 - 12.2021
BEng - Mechanical
University of Pretoria
02.2016 - 01.2020
Matric -
Suiderlig High school
01.2010 - 01.2015