Audio and visual technologies, The cloud and AI
Takudzwa M S Chikowore
Broadcast And Systems Engineer
Johannesburg
Summary
Insightful IT professional with 8+ years’ experience in service management and supporting critical systems in broadcast environments. Specialized in Windows Server, Active Directory, virtualization (Hyper-V, VMware), and hybrid cloud (Azure, AWS). Skilled in networking, endpoint management, automation, and IT asset lifecycle planning. I streamline operations using low-code tools and enhance helpdesk performance through monitoring and automation, improving security, scalability, and user productivity.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
4
4
years of post-secondary education
3
3
Certificates
2
2
Languages
Work History
Broadcast and IT systems engineer
Wildearth Productions
12.2023 - Current
- I manage end-to-end channel playout using Cinergy, ensuring accurate scheduling and uninterrupted broadcast delivery, while maintaining and troubleshooting a range of broadcast equipment to prevent downtime and ensure high-quality signal output. My responsibilities include monitoring and managing network infrastructure to resolve connectivity issues and optimize performance, as well as providing server support through updates, tuning, and routine maintenance of critical systems. I resolve technical support tickets within SLA timeframes, helping maintain service reliability across operations. I also organize and manage digital media content through YouTube Studio, ensuring timely and strategic publishing. Using Grafana, I monitor system and network health in real-time to proactively address issues, and I develop automated workflows that streamline broadcast processes, enhance reliability, and support scalability.
Senior Technician
TLRS private limited
02.2022 - 11.2023
- My responsibilities included end-to-end management of Point-of-Sale (POS) systems, including installation, configuration, and ongoing support for hardware and peripherals across retail environments. I provided comprehensive desktop support across Windows, Linux, and macOS platforms, resolving hardware and software issues, deploying images, and maintaining endpoint security. I handled network troubleshooting, including the configuration and diagnostics of managed switches, routers, and wireless access points, ensuring stable and secure connectivity across multiple sites. I was actively involved in hardware rollouts and server installations, including rack-mounting, cable management, and OS deployments. As a Windows System Administrator, I managed Active Directory objects, group policies, user provisioning, and permissions, as well as system updates and patch management. I worked within defined SLA frameworks, prioritizing and resolving incidents and service requests with strong documentation and escalation processes. I also administered Microsoft SQL Server databases, including basic query execution, backup scheduling, and performance monitoring. Additionally, I created and managed virtual machines using Hyper-V and VMware, supporting test environments and production workloads.
IT Support Technician
Kuyana Media
01.2017 - 12.2021
- Responsibilities included desktop and office peripheral support, Adobe license management for creatives, office administration, network troubleshooting, hardware maintenance, acquisition of new hardware, and testing and implementation of new software.
Education
BSc - Chemistry with minor in Geographical information systems
Pretoria University
01.2017 - 12.2020
Skills
Windows Servers
Accomplishments
- Retail Infrastructure Upgrade: Played a key role in upgrading 3–5 servers per week to Windows Server 2019 and 2022 across the SouthRand retail region, covering SPAR, TOPS, and Build it stores—enhancing performance and reliability.
- Broadcast Innovation: Part of a team that successfully integrated Starlink into the broadcast system workflow, improving connectivity and enabling more resilient and mobile live production capabilities.
- Large-Scale IT Support: Provided end-to-end IT support for one of South Africa’s largest distribution centers, ensuring high availability of systems and secure operations.
- Rapid Patch Deployment: Successfully implemented Windows 10 security patches and system upgrades across more than 50 SPAR and TOPS stores in record time—boosting endpoint security and compliance across the retail network.
Certification
SQL Fundamentsl
Interests
Timeline
Cloud Computing Fundamentals
04-2024
Broadcast and IT systems engineer
Wildearth Productions
12.2023 - Current
Senior Technician
TLRS private limited
02.2022 - 11.2023
Introduction to python
05-2020
SQL Fundamentsl
03-2020
IT Support Technician
Kuyana Media
01.2017 - 12.2021
BSc - Chemistry with minor in Geographical information systems
Pretoria University
01.2017 - 12.2020
Languages
English
Bilingual or Proficient (C2)
shona
Bilingual or Proficient (C2)
References
Available upon request
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