Thobekani Maphosa
Maintenance Technician
Johannesburg
Summary
Professional with solid background in Electronics and Instrumentation technology, adept at troubleshooting, repairing, and maintaining electronic systems. Strong focus on team collaboration and achieving results. Known for adaptability to changing needs and reliability. Skilled in circuit analysis, soldering, and using diagnostic tools. Recognized for problem-solving abilities and effective communication.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Electrical and Instrumentation Technician
Pipetech Pty Ltd
Ekhurhuleni
02.2025 - 07.2025
- Resolved faults with the hardware or logic of Siemens S7-1500 PLCs that regulate the complete sequence of the machine.
- Finding and replacing malfunctioning sensors (such as proximity sensors and limit switches), and actuators (such as solenoid valves).
- Finding and replacing faulty temperature sensors, mostly type K thermocouples, and mechanical Bourdon and diaphragm pressure sensors.
- Using multimeters, oscilloscopes, and other diagnostic instruments, trace defects in safety circuits, motor control circuits, and power supply circuits.
- Overhauling and changing the bearings of screw motors, pump motors, extrusion motors, and pelletiser motors.
- Analyzed data from control systems to recommend adjustments for optimizing performance and reducing energy consumption.
- Reviewed and interpreted process and instrumentation diagrams (P&IDs) to guide troubleshooting and repair activities.
Electronics Technician
Glencarol PTY LTD
02.2020 - 01.2025
- Troubleshot and resolved equipment failures to reduce operational disruption.
- Monitored and tested equipment performance to diagnose and resolve problems.
- Reviewed and interpreted service manuals, specifications, wiring diagrams, and blueprints.
- Increased overall efficiency by installing, testing, and maintaining electronic devices and systems.
- Calibrated the color combi dyeing machine.
- Modified by wiring Lavatec drying machine in forward reverse
- Maintenance including overhauling and assembling of AC fan motors for knitting machines.
- Troubleshooting and repairing of SMD printed circuit boards for Lonati GL and GK Series, Bravo and Soosan knitting machines.
- Electrical installation and maintenance of Estas and Bentley Komet sock knitting machines.
- Maintenance and programming of Sysmac CQM1 Omron PLCs for Pressing machines
- Configuration of the Setex 237 controller and maintenance of Arel 504 controller for dyeing machines.
- Maintenance of the boiler house control panel.
- Installation of Pt 100 temperature sensors and proximity sensors for stop motions.
- Loading software and auto configuration of Lonati GL and GK machines.
- Calibration of metal detector machines following the instruction list.
Instrument Technician
Zimbabwe Fertiliser Company
04.2016 - 04.2018
- Installed, repaired and serviced instruments used to measure and control variables for temperature, pressure and level.
- Calibration of road and rail weigh bridges.
- Calibration of fertilizer bagging scales using standard weights.
- Ensured and maintained a healthy environment, safe operations and practices that conformed with the stipulated ISO standards: ISO 9001, 18001 and 14001 the Integrated Management System.
- Installation and maintenance of AC and DC motors and their accessories which included soft-starters and AC Drives.
- Overhauled and repaired pneumatic and motorized valves and power cylinders.
- Worked on weighing systems which included bagging machines, weigh bridges, belt weigher and batch weigher.
- Inspected instruments and test equipment periodically and adjusted calibration to ensure they are functioning within specified standards.
- .Troubleshooting and fault finding on locomotive control module cards and resetting them using the testing machine and following the standard procedure.
Instrumentation Apprentice
National Railways of Zimbabwe
04.2012 - 04.2016
- Learned proper and safe use and maintenance of power tools, hand tools and safety equipment.
- Observed experienced professionals in action, gaining valuable insights into best practices within the field.
- Built strong relationships with team members and supervisors, fostering a positive work environment.
- Servicing of measuring and indicating devices which include pressure gauges, temperature sensors, level gauges, flow sensors, speed, position, weight and electronic module cards.
- Servicing of final control elements which included valves, cylinders and positioners.
- Inspect and test operation of instruments and systems to diagnose faults using pneumatic, electrical and electronic testing devices.
- Calibrating instruments and testing equipment according to specified standards.
- Repairing and calibration of train speed recorders.
- Practical training in basic electrical principles including motor operation, house wiring, hard wiring of motor starters.
- Practical training and theory knowledge of PLCs ie the Klocknermoller, Siemens S5.
- Calibration of electronic speed sensors.
- Troubleshooting and fault finding on locomotive control module cards and resetting them using the testing machine.
Intern Instrument Technician
Zimbabwe Power Company
01.2015 - 12.2015
- Gained valuable experience working within a specific industry, applying learned concepts directly into relevant work situations.
- Contributed to a positive team environment by collaborating with fellow interns on group projects and presentations.
- Analyzed problems and worked with teams to develop solutions.
- Supported staff members in their daily tasks, reducing workload burden and allowing for increased focus on higher-priority assignments.
- Performed scheduled and planned installation and maintenance duties.
- Conducted preventive maintenance and troubleshooting of metering instruments.
- Calibration and maintenance of pressure gauges, pressure transmitters employing bourdon tubes and diaphragm capsules as sensing elements.
- Calibrated using dead weight testers and manometers.
- Worked with measurement of flow using Differential Pressure Transmitters, Turbine flow meters and venturi tubes.
- Maintenance of various measuring devices for level measurement, this included differential pressure method, vibrating fork sensors, capacitive sensors, sight glasses and float mechanisms.
- Maintenance and calibration of RTDs, PT 100 thermocouples.
- Servicing and maintenance of servo motors.
- Worked with communication protocols interfacing various field instrumentation e.g HART, RS232 and RS 435.
Education
Diploma - Electronic Engineering
Bulawayo Polytechnic
Bulawayo,ZimbabweNational Certificate - Instrumentation and Control
Bulawayo Polytechnic
Certificate of Skilled Worker Qualification -
Ministry of Industry, Training And Trade Testing
Skills
System Hardware Diagnostics
Pneumatic controls
Reliability engineering, maintenance performance and asset care
PLCs and VSD Knowledge, Industrial Networks
Instrument Calibration
Digital electronics
Equipment maintenance, equipment installation, testing and commissioning
Electrical safety
Soldering and wiring
Technical documentation
Instrumentation installation
References
Available on request.
Timeline
Electrical and Instrumentation Technician
Pipetech Pty Ltd
02.2025 - 07.2025
Electronics Technician
Glencarol PTY LTD
02.2020 - 01.2025
Instrument Technician
Zimbabwe Fertiliser Company
04.2016 - 04.2018
Intern Instrument Technician
Zimbabwe Power Company
01.2015 - 12.2015
Instrumentation Apprentice
National Railways of Zimbabwe
04.2012 - 04.2016
National Certificate - Instrumentation and Control
Bulawayo Polytechnic
Certificate of Skilled Worker Qualification -
Ministry of Industry, Training And Trade Testing
Diploma - Electronic Engineering
Bulawayo Polytechnic