Wonder Phakathi
Richards Bay
Summary
Experienced Software Engineer with a demonstrated history of working in the industrial automation industry. Skilled in Object Oriented Programming (C, C++ & Visual Basics), PLC programming, Databases Management, Industrial Network, MES Solutions and SCADA systems. Strong engineering professional with a National Diploma focused on Computer Systems Engineering from Tshwane University of Technology. I have successfully delivered end-to-end automation solutions, IT/OT integration projects, and passionate about advancing industrial automation through intelligent data-driven solutions. I am continuously exploring new ways to optimize control environments, enhance predictive maintenance, and enable Industrial IoT adoption in complex operational landscapes.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
Work History
Specialist OT/G2
Rio Tinto - Richards Bay Minerals
09.2022 - Current
- Manage real-time data infrastructure, ensuring seamless historian data acquisition, visualization, and reporting across IT/OT domains.
- Maintain Process automation and alarm management solutions
- Provide expert-level troubleshooting and support for process control systems, ensuring system stability, compliance, and optimization.
- Lead digital transformation initiatives, integrating IIoT solutions, predictive analytics, and advanced control strategies to enhance operational efficiency.
- Oversee licensing, system upgrades, and cybersecurity risk assessments for critical industrial applications
- Implement robust change management process for all software modifications
- Manage Gensym Expert systems
Senior Systems Engineer
Sumitomo Rubber Industries
01.2022 - 08.2022
- Managed MES integration projects, aligning real-time production data with enterprise-level reporting and analytics.
- Implemented automated reporting solutions, leveraging SQL queries and SSRS for production performance tracking.
- Provided training and technical mentorship to plant operators and automation teams on SCADA/HMI interfaces
Control Systems Engineer
PCS Global
07.2018 - 12.2021
- Developed and Commissioned PLC/SCADA-based control systems for clients predominantly in Mining, Food and Bev, Manufacturing, Water and Water waste processing plants.
- Control philosophy document writing, Functional design specifications, and system validation protocols.
- Integrated cross-vendor automation platforms, ensuring seamless interoperability between Wonderware, Siemens, and Schneider systems.
- Leading onsite control project commissioning, operator training, and post-implementation support to ensure optimal system performance.
- Developing reporting and analytics dashboards, enhancing plant visibility and operational decision-making
Automation Engineer
Systems Anywhere
05.2015 - 05.2018
- Provided PLC/SCADA troubleshooting, maintenance, and optimization services for clients in the food & beverage and manufacturing sectors.
- Developed custom SCADA interfaces and alarm management strategies, improving plant fault detection and response times.
- Onsite preventive maintenance visits, ensuring high system availability and minimizing production downtime.
Junior Systems Engineer
Business Connexion
02.2013 - 04.2015
- Electrical Panel building
- Electrical Panel wiring
- Instrument Installation & calibration
- VSD wiring and Installation
- Introduction to PLC & SCADA solutions
Education
Certificate - Project Management
Rhodes Business School
Rhodes Business School02-2025
Diploma - Computer Systems Engineering
Tshwane University Of Technology
Pretoria, South Africa07-2015
Skills
- Control System Architecture & Engineering
- Industrial Network & Data Infrastructure
- Process Automation & Optimization
- Project Management & Technical Leadership
- Software Development & Industrial Data Analytics
Accomplishments
- Adroit Smart UI
- Siemens ST-7PRO1
- Siemens - PROFIBUS in process automation
- Schneider Telemetry systems
- Schneider - EcoStruxure Control Expert Programming
- AVEVA System Platform Suite: Version (,2014,2017 & 2023)
- GE iFix 11 Fundamentals
- Richards Bay Minerals Superintendent Leadership Programme
Courses Attended :
Projects Completed
Project : Gas Monitoring Telemetry System
Site : Zimplats - Zimbabwe
Role : Control System Engineer
Performed Task(s):
- Control Philosophy Documenting
- HMI/SCADA Engineering
- Modbus TCP PLC Integration
- Internal FAT
Technology Use :
- Siemens TIA Portal 15
- WinCC
Project : Automated Traffic Light System
Site : South32 - Klipspruit Colliery
Role : Control System Engineer
Tasks Performed:
Designing and commissioning a priority-based control system for mine haul road safety optimization.
Technology Use:
- Siemens TIA Portal
- WinCC
Project : AVEVA System Platform Upgrade from version 2012 to 2020
Site : South32 - Klipspruit Colliery
Role : Control System Engineer
Performed Task(s):
- Plant modelling
- Application objects creation and deployment
- OPC topic setup and testing
- Plant visualization development
- Licensing
- Conducting FAT (Factory Acceptance Test)
- Commissioning both PLC program and SCADA application
- Post Commission support
Technology Use :
- AVEVA System Platform 2020
- Siemens TIA Portal
- AVEVA Operational Interface Drivers
Project : AVEVA SCADA Migration
Site : Arusha Breweries - Tanzania
Role : Control System Engineer
Performed Task(s):
- Section system migration
- Water treatment plant program modifications
- IO Testing
- Commissioning both PLC program and SCADA application
- Post Commission support
Technology Use :
- Wonderware System Platform 2014
- Siemens Step 7
Project : Reflux Classifier Modular Plant
Site : Sibanye Still Waters - FLSmidth & Linhleko Group
Role : Control System Engineer for P2E Consulting
Performed Task(s):
- Onsite Commissioning Engineer
- Control Program updates
- SCADA visuals updates
- 24/7 Remote Support
Technology Use :
- Siemens Step 7
- FLSmidth in-house developed SCADA
Project : Flotation Cells & Milling Plant Upgrade
Site : Sibanye Waters - PMR Site
Role : Control System Engineer
Performed Task(s):
- Evaluating, Correcting HMI Errors and Warnings
- Ensuring That the Clients Standards Were Implemented Correctly Within the Control Program
- Ensuring That the Control Program Functioned as Per the Clients Control Philosophy
- Ensuring That Interlocks and Permissive Functions as Specified
Technology Use :
- GE Proficity & Cimplicity Scada
- Factory Talk RS Logix 5000
Project : Bauxite Crushing Plant
Site : MMD Africa - Guinea Boke
Role : Control System Engineer
Performed Task(s):
- Onsite commissioning engineer
- HMI/SCADA Engineering
- Functional Design specs documentation
- Control Philosophy review
Technology Use :
- Siemens Step 7
- AVEVA InTouch 2020
- FLOW software
Project : MES/MHS Final product Integration
Site : South African Mint Company
Role : Automation Engineer
Performed Task(s):
- Application objects creation and deployment
- OPC topic setup and testing
- Conducting FAT (Factory Acceptance Test)
- Writing Functional design documentation
- Writing Operating Manuals documentation
- Conducting Operator Training
- SQL query scripting
Technology Use :
- AVEVA Skelta BPM (MES application)
- AVEVA System Platform 2014
- TOPserver 5.6
- Microsoft SQL 2016
Project : Fermenting Plant - Green Field Project
Site : Distell - Springs Site
Role : Technician
Performed Task(s):
- Electrical Panel building
- Electrical Panel wiring
- Instrument Installation & calibration
- VSD wiring and Installation
Technology Use :
- Dan foss VSD
- ifm ASi
Timeline
Specialist OT/G2
Rio Tinto - Richards Bay Minerals
09.2022 - Current
Senior Systems Engineer
Sumitomo Rubber Industries
01.2022 - 08.2022
Control Systems Engineer
PCS Global
07.2018 - 12.2021
Automation Engineer
Systems Anywhere
05.2015 - 05.2018
Junior Systems Engineer
Business Connexion
02.2013 - 04.2015
Certificate - Project Management
Rhodes Business School
Diploma - Computer Systems Engineering
Tshwane University Of Technology
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