Aphelele Tshelu

Detail-oriented Mechanical Engineering graduate with hands-on experience in production and quality assurance from internships at Ford Motor Company SA and Yanfeng Automotive Interiors. Proficient in root cause analysis, quality management systems, and implementing continuous improvement initiatives, having developed (piston head) repair standard, visual aids and reduced 60-70% daily shift scrap, promoting best product utilization and standards compliance, also achieving 50% reduction in quarterly expenses on equipment and maintaining high quality delivery record. Possessing strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills, ready to drive quality standards and enhance operational efficiency in engineering projects and leverage my skills in data analysis, reporting, and cross-functional collaboration to contribute to continuous improvement initiatives and ensure customer satisfaction.

Ready to contribute to a dynamic team and make a significant impact

Oversaw production floor operations, enforced and improved adherence to correct safety, quality practices, and kept workstations well organised by applying 5S principles across the shopfloor minimizing non-value-added activities.

Managed and updated quality tracking spreadsheets daily with latest defect metrics and closed up on recurring defects and product returns by conducting containment, root cause analysis and suggesting prevention measures, cutting the costs and time on reworking items.

Developed defects repair/ rework standards, process visual aids ensuring maximum product utilization and trained operators on correct process applications, helping to reduce about 60-70% piston daily scrap rates.

Managed the daily allocation and review of shift scrap assigned to responsible personnel, ensuring timely resolution through coordination with cross-functional teams and reviewed quick response action documents and job cards that captured the corrective measures and quick fixes applied to resolve issues and prevent recurrence, strengthening accountability and driving process efficiency

Maintained audit readiness, supported internal and external audits by ensuring documentation accuracy and regulatory compliance on the shopfloor.

Carried out timely verifications/ calibrations of tools and maintained 100% compliance to standard specification preventing deviation that would lead to non-conformities.

Inspected incoming parts quality, documented non-conformities and raised quality alerts across the shopfloor and to suppliers, ensuring 100% quality delivery with zero defects.

Engine components assembly (clutch, flywheel, water pump, crankshaft and harness)

Performed engine for oil leaks tests using ultraviolet light.

Cold and hot test running on engines to test performance under different load and running conditions.

Checking and verifying quality and safety check sheets and process parameter sheets

Built electric circuit, tested, troubleshooted and repaired pneumatic, hydraulic and single & three phase motor control systems.

Conducted teardown and alignment of pumps, gearboxes, assisting teardown and repairmen