Instrumentation Superintendent - Sibanye-Stillwater - Vulcania, Brakpan
(2013-06 - 2023-09)
During the period of 2014 to 2023, I grew both as a manager and his technical ability continued. I was promoted to Instrumentation Superintendent. My responsibility included design of instrumentation systems, network and complex electronics. My technical responsibility involved the following tasks.
- Collaborated with team members to achieve target results.
- Managed complaints with calm, clear communication and problem-solving.
- Maintained clean, safe working environments to eliminate accident risks.
- Engaged with customers to better understand needs and deliver excellent service.
- Identified issues, analysed information and provided solutions to problems.
- Built and maintained courteous and effective working relationships.
- Handled customer concerns and escalated major issues to supervisor.
- Resolved customer queries and problems using effective communication and providing step-by-step solutions.
- Enhanced working relationships by participating in team-building activities.
- Actively listened to customers to fully understand requests and address concerns.
- Demonstrated consistent hard work and dedication to achieve results and improve operations.
- Trained and mentored employees to maximise team performance.
- Met schedule using excellent planning and coordination skills.
- Promoted safe working environment by implementing regulatory standards, policies and guidelines.
- Developed team communications and information for meetings.
- Prepared range of written communications, documents and reports.
Snr/Instrumentation Technician - Lonmin (Western Platinum Refinery) - Vulcania, Brakpan
(2004-06 - 2010-06)
I was promoted to instrument technician from 2004 to 2010, and further promoted to senior instrument technician from 2010 to 2013. As a technician, I started doing the tasks mentioned below.
- Performed diagnostic tests on instrumentation devices to identify faults and executed timely corrective actions.
- Installed, calibrated, and maintained a wide range of instrumentation equipment to support production processes.
- Configured electronic equipment by operating control panels, dials or buttons to achieve desired functionality.
- Collaborated with maintenance teams in diagnosing and fixing faults in electronic equipment using troubleshooting skills.
- Devised installation methods by reading technical documents and surveying installation sites to understand requirements.
- Implemented preventive maintenance schedules to reduce the likelihood of unforeseen equipment failures.
- Monitored compliance with health and safety regulations during maintenance procedures to ensure a safe working environment.
- Participated in root cause analysis meetings following equipment failures to prevent recurrence of issues.
- Completed equipment assembly by aligning and fastening components and finishing wired connections between different parts.
- Updated technical documentation, including wiring diagrams and operation manuals, to support maintenance activities.
- Facilitated communication between production and maintenance teams to ensure alignment on priorities and schedules.
- Managed inventory of spare parts and tools, ensuring availability of essential items for critical repairs.
- Coordinated with external contractors and suppliers to facilitate the repair and upgrade of instrumentation systems.
- Gathered and reviewed data from sensors and reporting systems for diagnosis and troubleshooting electronics malfunctions and failures.
- Conducted routine and emergency repairs on electronic systems to minimise downtime in operations.
- Compiled detailed maintenance reports, documenting all service work and recommendations for future improvements.
- Provided technical support to project teams during the design and installation stages of new equipment.
- Oversaw the decommissioning and disposal of outdated or obsolete instrumentation in accordance with environmental standards.
Experiential Learner - Lonmin (Western Platinum Refinery) - Vulcania, Brakpan, South Africa
(2002-11 - 2004-06)
During the period from 2002 to 2004, I was part of the experiential learners at the company. I would then assist the instrument technician with repairs and maintenance of electronic equipment and instrumentation. I was also trained on how small power circuits work, which included distribution boards for lighting and plugs. Other tasks that I performed during that period included.
- Maintenance of temperature measurement devices, such as RTDs and thermocouples.
- Maintenance of I/P converters for control valves.
- Maintained clean, safe working environments to eliminate accident risks.
- Repair and overhaul of control valves, seats, stems, etc.
- Connection of power system circuits for 24VDC and 110VDC systems.
- System troubleshooting and hardware problem resolution.
- Carrying out repair and maintenance on instrumentation.
- Support production operations.
