Thandiwe Mnisi

I am an Electrical Engineering graduate currently pursuing an Honours degree in Engineering Technology at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology. Experienced in technical operations, system integration, data analysis, engineering research, and project support through roles at F'SATI, Maverick Technologies, Astrofica Technologies, and SHAST Technologies. Skilled in working within multidisciplinary environments, supporting complex engineering projects, troubleshooting technical challenges, and delivering data-driven solutions.

My academic and professional experience spans satellite communications, Earth Observation systems, RF engineering, and advanced technology applications, complemented by practical exposure to system deployment, technical support, and operational processes. I have authored and presented IEEE conference papers, demonstrating strong analytical, research, and technical communication abilities. I was selected to represent the Southern African region at the ESA–AfSA Space Systems Engineering Workshop in Belgium, I have gained valuable international exposure and experience collaborating with engineers from across Africa and Europe.

I am passionate about applying engineering principles to solve real-world challenges, continuously developing my technical expertise, and contributing to innovative, sustainable, and technology-driven industries.

Technical Operations, System Integration & Data Processing Intern at MAVERICK TECHNOLOGIES (2025-01 – Present)

• Support technical operations, system integration and data processing for Earth Observation (EO), AIS and data-driven systems.
• Assist with hardware, software and cloud system setup, configuration, maintenance, deployments, updates and monitoring.
• Provide first-line technical support, troubleshoot system issues and report faults, anomalies, risks and inefficiencies.
• Support EO, SAR, optical imagery and AIS data infrastructure, including data ingestion pipelines and data-flow monitoring.
• Maintain operational records, basic system documentation, backup procedures, data protection and cybersecurity best practices.
• Provide remote and on-site support for installations, presentations, meetings and project engagements.

Graduate Engineering Trainee - Electrical & Space Systems Engineering at FRENCH SOUTH AFRICAN INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY - ASIC (2025-01 – 2025-12)

• Supporting the development and testing of satellite communication subsystems, including RF link budget analysis and system simulations.
• Contributing to academic publications and conference preparations, including IEEE conference papers on CubeSat communications.
• Collaborating with postgraduate researchers and engineers on real-time problem-solving and prototype testing.
• Conducting technical research in satellite networking and AIS signal processing for maritime domain awareness.

Junior Satellite Application Analyst (Intern) at ASTROFICA TECHNOLOGIES (2024-01 – 2025-12)

• Supported proposal writing and project documentation aligned with national space priorities.
• Contributed to the development and testing of Earth Observation applications.
• Assisted in processing satellite imagery for environmental monitoring and urban development.
• Participated in team discussions on data-driven insights using remote sensing technologies.

Electrical Engineering Intern at SHAST TECHNOLOGIES (2022-01 – 2024-12)

• Managed office paperwork, filing and documentation.
• Supported day-to-day administrative tasks and internal communication.
• Supported logistical coordination for technical fieldwork and client services.

Honours of Electrical Engineering in Electrical Engineering – Cape Peninsula University of Technology (2026-02)

Bachelor of Electrical Engineering Technology in Electrical Engineering Technology – Cape Peninsula University of Technology (2022-01 – 2025-12)

National Diploma in Electrical Engineering (Partially Completed) in Electrical Engineering – Cape Peninsula University of Technology (2019-01 – 2020-12)