Thobeka Mshibe

Results-driven Chemical Engineer with over four years of progressive experience spanning laboratory science, project engineering, and process technology. Demonstrated ability to optimise industrial processes, manage engineering projects end-to-end, and deliver data-driven solutions in high-demand manufacturing and water treatment environments. Adept at cross-functional collaboration, technical reporting, and applying engineering principles to solve complex operational challenges.

Chemical Engineer Graduate – Process Technology at PFG Building Glass (2025-08 – Present)

• Perform daily fault finding and identification across the Float Bath and Annealing Lehr, including microscope-based thin section analysis and documented handover reporting to standby technicians.
• Utilise plant MIS systems (Antares, SMQF, IRIS, Historian) to monitor process trends, track quality defects, and support root cause analysis of production issues.
• Conduct routine audits and inspections of the Bath and Lehr against SOPs, process control standards, and SCADA/controller feedback parameters.
• Apply working theory of Bath, Lehr, and Furnace systems — including tin bath atmosphere control, annealing process and heat transfer, and abnormal/emergency condition response — to troubleshoot process deviations.
• Carry out Statistical Quality Control (SQC) testing, including baby powder testing, edge lighting/SIM inspection, thickness measurement, and dish, bow, and edge defect assessment, to monitor glass ribbon quality.
• Compile monthly performance reports, investigation findings, and feedback reports on production and customer-raised quality issues, implementing corrective actions.
• Draft and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), work instructions, and risk assessments for Bath and Lehr operations.

Junior Project Engineer at Acumen Group (2023-01 – 2023-08)

• Prepared, scheduled, coordinated, and monitored assigned engineering projects from initiation to closeout.
• Monitored compliance with applicable codes, QA/QC policies, performance standards, and specifications.
• Served as the primary client liaison, interpreting requirements and representing client interests on-site.
• Maintained overall project quality control (budget, schedule, plans, and personnel) with regular status reporting.
• Led and assigned responsibilities to service teams for Chlorine Dioxide Dosing Unit installations.
• Reviewed engineering deliverables and initiated appropriate corrective actions.
• Compiled and maintained site-specific service reports and a data library for water application sites.
• Provided monthly SLA summaries including audit feedback and improvement recommendations.

Laboratory Technician at Acumen Group (2021-03 – 2022-12)

• Executed water and wastewater laboratory tests including conductivity, TSS, TDS, alkalinity, COD, BOD, chlorine, fluoride, E. coli, SRB, yeast, and mould analyses.
• Performed chlorine dioxide demand tests on untreated water samples.
• Manufactured and packaged COD vials, titration test kits, and laboratory chemical solutions.
• Generated client quotes, invoices, and prepared orders; received purchase orders and signed picking slips.
• Contributed to Chlorine Dioxide R&D, performing experiments and analysing data to support new product development.
• Conducted jar tests to identify optimal coagulant/flocculant treatments and compiled comprehensive client reports.
• Collected, labelled, and analysed samples; generated Certificates of Analysis (COAs).
• Maintained, cleaned, and recalibrated laboratory equipment in accordance with safety protocols.

BEng in Chemical Engineering – Stellenbosch University (2020)