Yasteer Hariram

Graduate Mechanical Engineer with a Bachelor of Science in Engineering (Mechanical Engineering) from the University of KwaZulu-Natal and registered as an ECSA Candidate Engineer (Mechanical). Possesses a strong academic foundation complemented by practical engineering exposure within an industrial processing environment, where experience was gained in plant operations, maintenance support, process optimisation, engineering design improvements, technical documentation and safety compliance. Demonstrated ability to apply engineering principles to real-world challenges through research, design and analytical projects, including the development of an omnidirectional wind turbine and the investigation of aluminium tube-in-tube energy absorbers under impact loading.

Passionate about mechanical design, manufacturing processes, maintenance engineering and continuous improvement, with strong proficiency in CAD technologies, engineering analysis and data-driven problem solving. A highly motivated, analytical and detail-oriented engineering professional with a strong commitment to innovation, continuous learning and professional development. Combines technical competence with excellent communication, teamwork and leadership skills developed through engineering projects, industrial exposure and extracurricular leadership programmes.

Proficient in SolidWorks, AutoCAD, Autodesk Revit, ANSYS, Python and Pandas, with an expanding understanding of artificial intelligence technologies and their application within modern engineering environments.

Engineering Vacation Intern at ILLOVO SUGAR SOUTH AFRICA – MEREBANK DISTILLERY (2020-04 – 2024-11)

Completed practical engineering training over multiple university vacation periods within the Engineering Department of a large-scale industrial distillery, gaining valuable exposure to manufacturing operations, plant maintenance, engineering design, process improvement, asset management and health and safety practices.

• Completed 12 weeks of structured industrial engineering experience across multiple vacation periods.
• Contributed to the redesign of chemical transfer piping systems and product transfer pump layouts to improve operational efficiency and plant functionality.
• Assisted in updating engineering drawings and maintenance documentation, improving the accuracy of technical records.
• Supported plant maintenance activities while gaining practical exposure to preventative and corrective maintenance procedures.
• Conduct plant inspections to understand manufacturing processes and equipment operation.
• Support mechanical engineering activities within the Engineering Department.
• Assist with engineering design improvements and plant modification projects.
• Analyse existing plant systems and identify opportunities for operational improvement.
• Participate in hazard identification and engineering risk assessments.
• Assist with the redesign of chemical transfer pipelines and pumping systems.
• Update engineering drawings, technical documentation and maintenance records.
• Support preventative and corrective maintenance activities on mechanical equipment.
• Work closely with maintenance planners and engineering personnel to improve asset reliability.
• Perform equipment inspections and verify engineering documentation.
• Assist with equipment labelling and plant asset identification.
• Support engineering compliance with health, safety and environmental requirements.
• Maintain accurate engineering records and project documentation.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to support operational objectives.
• Apply engineering principles to practical industrial challenges while adhering to engineering standards and best practices.

Engineering Intern at ZAI CONSULTANTS (2018)

Completed an introductory engineering internship within a multidisciplinary consulting environment, gaining exposure to architectural design, civil engineering, mechanical engineering and Building Information Modelling (BIM).

• Shadow mechanical, civil and architectural engineering professionals.
• Assist with engineering and architectural design activities.
• Support the preparation and review of engineering drawings.
• Develop basic Autodesk Revit modelling skills.
• Observe multidisciplinary project coordination processes.
• Assist with technical documentation and drawing reviews.
• Gain exposure to engineering project planning and design workflows.
• Participate in engineering discussions and technical meetings.
• Learn engineering drafting standards and industry best practices.
• Support general office and engineering administration functions.

Bachelor of Science in Engineering in Mechanical Engineering – University of KwaZulu-Natal (2026)

National Senior Certificate – Durban High School