Antonie L.

Experience

• Mechanical Engineer Weir Minerals · Full-time Mar 2023 – Present 2 yrs 9 mos Venlo, LI, Netherlands Experience at Weir Minerals Venlo (03/2023 – Present)
  Role: Mechanical Engineer – R&D Support for GEHO Pumps
  
  Key Responsibilities:
  🔹 Full-cycle design management – from concept to final engineering documentation
  🔹 3D modeling & design development using Siemens NX
  🔹 Hand calculations & FEA simulations to ensure structural integrity & compliance with industry standards
  🔹 Component selection & Bill of Materials (BOM) compilation based on efficiency, cost, and availability
  🔹 Design change management – preparing and presenting design modifications for approval
  🔹 Collaboration with manufacturing & operations teams to troubleshoot and optimize production processes
  🔹 Technical documentation & reporting to maintain up-to-date design records
  
  This role focuses on R&D support for GEHO Pumps, requiring critical thinking, precision engineering, and problem-solving skills to enhance product performance and reliability.
• Senior Mechanical Engineer PR Trailers Manufacturing · Full-time Jan 2019 – Feb 2023 4 yrs 1 mos Kempton Park, GP, South Africa 🔹 Full-cycle design management – from client concept discussions to final engineering documentation
  🔹 3D modeling & design development using SolidWorks
  🔹 Hand calculations & FEA simulations to ensure compliance with legislated design standards
  🔹 Component selection & Bill of Materials (BOM) compilation, optimizing efficiency, cost, and availability
  🔹 Design change management – preparing and presenting design modifications for approval
  🔹 Collaboration with manufacturing & operations teams to resolve technical challenges and optimize production processes
  🔹 Technical documentation & reporting to maintain up-to-date design records
  🔹 Supplier relationship management – liaising with third-party suppliers to optimize cost, quality, and lead times
  🔹 Supporting repair teams with structural assessments and step-by-step repair methodologies for heavy transport equipment
  
  This role required a strong understanding of mechanical design principles, problem-solving skills, and hands-on collaboration with clients and production teams to develop high-performance heavy transport solutions.
  
  Achievements:
  ✅ Designed PR Manufacturing’s first 6.1m x 12.2m Super Link Tautliner/Curtain Sider with a class-leading 36.5-tonne payload
  ✅ Developed a new fully aluminum top rail/curtain rail system, improving durability and reducing weight
  ✅ Designed the company’s first link side tipper with an 18-tonne payload per link
• Mechanical Design Engineer Orcin Projects · Full-time Jan 2017 – Dec 2018 1 yrs 11 mos Kempton Park, GP, South Africa Experience at Orcin Projects (01/2017 – 12/2018)
  Role: Mechanical Design Engineer – Consulting & Specialized Design
  
  Key Responsibilities:
  🔹 Full-cycle design management – from concept to final manufacturing
  🔹 3D CAD modeling & drafting using SolidWorks & AutoCAD
  🔹 Product design & engineering calculations – including tolerance studies, weld sequencing, and structural analysis
  🔹 Finite Element Analysis (FEA) & Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) for structural and fluid systems
  🔹 Client management – engaging directly with customers to determine project specifications, budgets, and requirements
  🔹 Design & outsourcing of manufacturing – working with suppliers to ensure quality production
  🔹 Technical documentation & reports – including lifting proposals, stress analysis, and thermal analysis
  
  Key Projects & Achievements:
  ✅ Designed an 80-ton electrical house (17m x 5m x 5m), including full structural calculations for wind loads and lifting logistics
  ✅ Developed detailed step-by-step manufacturing manuals to support the production team
  ✅ Successfully completed design, approval, and installation within budget and in just 4 months
  
  At Orcin Projects, you worked on specialized engineering solutions, combining structural design, simulations, and project management to deliver high-quality products.
• Junior Mechanical Design Engineer TFM Industries Engineering · Full-time Jun 2016 – Jan 2017 7 mos Olifantsfontein, GP, South Africa Experience at TFM Industries Engineering (06/2016 – 01/2017)
  Role: Junior Mechanical Design Engineer – Military & Specialized Vehicle Design
  
  Key Responsibilities:
  🔹 Concept & product design for military vehicles, cash transit vehicles, and small trailers
  🔹 3D modeling & development using SolidWorks & AutoCAD
  🔹 Manufacturing & fabrication support – assisting with design improvements & production feasibility
  🔹 Technical drawing creation – including CAD drawings & manufacturing blueprints
  🔹 Assisting in calculations for structural integrity, weight distribution, and material strength
  🔹 Collaborating with the drawing office to refine and optimize designs
  
  Key Contributions & Experience Gained:
  ✅ Gained hands-on experience in military-grade vehicle design & armored structures
  ✅ Assisted in developing and optimizing small utility trailers for specialized applications
  ✅ Supported manufacturing teams with fabrication techniques & assembly processes
  
  At TFM Industries, you honed your mechanical design skills in the defense and transportation sectors, working on armored vehicles, structural components, and trailer systems.
• Mechanical Engineering Intern Afrit Engineering & Sigma Wear Parts · Internship Jun 2015 – May 2016 11 mos Akasia, GP, South Africa Experience at Afrit Engineering & Sigma Wear Parts (06/2015 – 05/2016)
  Role: Mechanical Engineering Intern – Heavy Transport & Manufacturing
  
  Key Responsibilities:
  🔹 Research & process optimization – improving machine operations & manufacturing workflows
  🔹 Concept & product design – working on 3D modeling & system development using CAD software
  🔹 Designing & commissioning mechanical systems for heavy transport vehicles
  🔹 Hands-on manufacturing experience – including measuring techniques, fabrication, and assembly
  🔹 Technical drawing & CAD drafting – supporting engineers with design documentation
  🔹 Basic & advanced machining training – working with lathes, milling machines, grinding, and sheet metal fabrication
  🔹 Welding experience – Oxyacetylene, Arc, TIG, and MIG welding
  🔹 Electrical training – circuit diagram interpretation, measuring & testing instruments
  
  Key Experience Gained:
  ✅ Developed strong CAD & 3D modeling skills for transport equipment design
  ✅ Learned precision machining & fabrication techniques
  ✅ Gained real-world engineering problem-solving skills in a manufacturing environment
  
  During your internship at Afrit, you gained foundational mechanical engineering experience, particularly in manufacturing, machining, and transport equipment design.