Open to opportunities

Carin Zvandasara

@carinzvandasara

Message

Early-career Mechanical & Mechatronics Engineer focused on manufacturing and sustainability.

Zimbabwe

Message

What I'm looking for

I am seeking a manufacturing or production engineering role in a forward-thinking company focused on sustainable practices, hands-on improvement projects, and growth into technical leadership.

I am an early-career Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineer with hands-on experience in manufacturing, machining, and production engineering, and ongoing graduate study in engineering education. I have completed internships in biodiesel and manufacturing plants and supported academic programs at the University of Cape Town.

I have pursued professional development in operational leadership, sustainable manufacturing, product lifecycle management and Net Zero strategy, applying these in sustainability consulting and fellowship programs. I have practical skills in machining, assembly, CAD design and materials processing combined with computational tools like MATLAB, Python and C++.

I thrive in collaborative environments where I turn complex technical problems into clear, efficient solutions, and I seek roles where I can contribute to manufacturing improvements, sustainable engineering practices, and continuous learning and leadership development.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Mechanical Engineering Intern

Finealt Engineering

Nov 2024 - Dec 2024 (1 month)

Contributed to biodiesel plant revitalization through hands-on maintenance, machined precision shafts on lathe equipment, and assembled pumps, valves and gears to restore operational efficiency.

Machining Lathe Operation Pump And Valve Integration Troubleshooting Fabrication

Academic Tutor

University of Cape Town

Feb 2023 - Nov 2024 (1 year 9 months)

Delivered tutorials and practical sessions, served as Head Tutor for Social Infrastructure course overseeing course development and assessment, and improved student engagement and learning outcomes.

Teaching Assessment Design Public Speaking

Sustainability Consulting Fellow

OnePointFive

Jul 2024 - Aug 2024 (1 month)

Participated in an eight-week accelerator on Net Zero strategy, conducting GHG accounting, materiality assessments and transition planning for decarbonization projects.

GHG Accounting Materiality Assessments Sustainability Consulting Carbon Management

WomEng Fellow

WomEng Southern Africa Fellowship

Mar 2024 - Aug 2024 (5 months)

Completed a leadership and innovation program strengthening competencies in product design, teamwork, strategic networking and sustainable engineering practices.

Product & Design Leadership Teamwork Communication Professional Development

Peer Mentor

Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program

Feb 2023 - Nov 2023 (9 months)

Provided one-on-one academic mentorship and tailored guidance to scholars, improving engagement and academic performance through targeted support.

Mentoring Academic Support Communication Coaching Resource Navigation Student Engagement

Machining Intern

Dnieper Engineering

Jan 2021 - Mar 2021 (2 months)

Gained hands-on machining experience producing precision components for tobacco processing equipment, and analysed power distribution and drying systems to inform operational improvements.

Machining Material Removal Processes Problem Solving Quality Control

Fabrication Intern

Claws Fabrication and Engineering

Jun 2019 - Jul 2019 (1 month)

Performed electric arc and gas welding on fabrication projects including boiler frames and biofuel plant components, enhancing workshop collaboration and technical communication.

Welding Fabrication Technical Communication Team Collaboration Assembly

Education

Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework

University of Cape Town

Master of Philosophy, Engineering Education (Mechanical Engineering)

2024 -

Pursuing an MPhil in Engineering Education (Mechanical Engineering), with expected graduation in March 2026.

University of Cape Town

Bachelor of Science in Engineering, Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering

Activities and societies: UCT Plus Gold and Bronze awards; Phambili Programme Peer Advisor; ACTS Kolbe Catholic Students Society program facilitation; Orientation Leader for Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment

Bachelor of Science in Engineering (Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering) with leadership and peer-advising roles and UCT Plus recognitions.

Arundel School

GCE, General Certificate of Education (IGCSE)

Activities and societies: Fisher Cup for Outstanding Contribution in Drama; three Honours at NIAA; performed at NIAA Honours Concert; Northern Central District Schools Award

Completed GCE with outstanding academic and extracurricular achievements, including eight IGSCE A grades and awards for drama and NIAA honours.

Hochschule Düsseldorf - University of Applied Sciences

German Masters Exchange (study abroad), Mechanical/Process Engineering (exchange)

2025 - 2025

Activities and societies: Coursework: Heat and Mass Transfer in Two-Phase Flows; Cement Production Process Engineering; Industrial Services Marketing & Business Development; International Technical Sales Management

Participated in a German masters exchange program including advanced coursework in heat and mass transfer and industrial process engineering.