Clapton Pillay
@claptonpillay
Experienced civil engineer specializing in railway maintenance and project management.
What I'm looking for
I am a dedicated civil engineer with over 16 years of experience in railway maintenance and project management. My career has spanned various roles, including Junior Site Engineer, Civil Engineering Technician, and Railway Maintenance Manager, where I have honed my skills in managing complex projects and leading teams to success. My educational background includes a BSc Honours in Civil Engineering, complemented by numerous certifications in project management and railway engineering.
Throughout my career, I have successfully managed multi-million dollar projects, ensuring that all engineering works meet the highest standards of quality and safety. My role at Bombela Operating Company involved overseeing the maintenance of the Gautrain Rapid Rail link, where I implemented strategic maintenance plans that significantly improved asset reliability. I am passionate about leveraging my technical expertise to drive innovation and efficiency in railway systems.
Experience
Work history, roles, and key accomplishments
Project Manager (Qatar Rail Metro & Tram Civil Assets)
Facilities Management & Maintenance Company (FMM)
Sep 2024 - Present (10 months)
Manages all resources for Qatar Rail Metro and Tram system Civil Maintenance Works, including planning and execution of preventative maintenance for tunnels, bridges, viaducts, and drainage systems. Leads a team of engineers and technicians, develops repair methods, and manages projects according to PMBOK areas.
Project Manager (Qatar Rail Metro & Tram Civil Assets)
Facilities Management & Maintenance Company
Sep 2024 - Present (10 months)
Currently serving as Project Manager for Qatar Rail Metro & Tram Civil Assets, I manage all resources for civil maintenance works, including planning and executing preventative maintenance for tunnels, bridges, and drainage systems. I lead a team of engineers and technicians, conduct site inspections, and develop repair methods for civil defects with minimal impact on passengers and the railway sy
Railway Maintenance Manager
Bombela Operating Company
Jan 2019 - Sep 2024 (5 years 8 months)
Managed all railway maintenance activities for the Gautrain Rapid Rail link, ensuring system reliability and adherence to performance indicators. Reviewed and developed preventative maintenance manuals, determined root causes of failures, and managed the entire Rolling Stock Fleet Maintenance and overhaul programs. Led technical and safety audits, developed asset management specifications, and man
Railway Maintenance Manager
Bombela Operating Company
Jan 2019 - Sep 2024 (5 years 8 months)
As Railway Maintenance Manager for the Gautrain Rapid Rail link, I managed all railway asset maintenance activities, ensuring system reliability and performance. I reviewed and developed preventative maintenance manuals, determined technical root causes for failures, and managed the entire Gautrain Rolling Stock Fleet Maintenance. I also led technical and safety audits of railway maintenance activ
Civil Engineering Manager
Transnet Freight Rail
Aug 2013 - Dec 2018 (5 years 4 months)
As a Civil Engineering Manager, I managed and led track infrastructure projects for Transnet, overseeing maintenance and capital projects averaging R200 million annually. I conducted condition assessments, cost estimating, and designed various civil engineering structures. My role also involved managing 25 direct and 90 indirect subordinates for railway maintenance and construction projects.
Junior Site Engineer
Group 5 Construction
Jan 2008 - Dec 2008 (11 months)
Employed as a Junior Site Engineer, I was part of the construction team for the Durban 2010 World Cup Stadium. My responsibilities included quality control, on-site supervision of civil and structural engineering works, and managing safety aspects. I also assisted with updating drawings, amending project schedules, and preparing Bills of Quantities.
Civil Engineering Manager
Transnet Freight Rail - RME
Aug 2013 - Dec 2018 (5 years 4 months)
Managed and led track infrastructure projects, overseeing an average of R200 million in maintenance and capital projects annually. Directed design and construction teams, developed preventative maintenance plans, and managed project lifecycles using NEC3 contracts. Identified new business areas for road to rail migration, developing technical and operational requirements for business cases.
Civil Engineering Technician
Transnet Freight Rail
Feb 2009 - Aug 2013 (4 years 6 months)
As a Civil Engineering Technician in the Track Technology department, I focused on railway research and development, providing technical support for the countrywide rail network. I developed new technologies, conducted asset condition measurements, and designed geometric alignments for railway tracks. I also managed various research and construction projects from initiation to close-out.
Civil Engineering Technician
Transnet Freight Rail
Feb 2009 - Aug 2013 (4 years 6 months)
Conducted research and development in civil and railway systems, providing technical support and developing new technologies and maintenance methods for the rail network. Performed geometric alignment design, asset condition measurements, and data analysis to inform track maintenance plans. Led technical research projects and managed various railway construction initiatives from initiation to clos
Junior Site Engineer
Group 5 Construction
Jan 2008 - Dec 2008 (11 months)
Served as a junior site engineer for the Durban 2010 World Cup Stadium construction, overseeing quality control and on-site supervision of civil and structural engineering works. Managed site safety, updated "As Built" drawings, and assisted with project schedules, Bills of Quantities, and payment claims.
Education
Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework
University of Pretoria
BSc Honours (Applied Science), Civil Engineering, Transportation Planning
Earned a BSc Honours (Applied Science) in Civil Engineering with a specialization in Transportation Planning from the University of Pretoria, qualifying with distinction. This advanced degree provided in-depth knowledge in transportation infrastructure and planning.
Meadowlands Secondary School
Grade 12, General Studies
Completed secondary education at Meadowlands Secondary School, achieving a Grade 12 qualification. This foundational education prepared for further studies in engineering.
Durban University of Technology
National Diploma, Civil Engineering
Obtained a National Diploma in Civil Engineering from Durban University of Technology. This program provided a strong foundation in civil engineering principles and practices.
Vaal University of Technology
B-Tech, Civil Engineering
Completed a B-Tech in Civil Engineering at Vaal University of Technology. This advanced diploma deepened knowledge in civil engineering, building upon the national diploma.
University of Pretoria
Programme in Project Management, Project Management
Successfully completed a Programme in Project Management with distinction at the University of Pretoria. This program focused on essential project management methodologies and practices.
University of Pretoria
BSc Honours, Civil Engineering, Transportation Planning
Earned a BSc Honours in Civil Engineering with a specialization in Transportation Planning from the University of Pretoria, qualifying with distinction. Recognized as a member of the Golden Key International Honour Society for excellent results, placing in the top 5% of the Engineering Faculty.
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