AutoCAD
Daniel Mwago Maina
Engineering
Nairobi,30
Summary
Senior Mechatronic Engineer with 12+ years' experience in processing industries, energy systems, project management and plant optimization. Known for delivering practical engineering solutions that reduce costs and improve performance. Extensive experience managing engineering teams, leading multimillion-shilling projects, and implementing renewable energy and process automation solutions. Recognized with national awards for innovation and energy management excellence.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
2011
2011
years of post-secondary education
5
5
Certifications
2
2
Languages
Work History
Processing Manager
Agventure Ltd
08.2024 - 06.2025
- Company Overview: Oilseed Processing
- Led full scope of factory operations including planning, procurement, production scheduling, and execution.
- Implemented engineering and operational changes to improve processing efficiency, throughput and reduce losses.
- Worked closely with the engineering team to identify bottlenecks and redesign process flows for better productivity.
- Built and monitored annual budgets, ensuring efficient use of resources and achieving cost control targets.
- Developed control measures and SOPs to eliminate recurring losses in stock handling and processing.
- Ensured compliance with strict customer and audit requirements; drove alignment to global food safety and quality standards.
- Oilseed Processing
Assistant Engineering Manager
Sotik Tea Co. Ltd
08.2014 - 07.2024
- Managed engineering functions across two factories, overseeing mechanical, electrical, and civil operations.
- Led energy initiatives, including solar power plant O&M (1.7MW), energy audits, and energy-saving projects.
- Drove ISO 22000:2018 compliance as part of the Food Safety Committee, ensuring full certification standards were upheld.
- Developed preventive and condition-based maintenance plans, minimizing breakdowns and maximizing uptime.
- Handled project lifecycle from budgeting, technical design, procurement, to execution and commissioning.
- Supervised water treatment plants, distribution systems, effluent management and plant metering infrastructure.
- Trained and mentored technicians and operators in process understanding, safety, and technical troubleshooting.
- Spearheaded numerous successful energy projects including VFD installations, LED conversions, and dryer heat recovery.
- Developed comprehensive documentation on project requirements, designs, testing procedures, results analysis, ensuring clarity among team members at all phases of the project lifecycle.
- Led cross-functional teams to complete projects on time and within budget, ensuring client satisfaction.
Project Engineer – Renewable Energy
Schneider Electric EA
11.2012 - 07.2014
- Technical lead for large-scale solar PV systems (1MW+) from feasibility, design, costing to full implementation.
- Prepared technical documentation for tenders, system sizing, and design reports in collaboration with international partners.
- Supervised installation teams on site and ensured full project scope delivery and system commissioning.
- Handled client technical support and after-sales optimization of solar systems.
- Provided technical expertise throughout all phases of the project, ensuring accurate execution of designs and specifications.
- Maintained records for each project and engineering discipline.
- Monitored installation of materials and equipment for compliance with drawings and specifications.
Design Engineer
Plant Makers Ltd
08.2011 - 10.2012
- Supported design and drafting of electrical and mechanical systems including drainage, HVAC, and fire systems.
- Collaborated with architects and civil engineers in the layout and implementation of MEP solutions.
- Streamlined the design process for increased efficiency by utilizing advanced CAD software tools.
Engineering Attaché (Intern)
UNGA Ltd
03.2010 - 04.2010
- Performed mechanical and electrical preventive maintenance in a high-throughput food processing environment.
- Assisted in troubleshooting and repairs of plant equipment under supervision of senior engineers.
- Supported staff members in their daily tasks, reducing workload burden and allowing for increased focus on higher-priority assignments.
- Gained valuable experience working within a specific industry, applying learned concepts directly into relevant work situations.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Mechatronic Engineering
JKUAT
Kiambu, 13Skills
- Engineering & Maintenance Management
- Renewable Energy Project Implementation
- Energy Audits & Efficiency Strategy
- PLC
- VFD
- Industrial Automation
- Factory Operations Optimization
- CAPEX/OPEX Planning & Control
- Process Flow Engineering
- Quality & ISO Compliance (22000:2018)
- Cross-functional Team Leadership
Key Trainings
- ISO 22000:2018 Food Safety Management – Bureau Veritas
- Energy Management – Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM)
- Energy Logging and Balancing – Negawatt Ltd
- World Class Manufacturing – Kaizapp AG
- Solar System Design – Schneider Electric EA
- Rainforest Alliance Standard Training – SAN Kenya
Technical And Software Skills
- AutoCAD (Electrical/Mechanical), SolidWorks, Inventor
- PLC Programming – Siemens LOGO, S7
- Solar PV Sizing & Simulation Tools
- MS Project, Visual Studio, Microsoft Office Suite
- Power Quality Analysis Software
- Preventive Maintenance & Condition Monitoring Tools
Awards
- Energy Management Awards, 2018
- Best Newcomer
- Runner-up for Innovation
Accomplishments
- Sotik Tea Co. Ltd – Assistant Engineering Manager (Aug 2014 – Present)
- Reduced machinery downtime by over 75%, significantly increasing plant availability, reliability, and efficiency.
- Spearheaded the implementation of modern automation technologies in tea manufacturing processes.
- Successfully installed and managed combined 1.7MWp solar power plants, drastically reducing energy costs.
- Delivered multiple energy efficiency projects, helping achieve and exceed energy KPIs.
- Ensured consistent compliance with ISO 22000:2018 food safety standards as part of the Food Safety Committee. Schneider Electric EA – Project Engineer, Renewable Energy (Nov 2012 – Jul 2014)
- Led the design and execution of solar power projects exceeding 1MW, from feasibility to commissioning.
- Achieved a 15% increase in operational efficiency through innovative cost-saving solutions.
- Strengthened international partnerships through high-impact technical presentations and coordination.
- Successfully managed end-to-end renewable energy projects, maintaining timelines and quality. Plant Makers Ltd – Design Engineer (Aug 2011 – Oct 2012)
- Delivered custom electrical and mechanical system designs for complex residential and commercial projects.
- Earned client commendations for exceeding design expectations with tailored engineering solutions.
- Maintained full compliance with building code and safety regulations in all engineering designs. UNGA Ltd – Engineering Attaché (Mar – Jun 2010)
- Ensured smooth operations through preventive mechanical and electrical maintenance.
- Minimized plant downtime by proactively identifying and resolving faults in real time.
Affiliations
- Engineers Board of Kenya (EBK)
Registered Graduate Engineer – Registration No. B8706 - Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA)
Licensed Solar PV Technician T3 – License No. ERC/SPVT/00097 - Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM)
Training participant in Energy Management and Efficiency - Bureau Veritas
Training participant in ISO 22000:2018 Food Safety Management Systems - RainForest Alliance
Software
Autodesk Inventor
SolidWorks
Computer Aided Design/Manufacturing (CAD/CAM)
Siemens LOGO! Soft Comfort
Siemens TIA Portal / Step
VFD Software
Microsoft Project
Microsoft Office Suite
Solar PV Sizing Software
Power Quality Analysis Software
Energy Logging Tools
Microsoft Visual Studio
Basic Ladder Logic
Palladium
Sage
Kaizapp
Certification
Engineers Board of Kenya (EBK) – Reg. No. B8706
Interests
Renewable energy innovations & grid integration
Industrial automation & smart manufacturing (Industry 40)
Energy auditing and sustainability strategies
Mentorship and knowledge sharing within engineering teams
Agricultural technology and sustainable practices
DIY engineering projects and machine restoration
Outdoor adventure and nature exploration
Reading technical journals and energy economics articles
Additional Information
Referees available upon request.
Timeline
Processing Manager
Agventure Ltd
08.2024 - 06.2025
Assistant Engineering Manager
Sotik Tea Co. Ltd
08.2014 - 07.2024
Project Engineer – Renewable Energy
Schneider Electric EA
11.2012 - 07.2014
Design Engineer
Plant Makers Ltd
08.2011 - 10.2012
Engineering Attaché (Intern)
UNGA Ltd
03.2010 - 04.2010
Bachelor of Science - Mechatronic Engineering
JKUAT
Similar Profiles
Carl D. Hays IIICarl D. Hays III
Chief Executive Officer at Agventure TechChief Executive Officer at Agventure Tech
Humphrey Maina MHumphrey Maina M
Network and Programs Coordinator – MEL & Programs at Arigatou International – GNRCNetwork and Programs Coordinator – MEL & Programs at Arigatou International – GNRC
Rosalia NjugunaRosalia Njuguna
Airport Service Agent at Kenya AirwaysAirport Service Agent at Kenya Airways
Vallarie Nasike MuyandaVallarie Nasike Muyanda
Accounts Receivable Accountant at Seed Co KenyaAccounts Receivable Accountant at Seed Co Kenya
ANN KISALAGI SERENGEANN KISALAGI SERENGE
Customer Service Intern/Receptionist at Clique LimitedCustomer Service Intern/Receptionist at Clique Limited