Marco Da Silva

BEng - Mechanical Engineer

Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa

About

Marco qualified as a Mechanical Engineer after completing his degree in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Stellenbosch in November 2019. With 6 years of working experience in the engineering sector, specialising in product design and development, Marco appreciates a work environment where he will be exposed to all aspects of engineering and functional product design; where working in a dynamic team requires members to cooperate and support each other in achieving work objectives, allowing for personal development and an environment where he can apply his innovative and creative skillset to intricate and complex tasks.  He has a high interest in all aspects related to product; material selection, design and manufacturing and in general, thoroughly enjoys engineering. He continually develops his passion for product development in conjunction with 3D rapid prototyping to commission quality products in a short time frame. The ideal position which will appeal to Marco is one which offers him the opportunity to demonstrate his ability to design, where he can apply his sound knowledge of 3D CAD(Inventor), Finite Element Analysis, and where he can work hands-on and gain experience and learn from seasoned engineers.

Experience

  • Marine Engineer at Bad Company Fishing Charters
    Aug 2025 - Dec 2025 · 5 mos

    Engineer (Refit Project – Temporary Contract) Bad Company Support 175 | Cape Town | August - December 2025 Worked under the Chief Engineer on a major warranty refit in collaboration with Damen Yachting, involving the removal and replacement of the vessel’s complete exhaust system. Assisted in full-scale exhaust system replacement, including structural deck cutting, removal, and resealing of deck sections Carried out removal, servicing, and reinstallation of pumps and mechanical sub-assemblies Performed refurbishment of existing pump systems and general maintenance on diesel engines and generators Supported minor electrical installations and fault-related maintenance Took responsibility for selected project management tasks during the refit, including coordination of aluminium deck plate removal within the engine room Supervised and coordinated two day workers for maintenance support and general engineering tasks Designed bespoke stabiliser dust covers using CAD, producing full fabrication drawings including cutting and bending specifications for manufacture Designed and specified a custom stainless steel protective cover for the water maker system to prevent line entanglement and operational interference Installed moisture detection systems in critical areas (laundry and drainage systems) to mitigate risk of pump failure and flooding Assisted with cleaning and maintenance of grey water systems, including crew mess lines and drain boxes Participated in final commissioning and sea trials following successful completion of the refit Worked closely alongside Damen Yachting technical representatives and project personnel throughout the refit process

  • Mechanical Design Engineer at Directive
    Dec 2022 - Mar 2025 · 2 yrs 4 mos

    A Startup specialising in product development With my education in mechanical engineering design and interest in challenging the norm when it pertains to product development, i started Directive. Specialising in a synergy between consumer psychology and established product design and engineering solutions that has direct correlation to improved client interest and company growth. Our team consists of Engineers, UI/UX designers, animation specialists, draftsman and an array of CNC and industrial component manufacturing suppliers on board. We transform client visions into reality with meticulous and rigorous design and prototyping iterations. Directive consults companies in a wide range of commercial sectors including marine, automotive, appliances, fashion, Food&beverage etc. My role at Directive: Creative Director in charge of Design.

  • Product Designer at BILLMETAL™
    Jun 2023 - Dec 2024 · 1 yr 7 mos

    As the Founder of and Head of Product Design and Development at Billmetal™ , I combine my expertise as a Mechanical Engineer with a passion for creating premium designer accessories.I lead the entire product lifecycle, from concept through manufacturing, focusing on innovative design solutions and materials selection. With experience in strategic planning, product development, and manufacturing systems, I’ve built the company from the ground up, overseeing all aspects of production and business operations. I’ve also successfully developed and launched our Shopify platform, enabling streamlined e-commerce and customer engagement.

  • Mechanical Design Engineer at Blue Orbit
    Feb 2023 - Aug 2023 · 7 mos

    During my partnership with Blue Orbit i was operating as a Creative Director in charge of design and R&D on Project Marsil. Blueorbit offers financial support for tech startups and innovative ideas. During my time as a mechanical engineering student at Stellenbosch University, i designed an innovative coffee machine, called Marsil. 5 Years later i pursued Marsil again and came in contact with Blue Orbit to patent the coffee machine and take Marsil commercial. I learned valuable skills during this 6 month period including: Product prototyping development Photorealistic CAD product rendering Fundamentals of consumer psychology Business financial structuring Sequential component design Structuring of component assembly plant Research and development Business negotiations & Strategy Entrepreneurial vision Project Marsil is currently on hold.

  • Mechanical Engineer at SymbyTech
    2021 - 2022 · 1 yr

    Contributed to the design and development of mechanical components on Radio Operated Vehicles (ROV'S) for biofouling of vessel hulls in the oil and gas marine industry. Leveraged CAD tools for modelling and assisted in prototype testing, ensuring ISO Maritime engineering standards, design feasibility and production efficiency. • Utilizing CAD software for creating detailed technical drawings and 3D models for mechanical parts. • Collaborating with the manufacturing team to ensure designs were tolerable for production. • Utilizing Stress analysis simulation software to find optimum structural integrity for ROV components, significantly reducing material weight by 30% and in effect reduce production costs. • Tailored engineering solutions for waterproofing and magnetic ROV track adhesion (Magnetic Halbach Array) • Led prototyping on ROV subframe through 3D printing.