Member Spotlight: Molawa Ngoetjana

Molawa Ngoetjana has been an active member of INCOSE since 2016, and when he recently won an INCOSE member challenge, INCOSE Headquarters was delighted to get the chance to interview him for a member spotlight! As the former KZN Regional Coordinator and current Programmes Officer for the South African Chapter (INCOSE SA ), Molawa is dedicated to fostering professional development and networking opportunities for systems engineers in the region.

Molawa’s journey has been a testament to the impact of systems engineering in his industry and the impact of INCOSE on his career. “Joining INCOSE was a strategic decision,” he said, “to enhance my professional development and network with other systems engineers.” During his interview, Molawa shared insights into his experiences, his value in INCOSE membership, and his advice for new INCOSE members.

A Journey in SE

Molawa 's journey in systems engineering began after completing his Bachelor of Engineering in Electronic Engineering at the University of Pretoria . His early involvement with INCOSE SA, through the Greatest Young Systems Engineers of the Year (GYSEOY) challenge , gave him a strong foundation in systems engineering principles. The objective of GYSEOY (pronounced as “g-eye-soy”) is to foster a deep interest in systems engineering in young graduate engineers by means of a challenge to solve a defined business problem using advanced systems engineering principles, including model-based techniques. The basic idea is to create systems engineering leadership for the next generation by focusing on the development of both technical and personal skills, of which Molawa is an outstanding example!

GYSEOY is a wonderful way to enrich an employer’s in-house engineer-in-training training process. It is a once-in-a-career opportunity for a young engineer. Any young graduate engineer fresh out of university, say not more than three years after their previous degree, may become a contestant. Teams of three or four engineers, each team preferably from a single employer, may participate in the challenge—not individuals. Explicit support from the employer is a precondition for the acceptance of a team. Each contestant needs to commit to investing substantive effort, with experience showing 200 person-hours per contestant.

Over the years, Molawa deepened his systems engineering education, including passing the Systems Engineering Management Exam from Ad Sparrius System Engineering & Management and completing Model-based Systems Engineering in CORE. He put his education to use through on-the-job experience and learned even more in his positions at SARAO (formerly SKA) and Sandock Austral Shipyards .

The INCOSE Impact

Molawa has found INCOSE to be instrumental in his career development. He said, “Being a part of INCOSE has significantly benefited my career by providing opportunities for professional development, leadership, and collaboration.” An example of this leadership development was becoming a member of the esteemed Technical Leadership Institute (TLI) . TLI is a global learning network designed to enhance the leadership skills of systems engineers. Molawa was a member of TLI’s Cohort 8, where he was given a combination of workshops, coaching, and mentoring. This experience helped him gain valuable insights and practical skills he could apply to his professional roles.

Molawa also obtained his Certified Systems Engineering Professional (CSEP) certification . By obtaining his CSEP status, Molawa has demonstrated a deep understanding of systems engineering principles, methodologies, and best practices. Beyond evidence of his systems engineering knowledge, CSEP recognition also reflects Molawa’s experience working in the field. CSEP status requires at least five years of working experience in at least three or more of the 14 systems engineering experience areas, so Molawa maintaining this prestigious status reflects the knowledge and practice of his professional acumen.

Molawa recognizes the impact of the TLI and earning his CSEP on his career path: “These experiences have been pivotal in advancing my career and enhancing my expertise in systems engineering. My dedication to learning and improving my systems engineering skills has enabled me to earn the role of a Board member for the South African Space Agency (SANSA ).” He even initiated the SEP Cohort for INCOSE SA, which has attracted many new members in his region! Molawa is a perfect example of how INCOSE members can apply their organizational experiences to their professional journeys and unite and advance their local systems engineering community – a true reflection of INCOSE’s new vision statement.

Looking Back and Looking Ahead

One of Molawa’s most notable projects in his career to date was his role as Mission Systems Engineer at Sandock Austral Shipyards . In this position, he was responsible for successfully delivering state-of-the-art product systems for the South African Navy, ensuring adherence to rigorous systems engineering processes. The project included the successful completion of key milestones, including the Preliminary Design Review (PDR), Critical Design Review (CDR), and completion of the three state-of-the-art and SAMSA-compliant vessels . Molawa’s expertise and collaboration on this project showcased his ability to navigate complex engineering challenges and deliver exceptional results.

As a Senior Systems Engineer for Hensoldt , Molawa is optimistic about what lies ahead for systems engineering. “The future of systems engineering is bright with advancements in model-based systems engineering (MBSE), artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity,” said Molawa. “These technologies are set to revolutionize how we approach system design, implementation, and management.” Citing these key drivers of innovation, he encourages others not to ignore these areas, even if they aren’t one’s key career focus: “Keeping abreast of these trends will be crucial for systems engineers to stay relevant and effective.”

INCOSE Advocacy and Advice for Newcomers

As Molawa’s career can attest, INCOSE membership is invaluable for systems engineers. Having access to a global network of professionals, cutting-edge knowledge, and best practices can give you that extra edge in advancing your career.

When asked what advice he would give to a new INCOSE member to make the most out of their membership the way he has, he said, “Stay committed to continuous learning and professional development. Don't hesitate to participate in INCOSE events and take advantage of the opportunities to earn certification.” Paying your membership dues without participating will let you say that you are part of INCOSE, but engaging with all the opportunities a membership provides will make the difference to elevate yourself and make connections. He encourages others to get involved by attending local chapter meetings, participating in working groups, and pursuing certification.

Final Thoughts

Getting to hear about how a member like Molawa has made a difference in the systems engineering field, his local community, and his occupation’s domain has been inspiring and motivating. People like Molawa showcase the potential that INCOSE members can provide to systems engineering and that systems engineering can provide to the planet.

One reason INCOSE applauds Molawa is his emphasis on mentorship and community service. “I have seen firsthand the impact that guidance and support can have on young people’s lives,” he said. I encourage INCOSE members to take on mentoring roles and help shape the next generation of systems engineers.” By following Molawa's lead, we can collectively contribute to building a better world through a systems approach.

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