Controls Systems Engineer (f/m/d)

About This Opportunity

Our talent team at Get A Job.ai is representing a confidential deep-tech organization at the forefront of advanced energy research. We are seeking a Controls Systems Engineer to join their collaborative engineering team in Darmstadt, Germany. This is a hybrid role with occasional international travel, offering the chance to work on cutting-edge experimental systems in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment.

You will report to the Controls Engineering Lead and work within a small team of 3–5 engineers, designing and delivering PLC-based control systems for complex experimental and production equipment. This role combines technical leadership, hands-on commissioning, and cross-functional collaboration with scientists and engineers across German and US sites.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and development of PLC-based control subsystems for advanced experimental technologies
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to gather requirements and iterate control solutions
• Own integration and control systems for critical infrastructure including vacuum, pneumatics, and cooling plant
• Develop control software for modern PLCs (e.g., Beckhoff TwinCAT) using Structured Text (IEC 61131-3) for safety and process control
• Commission complex experimental equipment, performing field debugging and systematic fault-finding
• Specify and implement SCADA systems and HMIs, including alarms, logging, data acquisition, and database integration
• Contribute to team standards, solution architecture, and mentor junior engineers through design reviews

What We're Looking For

Required:

• Degree in Electrical/Electronic Engineering, Control/Automation, Mechatronics/Robotics, Physics, or similar field with focus on PLC-based control or embedded systems
• 5+ years in plant control systems, factory automation, embedded software, or complex scientific experimental work with significant PLC elements
• Proficiency in PLC programming using Structured Text (IEC 61131-3) following software engineering best practices including modularization, version control (Git), and unit testing
• Knowledge of SCADA systems (Ignition, EPICS, Tango, WinCC, FactoryTalk, AVEVA) with hands-on HMI delivery experience
• Ability to read electrical wiring diagrams and P&IDs, collaborating with electrical and mechanical teams
• Familiarity with industrial networking and fieldbus protocols (EtherCAT, OPC UA, Modbus TCP)
• Familiarity with risk assessment processes and safety standards (ISA 84, IEC 61508)
• Clear English communication skills, comfortable in hybrid and international teams
• Practical, hands-on approach with proven hardware/software integration and debugging experience

Desirable (please highlight in your application):

• Beckhoff PLCs and TwinCAT experience
• DDS (Data Distribution Service) or OPC UA protocol expertise
• Vacuum control systems design
• Control cabinet hardware design to EU standards (IEC 60204-1)
• Safety-critical systems design (safety relays, SIL determination, LOPA)
• Proficiency in LabVIEW, Python, MATLAB/Simulink, or C/C++
• Higher LabVIEW qualifications (CLD, CLED, CLA) and NI hardware experience
• Non-PLC embedded systems (FPGAs, RTOS, microcontrollers, robotics)
• Experience with complex scientific equipment or large-scale research facilities
• Image processing, machine vision, motion control, or robotics

How We Work With You

Candidates should apply directly through Get A Job.ai. Our recruiting team will conduct an initial screening and, if there's a strong match, submit your profile to our client for consideration. Please do not contact the client organization directly—all communication will be coordinated through our team to ensure a professional and confidential process.

Pay

Compensation details will be discussed during the screening process and are determined by factors including experience, skills, and location. Our client offers competitive packages for this level of expertise.

Equal Opportunity: Get A Job.ai is committed to inclusive hiring practices. We consider all qualified applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.