Automation Engineer – PLC / Plant Control (m/f/d)

About This Opportunity

We are representing a confidential industrial technology client in the Cologne area who is building an advanced automated processing facility from the ground up. This is a rare opportunity to own the complete control architecture of a greenfield smart facility—from PLC programming and safety systems through commissioning and production handover.

Our talent team is searching for an experienced Automation Engineer who can take full technical ownership of plant control systems, integrate multiple machine suppliers into one coherent production line, and ensure the facility runs reliably once live. You'll work with Siemens TIA Portal, design safety-critical systems to EN ISO 13849, and bridge OT/IT to enable data-driven operations.

Responsibilities

• Design, program, and own the complete PLC solution using Siemens TIA Portal (S7-1200 & S7-1500), including control logic, sequencing, fault handling, and HMI/SCADA
• Lead commissioning activities from FAT/SAT through to stable production operation, taking direct responsibility for plant reliability and uptime
• Implement machine safety systems on fail-safe F-CPUs with F-I/O, including emergency stop loops, zone isolation, guard interlocks, and controlled shutdown sequences
• Serve as the in-house technical lead on EN ISO 13849 performance-level determination and CE documentation, working with external assessors while retaining design authority
• Integrate control systems from multiple equipment suppliers into a unified production line, ensuring coherent stop logic and minimised unnecessary downtime
• Hold machine builders and panel integrators accountable for code quality, unlocked programs, complete documentation, and compliance with agreed standards
• Establish OT/IT connectivity via OPC UA, MQTT, and Modbus TCP to enable real-time data extraction for production analytics, working closely with IIoT colleagues
• Design interlock and stop behaviour to maximise plant availability, allowing unaffected zones to continue operation safely

What We're Looking For

• 5+ years of hands-on experience programming and commissioning industrial control systems, with a proven track record of bringing production lines into stable operation (maintenance-only backgrounds are not suitable)
• Deep expertise in Siemens TIA Portal, S7-1200/S7-1500, SCL, LAD/FBD, HMI/SCADA, and industrial networking (PROFINET, PROFIBUS, Modbus TCP)
• Strong machine safety competence, including Safety Integrated / F-CPU programming and EN ISO 13849, with the ability to explain and defend performance-level determinations
• Comfortable reading electrical schematics and troubleshooting control hardware, signals, wiring, and cabinet-level issues directly on the shop floor
• Experience managing machine and panel suppliers, with the confidence to enforce professional standards for code, documentation, and delivery quality
• Bonus: experience with STEP 7 Classic to TIA migration, bulk material handling, sorting systems, PLC version control, simulation/digital twins, Python, C#/TIA Openness, SQL, Linux, Docker, MES/IIoT platforms, OT network segmentation, or IEC 62443
• Independent, structured, and highly hands-on, with strong ownership mindset and the ability to challenge assumptions
• Fluent English required; German and/or Dutch a plus
• Based in or near Cologne or the Benelux/border region, with valid EU work authorization and willingness to travel to the facility in Belgium (Maasmechelen area)

How We Work with You

Candidates apply directly through Get A Job.ai. Our recruiting team will conduct an initial screening to understand your background and confirm alignment with the role. If there's a strong match, we will submit your profile to our client for consideration. Please do not attempt to contact the client directly—all communication and interview coordination will be managed through our team to ensure a professional and confidential process.

Pay

Compensation details will be discussed during the screening process and are competitive within the German industrial automation market.

Equal Opportunity: Get A Job.ai is committed to inclusive recruiting practices. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds and work to ensure fair and equitable treatment throughout the hiring process.