Denis V.-Senior Automation Software Engineer / Technical Project Leader in Industrial Automation | Systems Integration & Field Solutions

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Experience
Software Engineer E-Mobility
Strama MPS GmbH & Co. KG
BMW i7 at Rimac Campus in Zagreb
- Developing and integrating production-critical control software for a battery cell-to-pack manufacturing system supporting BMW e-mobility production.
- Responsible for delivering and deploying production-ready automation software directly within an active manufacturing environment
- Integrating machine control, process sequencing, safety, diagnostics, and production functions into a high-reliability manufacturing system.
- Supporting on-site field commissioning, hardware-software troubleshooting, and production ramp-up under highly demanding deployment timelines.
Project Coordinator Automation - New Technologies
Grob-Werke GmbH & Co. KG
- Led automation engineering and technical execution of complex manufacturing systems from initial design through installation, commissioning, and final customer acceptance.
- Held technical responsibility for control software and automation systems operating in live production environments for global Tier-1 automotive OEMs (BMW, Audi, GM, Ford).
- Coordinated multidisciplinary engineering squads during field deployment, acting as the primary technical interface and escalation point for customers.
- Diagnosed and resolved complex controls, integration, and production issues directly on the factory floor, minimizing downtime and accelerating production ramp-up.
- Integrated industrial robotics, AGVs, CNC equipment, specialized welders, vision systems, and MES interfaces into complete, highly automated production lines.
Lead Automation Engineer
Grob-Werke GmbH & Co. KG
- Engineered, programmed, and commissioned complex automated manufacturing systems for global automotive production environments across 10+ countries.
- Developed PLC and HMI software for multi-axis automation, CNC production lines, and integrated manufacturing equipment.
- Commissioned systems internationally, resolving controls, electrical, and process edge-cases during intense production ramp-ups.
- Optimized machine and line performance, including cycle times, sequence logic, fault handling, and overall production availability.
Junior Mechatronics Engineer
Grob-Werke GmbH & Co. KG
- Developed PLC and HMI software
- Engineered, programmed, and commissioned complex automated manufacturing systems
- Commissioned systems internationally, resolving controls, electrical, and process edge-cases during intense production ramp-ups
IT Technician
Tomsoft d.o.o.
- Infrastructure Management: Installed, configured, and administered Windows and Linux OS environments across desktop and server hardware.
- Network Operations: Managed hardware deployment, routine computer maintenance, and the configuration of network routers and peripheral equipment.
Industry experience
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Experienced in Manufacturing, Automotive, and Information Technology.
Business area experience
See which departments and functions this freelancer has contributed to most.
Experienced in Information Technology, Production, Project Management, and Product Development.
Summary
- Master of Electrical Engineering with 12+ years of experience developing, integrating, commissioning and deploying complex industrial automation systems for high-volume manufacturing. Experienced across the full automation lifecycle—from control software development and system integration through field commissioning, production ramp-up, and customer acceptance.
- Combines deep hands-on controls expertise with technical project coordination, cross-functional leadership, and direct customer interaction across international manufacturing environments. Proven track record of taking responsibility for production-critical automation systems on global projects and resolving complex hardware/software integrations directly on the active factory floor.
Skills
- Industrial Automation & Robotics
- Machine Tending & Modular Assembly
- Agv & Material Flow Integration
- Gantry & Cnc Systems
- Process Integration
- Machine Vision & Automated Inspection
- Mes & Production Traceability
- Siemens Tia Portal
- S7 / Step 7
- Iec 61131-3
- Eplan
- Hmi / Wincc
- Sinumerik Cnc
- Linux
- Python
- C
- Matlab / Simulink
- Opc Ua
- Profinet / Profibus
- Cognex & Keyence
- Hil / Virtual Commissioning
- Cross-Functional Leadership: Directed International, Multidisciplinary Engineering Teams (Software, Mechanical, Electrical) And Coordinated Complex Project Delivery Across 10+ Countries.
- Stakeholder & Client Management: Managed Critical Client Interactions As The Primary On-Site Technical Authority, Ensuring Complete Alignment Between Internal Engineering Squads, Project Managers, And Tier-1 Oem Clients.
- Project Execution & Escalation Management: Steered High-Stakes Manufacturing Projects Through Aggressive Deadlines, Managing Technical Escalations And Maintaining Strict Quality Standards To Ensure On-Time Delivery.
- Global Handovers & Operations: Executed Complex System Handovers, Client Training, And Technical Deployments Worldwide, Bringing Native Fluency In German And Professional Working Proficiency In English.
Languages
Education
University of Zagreb Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computing
Master of Science in Electrical Engineering and Information Technology · Electrical Engineering and Information Technology · Zagreb, Croatia
University of Zagreb Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computing
Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering and Information Technology · Electrical Engineering and Information Technology · Zagreb, Croatia
Gymnasium of Natural Sciences and Mathematics
Gymnasium · Metković, Croatia
Statistics
Experience
Global experience
Expertise
Qualifications
Frequently asked questions
Have questions? Find more information here.
Denis is based in Zagreb, Croatia and can operate in on-site, hybrid, and remote work models.
Denis speaks the following languages: German (Native), Croatian (Native), Bosnian (Advanced), English (Advanced).
Denis has at least 14 years of experience. During this time, Denis has worked in at least 5 different roles and for 3 different companies. The average length of individual experience is 3 years and 10 months. Note that Denis may not have shared all experience and actually has more experience.
Based on recent experience, Denis would be well-suited for roles such as: Software Engineer E-Mobility, Project Coordinator Automation - New Technologies, Lead Automation Engineer.
Denis's most recent position is Software Engineer E-Mobility at Strama MPS GmbH & Co. KG.
In recent years, Denis has worked for Strama MPS GmbH & Co. KG and Grob-Werke GmbH & Co. KG.
Denis is most experienced in industries like Manufacturing, Automotive, and Information Technology.
Denis is most experienced in business areas like Information Technology, Production, and Project Management. Denis also has some experience in Product Development.
Denis has recently worked in industries like Automotive and Manufacturing.
Denis has recently worked in business areas like Information Technology, Production, and Project Management.
Denis holds a Master in Electrical Engineering and Information Technology from University of Zagreb Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computing and a Bachelor in Electrical Engineering and Information Technology from University of Zagreb Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computing.
Denis will be available full-time from January 2027.
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Calculated based on our freelancers’ daily rates as of 5 Nov 2026. Actual rates may vary depending on seniority level, experience, skill specialization, project complexity, and engagement length.
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