Automation Engineering Experts in Germany
in minutes with the power of AIHire experts who design programmable logic controller architectures, integrate industrial robotics, and commission SCADA systems. Match quickly with thoroughly vetted, project-ready specialists.
Meet FRATCH Experts in Germany, who have recently used Automation Engineering
Muhammad Tanveer B.
Last position:
Embedded Systems Consultant / Architect | Integration and Validation Engineer / Manager at Ingenieurbüro Baig
Led the hardware development and validation of a safety-critical 400-V battery management system (BMS) for the TOGG SUV program; performed system architecture reviews, schematic validations, EMC and reliability tests, and root cause analyses in compliance with relevant automotive standards (ECE-R10, CISPR25, ISO-26262). Coordinated cross-country EU engineering teams, customer reviews, and technical documentation to deliver a production-ready, validated system.
Architected and integrated 22 state-of-the-art ADAS validation vehicles for BMW ADCAM and LIDAR programs at Magna Electronics; synchronized up to 26 heterogeneous sensors (LIDAR, RADAR, cameras, GNSS/INS) using PTP-based timing architectures. Defined the system architecture, HW/SW interfaces for hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) rework, sensor integration strategies, and data acquisition frameworks. This enabled scalable vehicle-level validation, improved validation efficiency by 25%, and reduced project costs by €1.45 million.
End-to-end validation and integration of automotive radar platforms for a Daimler project at Continental. Developed automated open-loop hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) environments to accurately test target tracking KPIs, field-of-view limits, and thermal and voltage-related ECU state machines. Skilled use of a highly complex toolchain consisting of CANoe, Lauterbach Trace32, RADAR target simulators, and EMC shielding chambers for RF and system validation. Synchronized global, interdisciplinary teams to speed up troubleshooting and close critical technical gaps.
Reconstructed and validated the product architecture of an electromechanical e-bike by integrating and troubleshooting critical subsystems (BMS, motor control, sensors, HMI, electronic locking systems). Built a comprehensive system-level test bench for functional testing, fault reproduction, and performance analysis; coordinated suppliers and implemented corrective actions to improve reliability and traceability.
Defined the system architecture and validation strategy for a LIDAR platform developed in cooperation with Elmos Semiconductor; evaluated optical measurement concepts, SPAD detector integration, and system requirements, and created technical recommendations for product development and verification.
Developed LabVIEW-based automation and verification software for a high-precision hydraulic and electromechanical test system for FTE Automotive; integrated NI DAQ hardware for high-frequency real-time capture of physical measurements. Developed automated test sequences, programmable endurance tests, troubleshooting routines, data logging, and analysis tools to improve test efficiency and traceability.
Successfully delivered full engineering life cycles for well-known industrial customers (Magna, Continental, Farasis, FTE Automotive, BMW, Daimler, TOGG) – from requirements engineering and proof of concept to system integration and validation, technical documentation, supplier coordination, and user training.
Volker F.
Last position:
Technical Lead | Software Architect | Embedded Software Engineer at Hydac
- Development of safety-related embedded software for a mobile machine on a Hydac TTC 2390 controller.
- Implementation in C with consideration of SIL 3 / ASIL D and MISRA-C:2025.
- Implementation of communication via CAN, CANopen, and J1939.
Standards, guidelines and norms: ISO 26262, IEC 61508, MISRA-C:2025
Technologies: C99, Hydac TTC 2390, Infineon TriCore Aurix TC397, Hightec C/C++ Compiler, PC-lint Plus, CAN, CANopen, J1939, MISRA-C:2025
Rüdiger S.
Last position:
Manufacturer of busbar systems for power and data transmission
- Review and assessment of the existing situation
- Identification and definition of implementation measures to close existing gaps
Friedhelm B.
Last position:
Partner at Asia-Connect Executive Partners Pte Ltd
Building and establishing sales and marketing processes, as well as candidate management for executive and transformation mandates between Europe and Asia
Initial situation**
Asia-Connect started as a partnership for placing interim executives. After the first sales activities, scalable structures for sales, marketing, and candidate management were missing. With growing demand and the involvement of additional partners, there was a need for clear processes, defined interfaces, and reliable reporting in order to manage growth in a planned way and deliver mandates efficiently.
Responsibility & approach**
Built clearly structured end-to-end processes for sales, marketing, and candidate management.
Implemented standardized candidate management from first contact to talent pool.
Introduced binding marketing guidelines, including agency management and SEO implementation.
Established a KPI-based content and reporting process.
Introduced weekly KPI reviews and forecasts to manage marketing and sales.
Implemented a structured sales process from lead-to-opportunity to contract closing.
Piloted and continuously improved all processes in day-to-day operations.
Results & impact**
Introduced uniform marketing standards, including stable agency management (content output +60%).
Established a KPI-driven content and reporting process with regular performance reviews (engagement rate >45%).
Implemented a structured sales process from lead to close, with clear phase and decision logic.
Implemented an end-to-end candidate management process with clear quality criteria and a scalable data basis (time-to-shortlist –40%).
Increased efficiency in mandate fulfillment through shorter lead times and better coordination between sales and candidate management.
Created a scalable operational base to integrate additional partners and grow the network.
Andrew S.
Last position:
CSO/COO Interim at Testa Motari GmbH
- Interim leadership responsibility for realigning the entire leadership organization – away from classic target setting and solution specification toward a teal-oriented organization with clear responsibility for each individual employee.
- Stabilization of production processes and reduction of the backlog in all customer projects.
- Building up the necessary material inventory (agreed with end customers by contract) – eliminated backlogs and special runs, achieved 2 weeks of material inventory.
- From the start of the assignment, also took over overall technical responsibility for Research & Development (R&D).
- In addition to the CSO/COO role, took over responsibility for controlling and finance in the last 9 months.
Youness R.
Last position:
Communication modernization and recipe management between S7-300, S7-1500 and WinCC V7 at Siemens AG
- Consulting and development of suitable communication concepts between S7-300 and S7-1500, taking the existing PROFIBUS infrastructure into account
- Technical support for connecting the S7-300 controllers to the existing recipe data block of the S7-1500
- Assisting in the development of the communication sequence for recipe access (read, write, acknowledge, status handling)
- Configuration of S7 communication (PUT/GET)
- Creation and adaptation of WinCC V7 scripts (C scripts and VBS scripts) for WinCC-based recipe management
- Development, optimization, and integration of recipe processes into the existing WinCC project structure
- Commissioning of the new communication interfaces and recommissioning of the recipe logic on existing systems
- Creation of technical documents: communication sequences, functional descriptions, commissioning documentation
Alain R.
Last position:
Consultant Part-Time (Regional Sales Development) at Solwig GmbH
- Acquisition activities
- Reporting
Benjamin R.
Last position:
Technical Director at maincubes Holding & Service GmbH
- Development and implementation of technical guidelines for electrical and mechanical systems
- Development of the electrical safety organisation as responsible electrician (gVEFK)
- Implementation and oversight of DCIM and related technical software solutions
- Design of technical solutions for lifecycle infrastructure and customer projects
Thomas S.
Last position:
Automation Technology Lecturer at HWK Munich and Upper Bavaria
- Training professionals in PLC technology, pneumatics, control engineering, and KUKA robots
- Creating scripts for Siemens systems: STEP 5, STEP 7, TIA Portal, WinCC
- Creating scripts for pneumatics, control engineering, and KUKA robot programming
- Serving on the examination committee for quality assurance in vocational training
- Training and certifying over 500 professionals
Rolf W.
Last position:
Agile Consultant at Lead.ai
- Introduction of Agile-CCPM in an IT project agency with a focus on PHP-based content management systems.
- Preparation and facilitation of workshops to establish a cross-agency multi-project management system.
- Coordination and support of the agency partners.
- Coaching of the methodological framework.
- Collection, evaluation, and use of organizational metrics to plan next steps.
- Environment: OKR, CCPM, Agile Coaching, Agile Planning, Agile Metrics, Workshops, Facilitation, Change Management, JIRA, Zoom, Slack, Miro.
Daniel P.
Last position:
Freelance specialist in industrial automation technology at dPSolutions
- Self-employed PLC and software specialist focusing on automation and special-purpose machinery
- Programming, modernization, expansion and optimization of production systems, focusing on increased efficiency, data transparency and system integration
- PLC programming and safety with Siemens S7 Classic/TIA Portal, Beckhoff TwinCAT 2/3 and CoDeSys
- Development of high-level language software and database applications (.NET / C#, C++, Visual Basic .NET, Borland/Embarcadero C++)
- Development of custom software solutions for industrial automation, including embedded systems (Raspberry Pi, Arduino, NodeMCU, ESP8266)
- Integration of external systems such as reading devices, printers, scales, scanners and cameras, as well as various bus systems (Ethernet, Profinet, Profibus, EtherCAT, CAN bus, RS232, TCP/IP)
- Creation of visualizations and HMI applications with Siemens WinCC flexible, Beckhoff HMI and .NET frontends
- Planning, development and integration of machine vision solutions (Keyence, Cognex, AVS Alfavision, camera systems) in PLC and PC environments
- Design and implementation of process data collection systems and traceability solutions (100% traceability) based on Microsoft SQL Server (Compact, Express, Server), including stored procedures and direct PLC-SQL communication
- Creation of software and PLC concepts, standard function blocks and project libraries for PLC and high-level language projects
- Planning and programming of conveyor, inspection, assembly, packaging and grinding systems in industries such as automotive, chemical, food, electronics, machinery and systems engineering
- Conducting workshops and training on Siemens TIA Portal, STEP7 Classic, Beckhoff TwinCAT (including TwinSAFE), as well as topics such as architectures, safety, database integration and documentation
- Creation of technical documentation, manuals, training materials and class documentation with Microsoft Office and Doxygen
- Project management tasks from requirements analysis through planning, concept development and supplier coordination to commissioning, production support and customer support
Gregor P.
Last position:
Engineering Data Management Project Manager
Technical and commercial risk assessment for an investment project in the hardware sector (scaling potential, liability risks, operational processes) Process consulting for two SMEs in the engineering environment, focusing on workflow digitization, PLM
Frank D.
Last position:
Project management, development and system integration for retrofit on a Uranus thermionic mass spectrometer at Forschungszentrum Jülich
- Development of a retrofit concept, including qualification measures
- Development, installation and commissioning of the required hardware and software
- Development of a safety concept
- Execution and documentation of in-house verifications / qualification
- Initiation and implementation of measures in case of non-conformities
- Execution of CE conformity assessment procedures and CE marking
Ahmet B.
Last position:
Self-employed entrepreneur at AVS Inh. A. Baran
- Technical drawings, mechanical design, product development and assembly support for international customers
- Management and organization of the company, financial administration and preparation of business plans
- Sales and trade fair support, project management, as well as hiring and supervision of employees
- Development of automation solutions for recycling plants and international project management
Matthias D.
Last position:
Project Building Automation WAGO at Ingenieurbüro Dräger
- Topic: Programming of heating controls
- Client: Hoffbauer Foundation
- Requirements: Analysis of existing systems, reprogramming, commissioning, documentation
- Focus: Development of automation solutions and control systems
- Technology: Codesys 3.5
Discover over 15,000 top freelancers
Statistics of experts using Automation Engineering
Aggregated from the professional profiles of matched freelancers.
Experience
26 years
Position duration
4 years
Positions per freelancer
14
Top business areas
Product Development, Operations, Project Management
Top industries
Manufacturing, Automotive, Information Technology
Certification focus areas
Quality Assurance, Information Technology, Operations
Bachelor's degree or higher
91%
Master's degree or higher
41%
Doctorate
9%
Certifications per freelancer
3
Most common languages
German, English, French
Speak two or more languages
93%
Based on our profile pool as of 19 Sep 2026.
Daily rate distribution
The chart shows how the daily rates of freelancers in this technology in Germany are distributed, based on recent contracts on our platform. Each bar covers a rate range — its height shows how many freelancers charge within that range.
Average rates of experts in Germany using Automation Engineering
Rates are based on recent contracts and do not include FRATCH margin.
The average daily rate is the mean of all daily rates from recent contracts of comparable freelancers on our platform.
The median daily rate is the middle value of all daily rates — half of comparable freelancers charge less, half charge more. Unlike the average, it is barely affected by outliers.
Calculated based on our freelancers’ daily rates as of 19 Sep 2026. Actual rates may vary depending on seniority level, experience, skill specialization, project complexity, and engagement length.
Automation Engineering experts industry focus
See which industries our matched freelancers work in most often — every figure is calculated live from the freelancers on FRATCH.
- Manufacturing (93%)
- Automotive (64%)
- Information Technology (43%)
- Professional Services (38%)
- Energy (36%)
- Healthcare (34%)
- Education (30%)
- Construction (25%)
Please note that freelancers can work across multiple industries, so percentages overlap.
About the technology
Industrial Control and Modern Production Systems
Automation engineering bridges mechanical processes, electrical infrastructure, and control software. Specialists design, program, and commission systems that operate manufacturing lines, process plants, and automated logistics centers without constant manual intervention.
Core Technologies and Industrial Tooling
Projects rely on established hardware and programming standards to ensure deterministic behavior and uptime across production cycles.
- Programmable logic controllers running Siemens TIA Portal, Beckhoff TwinCAT, or Rockwell Studio 5000
- Supervisory control and data acquisition platforms including WinCC, Ignition, and Wonderware
- Industrial communication protocols such as PROFINET, EtherCAT, Modbus TCP, and OPC UA
- Robotic systems integration using KUKA, Fanuc, or ABB manipulators for assembly and material handling
When Organizations Require Freelance Specialists
Companies bring in external talent during critical line overhauls, facility expansions, or complex commissioning phases. External specialists resolve machine cycle bottlenecks, integrate new field devices into brownfield architectures, and modernize legacy relay or obsolete controller setups.
Standards and Industrial Environments in Germany
Manufacturing plants in Germany emphasize strict safety compliance and functional reliability. Work regularly involves aligning machinery with CE standards, ISO 13849 safety architectures, and Machinery Directive regulations across automotive, chemical, and specialized machine tooling plants.
Delivery Models and Plant Floor Collaboration
Software architecture, simulation, and offline PLC programming often occur remotely. Physical I/O testing, sensor calibration, hardware safety validation, and final factory acceptance testing require direct presence on the shop floor alongside mechanical specialists.
Hallmarks of Seasoned Automation Specialists
Proficient specialists write clean, structured code conforming to IEC 61131-3 standards. They anticipate mechanical edge cases, implement safe fault recoveries, and produce clean electrical schematics using tools like EPLAN to ensure maintainability for plant operators.
Frequently asked questions
Everything clients usually want to know about Automation Engineering, in one place.
Specialists deliver complete functional control programs, HMI visualization screens, safety logic matrices, and electrical documentation. A professional engaged in automation engineering also conducts virtual commissioning using digital twins before overseeing dry runs and live line bring-up on site.
While traditional software relies on standard operating systems, industrial automation operates on real-time deterministic runtimes where execution loops must complete within strict millisecond cycles. Code failures directly risk physical equipment damage and human safety, requiring strict adherence to hardware interlocks.
Modern PLC programming predominantly utilizes the IEC 61131-3 standard, which includes Structured Text, Ladder Diagram, and Function Block Diagram. Increasingly, advanced setups incorporate C++ or Python on industrial PCs to run vision algorithms and edge data processing alongside standard control routines.
Preliminary logic development, interface design, and communication testing can run remotely via secure industrial gateways. However, automation engineering in Germany usually demands on-site presence during cold and hot commissioning to troubleshoot wiring faults, verify safety sensors, and supervise trial production runs safely.
Corporate systems planning often operates in English, but shop-floor commissioning requires fluent German. Operators, maintenance staff, and electrical technicians rely on precise communication during plant automation rollouts, making localized operational terminology critical during live commissioning phases.
Experienced professionals design dedicated safety circuits using certified hardware such as Siemens fail-safe controllers or Pilz relays. In automation systems, specialists calculate Performance Levels and Safety Integrity Levels according to ISO 13849 and IEC 62061 to prevent hazardous unintended movements.
Field installations require deterministic fieldbuses such as PROFINET and EtherCAT to sync drives and remote I/O blocks. For higher-level supervisory and IT-OT connections, industrial automation engineering professionals implement OPC UA and MQTT to bridge shop floor metrics with enterprise execution systems.
Top-tier professionals design modular, reusable software blocks rather than unstructured script collections. An accomplished practitioner in control automation excels at systematic fault diagnostics, resolving electrical interference, bus communication glitches, and sensor misalignments rapidly under tight operational deadlines.
The average hourly rate of freelancers in Germany who have used Automation Engineering in their recent projects is 97 €, which corresponds to a daily rate of about 777 € based on an 8-hour working day.
Of the freelancers in Germany who have used Automation Engineering in their recent projects, 91% hold at least a Bachelor's degree, 41% hold at least a Master's degree, and 9% hold a doctorate.
On average, freelancers in Germany who have used Automation Engineering in their recent projects have 26 years of professional experience, with a single engagement typically lasting around 4 years.
The most common languages among freelancers in Germany who have used Automation Engineering in their recent projects are German (100%), English (91%), and French (29%).
The most common industries among freelancers in Germany who have used Automation Engineering in their recent projects are Manufacturing (93%), Automotive (64%), and Information Technology (43%).
The most common business areas among freelancers in Germany who have used Automation Engineering in their recent projects are Product Development (82%), Operations (79%), and Project Management (77%).
Main locations of FRATCH Experts, who have recently used Automation Engineering
Our freelancers and interim experts are at home across the DACH region — available on-site in the major business hubs or fully remote. Choose a location to discover matched specialists, local market insights and up-to-date availability.
Berlin Hamburg Munich Cologne Frankfurt Stuttgart Dusseldorf Leipzig Dortmund Essen Bremen Dresden Hanover Nuremberg Request a free demo
Get in touch with the FRATCH team and we will get back to you within 4 hours.
Would you rather directly get in touch?
We always have the time for a call or email!
Philipp Thomaschewski
FRATCH CEO
