EtherCAT Experts in Germany
, matched with vetted and available freelancers in minutesHire experts who design EtherCAT networks, configure Beckhoff TwinCAT systems and integrate motion control, I/O and safety components. Get fast, precise access to vetted, available freelancers who fit your technical and on-site or remote requirements.
Meet FRATCH Experts in Germany, who have recently used EtherCAT
Ljubomir O.
Last position:
Senior Software Test Engineer at Keil KTM GmbH
Temporary employment
- System black-box integration tests (BBIT, IVVQ): Execution of regression, release, confirmation and conformity tests for safety-critical braking control units in the railway industry
- Software Test Application & Integration: Runtime configuration of software components and libraries, validation of interfaces, configuration dependencies and component interactions
- Test Automation (FEAT Framework): Co-development and further development of an automated test framework for test execution, reporting and result analysis
- Functional Safety (SiL4, FuSi): Ensuring compliance with safety requirements, traceability and coverage as well as conformity with EN50126/28/29
- Test Automation for Communication Components: Configuration and validation of fieldbus (CAN) and Ethernet-based TCMS data communication interfaces (TRDP and CIP)
- Requirements Analysis & Shift-Left (PTC Windchill ALM): Analysis of software and system artifacts to identify gaps, ambiguities and redundancies early in the SDLC
- Test Design & Test Case Development: Derivation of test conditions and coverage strategies and implementation of data-driven test cases (DDT) including reusable test data fixtures
- CI/CD & Automation (Python, PowerShell, Jenkins, SVN): Automation of build, test and HIL deployment processes as well as integration into CI/CD pipelines
- Test Data & Configuration Management (XML): Maintenance and adjustment of XML test vectors and system configurations with automated integration into test environments
- Non-Functional Testing: Execution of performance and load tests to assess stability and system behavior
- Agile Development & Defect Management (JIRA, Confluence): Work in Scrum teams, test coordination, review of test artifacts as well as defect tracking and root-cause analysis
- Error Analysis & Debugging (CANoe, CANalyzer): Analysis of errors and message flows across multiple system levels (application to bus)
- Model-Based Analysis (UML, Enterprise Architect): Specification of SUT/SOW and support for systematic test control
- Process & Test Documentation: Creation of integration and test documentation according to internal quality and certification requirements
Jens-Uwe P.
Last position:
Architecture and programming for an automotive test bench platform at Automotive supplier
In this project, I was responsible for designing and implementing a new, modular, and highly scalable test bench platform for an automotive supplier. My focus was on developing a robust system architecture and programming the associated software, with UML modeling used consistently throughout. This structured approach significantly increased the reusability of individual LabVIEW test modules and sustainably reduced development time for subsequent projects. I also integrated modern automotive standards such as CAN FD, LIN, and safety requirements, making the solution future-proof.
Technologies: LabVIEW, Visio, UML, CAN FD, LIN, DMM, Safety, Image processing, Project management, HMI, C#, C++, Python, Rust, CI
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
Kusay T.
Last position:
Freelance System & Software Architect - DNA-Extraction Robot at QIAGEN GmbH
- System and software architecture for the QIA-symphony Connect DNA-extraction robot in Life Science / IVD automation.
- Designed features and control logic for extraction, pipetting, lysis and eluate modules using C++, PLC/ST (Beckhoff IPC / TwinCAT 3) and model-based concepts.
- Delivered ISO 13485-oriented requirements, architecture, unit/integration/regression tests and DHF/VEP/VER/TCL documentation.
- Used Polarion, Jira, Confluence, Azure and AI-assisted documentation to improve traceability and engineering efficiency.
Christof M.
Last position:
Founder & Self-employed at CMRO Engineering
- I offer mainly development services or support for FPGA applications in the industrial sector
- Development of electronic modules and firmware for various controller families
- Development support and consulting in FPGA development
- Successfully completed projects with different customers:
- FPGA-based EtherCAT interface, hardware and software development
- Multi-camera interface (4 streams) with USB 3.0 connection
- FPGA emulation to support an ASIC development
- Test software based on an ARM Cortex-M0 with C/C++
- Setup of an ASIC test system for verification
- Test software for verification with Python
- Support during ASIC commissioning
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
Jürgen K.
Last position:
Project Management and System Architecture at 3E-motion Ventures GmbH
- Managed and developed the system architecture for the INEOS Grenadier model year 2028/29, ensuring interaction of all E/E system components according to GB/T 32960.
- Developed a product reference model for the entire E/E system of the vehicle.
- Coordinated requirements for Battery Management Systems (BMS) between OEM and suppliers at SYS.1 and SYS.2 levels for VW and Porsche.
- Created and aligned requirements for BMS fan control and OBD within Polarion.
- Developed a secure system architecture for steer-by-wire systems, including ECU hardware, software, and communication.
- Integrated various process design approaches from CARIAD, including SAFe (Scaled Agile Framework), FUSE/FAME, and RFLP, with ASPICE requirements.
- Created a process model in ESCAPE mapping essential components of SAFe onto ASPICE.
- Served as Lead Architect for electric drive development, focusing on parklock and cooling and lubrication functions for Mercedes AMG.
- Analyzed requirements in Integrity and developed functional models in UML using Enterprise Architect.
- Developed generic models for parklock and cooling functions, including sequence diagrams and a navigation model for the overall project.
Basel J.
Last position:
Senior Application Engineer / Product Manager at Altran Magnetics LLC
- Oversee development and optimization of key products, including DP contactors, EMI filters, and circuit breakers.
- Lead certification processes ensuring compliance with UL, TÜV, and VDE standards.
- Act as technical liaison between customers, sales teams, and manufacturing to deliver customized solutions.
Taner M.
Last position:
Founder at FixHub
- System design for problem solving and task allocation for demand infrastructures using modern enterprise solutions and SDLC principles
- SaaS and PaaS development, problem solving, and cloud computing
- Infrastructure-as-code implementations for development, Q&A, and production environments
- Terraform, AWS, Azure, GCP, MongoDB, OpenStack, Cisco, OpenShift
Ahmet D.
Last position:
Electrical Designer / Hardware Planner EPLAN 2024 at Horiba GmbH
- Planning and development of electrical systems for test benches and alternative drive systems
- Designing a battery test station specifically for electric cars
- Specifying and designing controls, following standards, legal regulations, planning guidelines, and customer specs
- Sizing and selecting electrical components
- Creating electrical schematics and macros and maintaining parts data with EPLAN P8 Version Interface 2024
- Updating and adapting PLC programs
- Preparing SISTEMA calculations
- Supporting assembly and commissioning
- Ordering electrical components in SAP
- Ensuring compliance with common standards and regulations
- Sizing and cost calculation of high-current cables (1200 V/1000 A for AC and DC)
Natdanai P.
Last position:
Software Developer for SiC-Mold Production Line at Vitesco Technologies Germany GmbH
- Developing software solutions based on technical requirements and existing systems
- Developing TLV commands for automated laser cleaning and laser power measurement
- Supporting and assisting production processes
- Performing software tests as well as analyzing and fixing errors
- Integrating and connecting MES systems
- Using C# and Structured Text (ST according to IEC 61131-3)
- Using TwinCAT 3.1 as the development environment
- Implementing visualizations with Windows Forms
- Working with Beckhoff CX controllers and Stäubli industrial robots
- Using Ethernet and EtherCAT networks
- Integrating TRUMPF TruMark 3330 and 7050 laser systems
- Using a KEYENCE vision system
- Version control with Git and GitLab
Arnauld S.
Last position:
PLC Programmer/Maintenance Technician at Tiernahrung Deuerer GmbH
- Planning of automation systems
- PLC programming (Simatic S7, TIA Portal: AWL, SCL, FUP, KOP)
- Visualization of automation systems (WinCC, Sirvac, GUI)
- Commissioning of systems with various drives and sensors
- Creating and maintaining documentation and training materials
Alexander B.
Last position:
Owner at PEMA-TEC Alexander Bröcker
- Project to develop the complete software for a film roll warehouse at American Packaging Corporation, Story City, Iowa (warehouse vehicles SINATIC S7, warehouse management C#, Microsoft SQL Server, AGV interface C++, ERP system interface REST API)
- Development of a warehouse simulator for real machine processes aimed at optimized storage of film rolls (C#)
- Project to develop the complete software for a printing cylinder warehouse at Huhtamaki, Ronsberg (warehouse vehicles TIA Portal, warehouse management C#, Oracle, ERP system interface DB table)
- Further development of the warehouse simulator for improved programming of the movement planner
- Project to read and analyze QR codes on letters in the letter sorter at XPROMA GmbH, Salzhausen (program as a service for fast reading of QR codes via two Keyence barcode readers in C#, Microsoft SQL Server, TCP/IP; program for monitoring and parameterizing the barcode readers and triggering the data export in C#, Microsoft SQL Server, SFTP transfer)
- Project for the development and programming of a low-cost management system for automated guided vehicles with Egemin Automation Inc. and American Packaging Corporation (C++, C#, Microsoft SQL Server, TCP/IP)
- Project for the test stand development and automation of SYS.5 tests for the climate actuator at ETO GRUPPE TECHNOLOGIES GmbH, Stockach (test stand software LabVIEW, C#; test evaluation DIAdem, C#; databases Microsoft SQL Server)
Daniel C.
Last position:
Founder & Managing Director at BotCraft GmbH
- Building the company with a focus on connectivity for IIoT and Industry 4.0, iRPA/process automation, advanced robotics and smart systems, sensors and services
- Project management and software architecture for IoT gateway development (since 2020) with protocol translation, IT/OT convergence and GRC
- Developing RPA bots for automating and monitoring industrial processes with an agent-based AI approach (since 2020)
- Implementing unsupervised clustering and anomaly detection for time series data in big data streaming pipelines (since 2021)
- Introducing a Docker-based release train for OTA updates with DevSecOps and CI/CD (since 2018)
Mohammad A.
Last position:
Rollout System at Amadeus-Fire Informationstechnik
Discover over 15,000 top freelancers
Statistics of experts using EtherCAT
Aggregated from the professional profiles of matched freelancers.
Experience
24 years
Position duration
3.4 years
Positions per freelancer
10
Top business areas
Product Development, Information Technology, Quality Assurance
Top industries
Manufacturing, Automotive, Information Technology
Certification focus areas
Information Technology, Operations, Product Development
Bachelor's degree or higher
80%
Master's degree or higher
60%
Doctorate
7%
Certifications per freelancer
1
Most common languages
German, English, Arabic
Speak two or more languages
100%
Based on our profile pool as of 29 Oct 2026.
Daily rate distribution
The chart shows how the daily rates of experts in this technology in Germany are distributed, based on recent contracts on our platform. Each bar covers a rate range — its height shows the share of experts charging within that range.
Average rates of experts in Germany using EtherCAT
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 29 Oct 2026. Actual rates may vary depending on seniority level, experience, skill specialization, project complexity, and engagement length.
EtherCAT experts industry focus
See which industries our matched freelancers work in most often — every figure is calculated live from the freelancers on FRATCH.
- Manufacturing (100%)
- Automotive (67%)
- Information Technology (61%)
- Education (44%)
- Energy (33%)
- Healthcare (28%)
- Food and Beverage (22%)
- Utilities (22%)
Please note that freelancers can work across multiple industries, so percentages overlap.
About the technology
Industrial networking
EtherCAT, short for Ethernet for Control Automation Technology, is a real-time Industrial Ethernet system for connecting controllers, drives, sensors, I/O modules and other automation equipment. Its processing-on-the-fly approach supports deterministic communication, tight synchronization and efficient use of network bandwidth. Companies use it in machine building, packaging, robotics, assembly and process equipment.
Core architecture
An EtherCAT network typically links a master with many distributed slave devices in a line, tree or ring arrangement. Frames pass through each device, which reads and inserts data while the frame is moving through the network. Distributed Clocks help coordinate motion and measurement tasks, while diagnostics expose wiring, device and communication problems close to their source.
Tools and ecosystem
Professionals work across the EtherCAT device ecosystem and the software used to configure and diagnose it.
- Beckhoff TwinCAT configuration and runtime environments
- EtherCAT master stacks, device descriptions and XML configuration files
- Servo drives, PLCs, remote I/O, encoders and safety terminals
- Distributed Clocks, topology checks and network diagnostics
- CoE, FoE and other communication services for device data
Typical project work
Companies bring in EtherCAT specialists to commission new machines, replace legacy fieldbuses or improve an existing automation cell. Work can include selecting compatible devices, mapping process data, configuring PDOs, tuning drives, writing PLC logic and validating synchronization. In Germany, this expertise is especially relevant to manufacturers, machine builders and industrial automation teams that coordinate hardware and software across sites.
When to hire specialists
External expertise helps when an automation project has strict motion, timing or availability requirements, or when internal teams lack hands-on experience with a specific master, drive family or safety setup.
- A new machine needs a reliable EtherCAT topology and device configuration
- Motion axes show jitter, synchronization faults or unexplained stops
- A fieldbus migration requires structured testing and commissioning
- A production line needs remote diagnosis followed by on-site validation
- A team must document the network for service and future expansion
Strong project delivery
Strong professionals understand both the protocol and the physical machine. They read electronic and network documentation, trace faults with diagnostic tools, configure devices from accurate descriptions and connect EtherCAT data to PLC, HMI, motion and safety logic. They also define acceptance tests, document topology and explain decisions clearly to controls, electrical and production teams. Remote work is practical for configuration, code review and diagnosis; commissioning often requires access to the machine on site.
Frequently asked questions
Questions about EtherCAT? Start with the answers below.
EtherCAT is used for real-time communication between industrial controllers and devices such as servo drives, remote I/O, encoders, sensors and safety components. It is common in machines that need synchronized motion, fast data exchange and predictable control behavior.
EtherCAT is often chosen for tightly synchronized motion and high device density, while PROFINET may fit plants already standardized on Siemens automation and broader Industrial Ethernet integration. CANopen remains useful for simpler or legacy networks, but the right choice depends on cycle requirements, existing hardware, diagnostics and the available master stack.
A strong EtherCAT specialist usually understands PLC programming, industrial Ethernet, servo commissioning, electrical documentation and machine safety. Experience with Beckhoff TwinCAT, CoE object dictionaries, PDO mapping, ESI files and drive tuning is valuable when the work covers the full control system.
The required background depends on the scope. EtherCAT configuration for a known device set may need focused commissioning expertise, while a new machine architecture, multi-axis motion system or difficult migration calls for a professional who has diagnosed comparable networks and can own testing through production release.
EtherCAT work can often be performed remotely for topology review, TwinCAT configuration, PLC changes, diagnostics and documentation. Physical wiring, drive commissioning and production acceptance usually require on-site collaboration in Germany, so access planning and clear handover procedures matter.
Ask the EtherCAT professional to describe a relevant machine, the master and devices involved, the faults they diagnosed and the tests they used to prove stability. Look for clear reasoning about topology, synchronization, process data, safety boundaries and documentation rather than familiarity with a product name alone.
EtherCAT was developed by Beckhoff and is strongly associated with TwinCAT, but it is an open technology supported by equipment and software from many vendors. A specialist should distinguish protocol knowledge from vendor-specific configuration and confirm compatibility across the intended master, slaves and tools.
A machine may need EtherCAT expertise when devices drop out, working-counter errors appear, distributed clocks lose alignment or motion becomes inconsistent. Repeated commissioning delays, unclear device descriptions, poor fault logs or undocumented topology are also signs that a systematic review will help.
The average hourly rate of freelancers in Germany who have used EtherCAT in their recent projects is 89 €, which corresponds to a daily rate of about 710 € based on an 8-hour working day.
Of the freelancers in Germany who have used EtherCAT in their recent projects, 80% hold at least a Bachelor's degree, 60% hold at least a Master's degree, and 7% hold a doctorate.
On average, freelancers in Germany who have used EtherCAT in their recent projects have 24 years of professional experience, with a single engagement typically lasting around 3.4 years.
The most common languages among freelancers in Germany who have used EtherCAT in their recent projects are German (100%), English (89%), and Arabic (22%).
The most common industries among freelancers in Germany who have used EtherCAT in their recent projects are Manufacturing (100%), Automotive (67%), and Information Technology (61%).
The most common business areas among freelancers in Germany who have used EtherCAT in their recent projects are Product Development (100%), Information Technology (89%), and Quality Assurance (78%).
Main locations of FRATCH Experts, who have recently used EtherCAT
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
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FRATCH CEO
