EtherCAT Experts in Germany
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Meet FRATCH Experts in Germany, who have recently used EtherCAT
Ljubomir Obrenovic
Last position:
Senior Software Test Engineer at Keil KTM GmbH
Temporary employment
- System black-box integration tests (BBIT, IVVQ): Execution of regression, release, acceptance, and compliance tests for safety-critical brake control units in the rail 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 standards compliance according to 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, 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 adaptation 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): Participation 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 layers (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 Peter
Last position:
Architecture and Programming for Automotive Test Bench Platform at Automotive Supplier
In this project, I was responsible for the design and implementation of 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 consistent use of UML modeling throughout. This structured approach made it possible to greatly increase the reusability of individual LabVIEW test modules and to significantly reduce development time for follow-up projects. I also integrated modern automotive standards such as CAN FD, LIN, and safety requirements, which made the solution future-proof.
Technologies: LabVIEW, Visio, UML, CAN FD, LIN, DMM, Safety, image processing, project management, HMI, C#, C++, Python, Rust, CI
Kusay Tomeh
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.
Jürgen Kaiser
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 Jaber
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 Metin
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 Demir
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)
Daniel Pohl
Last position:
Freelancer in industrial automation engineering at dPSolutions
- Independent work as a PLC and software specialist focusing on automation and custom machinery
- Programming, modernization, expansion and optimization of production plants with focus on efficiency improvements, 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)
- System integration of external systems such as readers, printers, scales, scanners and cameras, as well as various fieldbus systems (Ethernet, Profinet, Profibus, EtherCAT, CAN bus, RS232, TCP/IP)
- Creation of visualizations and HMI applications with Siemens WinCC flexible, Beckhoff HMI and .NET front-ends
- Design, development and integration of machine vision solutions (Keyence, Cognex, AVS Alfavision, camera systems) in PLC and PC environments
- Design and implementation of process data acquisition 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
- Design and programming of conveyor, testing, assembly, packaging and grinding systems in industries such as automotive, chemical, food, electronics and machinery and plant engineering
- Conducting workshops and training on Siemens TIA-Portal, STEP7 Classic, Beckhoff TwinCAT (including TwinSAFE) as well as topics like 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 requirement analysis through planning, concept development and supplier coordination to commissioning, production support and maintenance
Natdanai Promchinavongs
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
Alexander Bröcker
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)
Arnauld Siewe
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
Daniel Carton
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)
Christof Mrosek
Last position:
Founder & Self-employed at CMRO Engineering
- I mainly offer 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 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
Stefan Pöter
Last position:
Managing Director at ootb automation GmbH
- Sales of scalable automation applications in the field of machine control
Joachim Kirsten
Last position:
Programming and Commissioning of Test and Assembly Machines
- Programming in TIA Portal
- Visualization with WinCC
- F-CPU, Safety Integrated
- Various sensors and camera sensors
- Participated in defining the task and from design onwards
Discover over 15,000 top freelancers
Statistics of experts using EtherCAT
Aggregated from the professional profiles of matched freelancers.
Experience
24 years
Position duration
3.6 years
Positions per freelancer
9
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
79%
Master's degree or higher
64%
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 30 Aug 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 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 30 Aug 2026. Actual rates may vary depending on seniority level, experience, skill specialization, project complexity, and engagement length.
About the technology
What EtherCAT is
EtherCAT is a real-time industrial Ethernet protocol for machine control and automation. It is used where fast, deterministic communication matters, especially between controllers, drives, sensors, and distributed I/O. Companies bring in EtherCAT specialists when standard networking is not enough.
Typical projects
- Motion control for machines and production lines
- Distributed I/O design and device integration
- PLC-to-drive communication and synchronization
- Commissioning, troubleshooting, and network optimization
Ecosystem and tooling
EtherCAT work often sits around PLC systems, servo drives, field devices, and engineering tools from the machine vendor. Strong professionals know the EtherCAT slave and master side, topology constraints, bus diagnostics, and how to read network behavior during commissioning. They also work with the ETG ecosystem and device documentation.
When companies hire help
Teams usually need freelance support when a line is new, a machine is being modernized, or communication faults are slowing production. In Germany, this often involves factory automation, packaging, robotics, and other plant environments where on-site work may be needed during start-up. Remote support is common for analysis, documentation, and code review.
What strong specialists do
- Configure deterministic communication and cycle times
- Diagnose wiring, topology, and device issues
- Integrate slaves, couplers, and motion components cleanly
- Keep machine behavior stable under load
Skills that matter
A strong EtherCAT professional understands industrial Ethernet, automation engineering, and timing-sensitive control. They can trace faults between controller, firmware, cabling, and field devices, then turn the findings into clear action steps. Good communication matters as much as technical depth, especially when several vendors are involved.
Frequently asked questions
Questions about EtherCAT? Start with the answers below.
EtherCAT is used for fast, deterministic communication in machine and plant automation. It connects controllers with drives, remote I/O, sensors, and other field devices when timing has to stay tightly controlled. That makes it a common choice for motion-heavy systems and synchronized production equipment.
EtherCAT is designed for real-time control, while standard Ethernet is not deterministic enough for most motion tasks. Compared with PROFINET, it is often chosen when very tight cycle behavior and simple bus handling are the priority. The right choice depends on the control stack, device mix, and machine requirements.
A strong EtherCAT specialist usually also knows PLC engineering, servo drive integration, and industrial networking. Familiarity with troubleshooting tools, device manuals, and automation commissioning is important too. In many projects, knowledge of motion control and machine safety is a clear advantage.
For a new EtherCAT rollout, you usually want someone who has already handled commissioning and fault finding in real machines. Pure theory is not enough when devices, cabling, topology, and timing all interact. The safest choice is a specialist who has worked on systems similar to yours, not just read the protocol specs.
EtherCAT work is often split between remote analysis and on-site commissioning. Remote support works well for configuration review, documentation, and troubleshooting logs. On-site time is usually needed when hardware, wiring, drive behavior, or live machine timing has to be checked directly.
Look for a EtherCAT expert who can explain root causes clearly, not just list symptoms. Good signs include solid diagnostics, careful changes to topology or cycle settings, and clean handover notes for your team. Ask for examples of commissioning work, fault isolation, and integration with drives or I/O.
The EtherCAT Technology Group, often called ETG, is the main ecosystem around the protocol. It defines interoperability guidance, device information, and community resources that help vendors and integrators work together. A specialist who understands ETG materials can usually navigate device compatibility issues faster.
Yes, EtherCAT remains highly relevant wherever deterministic control and synchronized motion are needed. It is widely used in modern machine automation because it fits compact, distributed architectures and supports complex device chains. Many projects still choose it when timing and control stability matter more than general IT networking.
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 713 € based on an 8-hour working day.
Of the freelancers in Germany who have used EtherCAT in their recent projects, 79% hold at least a Bachelor's degree, 64% 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 3.6 years.
The most common languages among freelancers in Germany who have used EtherCAT in their recent projects are German (100%), English (88%), and Arabic (18%).
The most common industries among freelancers in Germany who have used EtherCAT in their recent projects are Manufacturing (100%), Automotive (65%), and Information Technology (65%).
The most common business areas among freelancers in Germany who have used EtherCAT in their recent projects are Product Development (100%), Information Technology (88%), and Quality Assurance (76%).
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
