EtherCAT Experts in Germany
matched in minutes with the power of AIWork with specialists who design deterministic fieldbus networks, implement master and slave stacks, and integrate TwinCAT motion control systems, matched from over 15,000 CVs of vetted professionals.
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, 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 P.
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
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.
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
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)
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
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)
Christof M.
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
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 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 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 19 Sep 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
Real-time Ethernet communication in industrial automation
EtherCAT, or Ethernet for Control Automation Technology, is an open, high-performance industrial Ethernet fieldbus standard. It processes data on the fly, enabling microsecond cycle times and minimal jitter across complex industrial equipment. The technology powers modern packaging lines, CNC machinery, robotics, and high-speed test benches.
Core capabilities of EtherCAT specialists
- Implementing EtherCAT MainDevice master stacks like SOEM or Acontis EC-Master
- Developing SubDevice slave interfaces using dedicated ESC chips and microcontrollers
- Writing and validating EtherCAT Slave Information (ESI) XML device descriptions
- Configuring Distributed Clocks for sub-microsecond synchronization across multi-axis setups
- Integrating safety architectures via Safety over EtherCAT (FSoE)
Industrial ecosystem and integration tooling
Implementation relies on specialized stacks and automation suites. Specialists regularly operate within Beckhoff TwinCAT, Codesys, MATLAB Simulink, and real-time operating systems such as Linux with PREEMPT_RT, VxWorks, or QNX. Physical-layer verification involves tools like Wireshark with fieldbus dissectors, dedicated network analyzers, and EtherCAT Conformance Test Tool software.
When industrial teams engage external EtherCAT expertise
- Moving legacy CANopen or PROFIBUS architectures to real-time industrial Ethernet
- Resolving synchronization drift, frame drops, or topology errors under heavy factory loads
- Preparing custom SubDevice hardware for official EtherCAT Technology Group conformance testing
- Designing coordinated multi-axis servo drives requiring synchronized motion profiles
Industrial deployment across Germany
German mechanical engineering and automotive manufacturing rely heavily on deterministic automation networks. Specialists help domestic machine builders configure complex production cells, integrate modular sub-assemblies, and establish clean communication between controllers and field drives while complying with European machinery directives.
Hallmarks of senior EtherCAT professionals
Senior specialists demonstrate deep mastery of the physical network layer, precise frame processing mechanisms, and register configurations inside slave controllers. They swiftly isolate grounding faults, corrupted telegrams, or watchdog timeouts. Their work bridges embedded firmware design with operational PLC programming to deliver robust, fail-safe machine lines.
Frequently asked questions
Questions about EtherCAT? Start with the answers below.
EtherCAT serves as a deterministic real-time communication bus for high-speed automated systems. It is predominantly used to synchronize multi-axis servo motors, digital and analog I/O terminals, sensors, and safety modules with central PLC or IPC controllers.
While PROFINET IRT and EtherNet/IP route standard switched packets, EtherCAT uses a unique processing-on-the-fly mechanism where frames pass through nodes without being buffered. This approach yields lower cycle times, reduced jitter, and eliminates the need for expensive managed industrial switches.
Specialists commonly utilize Beckhoff TwinCAT, Codesys, and open-source stacks like SOEM or SOES alongside commercial solutions like Acontis EC-Master. They also validate network communication with the official EtherCAT Technology Group Conformance Test Tool and network packet analyzers.
Master-side software development, simulation, and basic stack configuration can be carried out remotely. However, validation on physical hardware, real-time bus tuning, and final machine commissioning in Germany usually require occasional on-site presence at the production plant or test bench.
A qualified EtherCAT professional typically has a background in embedded systems, electrical engineering, or industrial automation. Look for practical familiarity with EtherCAT Slave Controller hardware, Distributed Clocks configuration, and hands-on commissioning of synchronized drives.
Safety over EtherCAT, or FSoE, transmits safety-critical data across the standard communication channel using a black-channel principle. This enables fail-safe communication up to SIL 3 and Category 4 without requiring separate hardwired safety routing.
German machine builders often maintain technical documentation and circuit schematics in German, making local language proficiency valuable on the factory floor. Nevertheless, core EtherCAT protocol development and software integration are frequently conducted in English across international engineering teams.
An ESI file is an XML schema defining a slave device's object dictionary, supported communication profiles, process data objects, and sync manager configurations. An EtherCAT master uses this file to correctly configure and exchange cyclic data with the physical device.
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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Philipp Thomaschewski
FRATCH CEO
