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Plant Engineering Experts

in minutes from over 15,000 CVs with the power of AI

Hire experts who design, upgrade, and document process plants, utilities, and production systems. They support layout, equipment selection, piping, safety reviews, and handover packages, with fast and precise matching to vetted, available freelancers.

Meet FRATCH Experts who have recently used Plant Engineering

Verified expert

Jakob Hess

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CEO - CRO - Advisory Board Member

Wiesbaden
Jakob Hess

Last position:

Chief Transformation Officer at Engagement with an internationally active technology group

  • Transformation and global scaling (listed in the MDAX)
  • Stabilization and professionalization of the ongoing value creation program
  • Consistent challenging of the workstreams regarding content, target achievement, and progress, as well as realization of the defined value drivers
  • Identification and removal of implementation blockers to ensure execution speed
  • Reporting to the Executive Board and Supervisory Board
Verified expert

Sabine Liberty

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Expert & Interim Manager B2B Communications, Change Communications, Content Creation

Eckental
Sabine Liberty

Last position:

Communications consultant for crisis communication/issue management at AQIM – Association for Quality in Interim Management

Planning, execution & moderation of crisis communication and reputation management

AQIM is a non-profit organization based in Austria. An association of interim managers from Germany and Austria. Founded in December 2024. Multi-part training with workshops and consulting for preventive crisis communication, in cooperation with the founding members and those responsible for communication. To assess crisis potential for the market entry strategy and ahead of a digital campaign.

The project in a nutshell:

Consulting and training for the purpose of:

  • Analysis of crisis potential as a new market entrant and its internet-based communication activities
  • Planning and developing crisis communication with targeted measures
  • Developing a crisis plan to minimize reputation risks in an emergency
  • Conducting training and information sessions

Success:

  • What started as a one-time consulting event for preparing an information campaign became a multi-part workshop on preventive crisis communication. This not only gave the organization expertise and confidence in the event of acute challenges, but also gave the participating interim managers new skills for their day-to-day work on assignments
  • The workshop enabled those responsible to launch the information campaign that was being prepared at the time and planned for six months, as scheduled at the end of January 2026 on social media
  • Careful scheduling and defining how to handle critical voices in terms of terminology and tone, as well as compliance rules, ensured a smooth start and run of a 3-month information campaign
Verified expert

Kenan Šabić

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Enterprise Architecture

Berlin
Kenan Šabić

Last position:

Enterprise Architecture at Swiss Krono

  • Building up the Enterprise Architecture department. Preparing the convergence of IT / OT.
  • Mapping the global business application landscape (6 countries).
  • Concept for a graph model of the application landscape. Storing the results in the open-source graph database Neo4J. Various reports in the database query language CYPHER and the visualization component BLOOM. Automatic generation of IT architecture diagrams.
  • Development of an application taxonomy to identify redundant applications.
  • Applying Gartner's Software Portfolio Management TIME model (Tolerate, Invest, Migrate, and Eliminate) for portfolio management.
  • Enterprise Architecture Governance: establishing architecture guidelines for documenting measures and decisions.
  • Process modeling according to Porter (Value Chain).
  • Various architecture approvals for change requests and documentation in Architecture Decision Records (ADR).
  • Working on the RACI matrix for various processes.
  • Working on business capabilities as preparation for a LeanIX rollout.
  • Contributing to the concept for IT/OT convergence.
  • Establishing architecture guidelines in a very pragmatic corporate culture. Knowledge about applications and responsibilities is spread across the world.
Verified expert

Thomas Wüst

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EXECUTIVE INTERIM MANAGER

Ranschbach
Thomas Wüst

Last position:

Interim Sales Manager at Inovan GmbH & Co. KG

Situation:

  • decline in sales
  • need for support in identifying and opening up new sales markets

TASK:

  • Expand the B2B network and develop new strategic partnerships to open up additional sales opportunities and new markets.

MEASURES:

  • Identify and approach potential B2B customers and partners
  • Expand existing contacts in the market environment
  • Develop new strategic partnerships
  • Customer and market meetings mostly in the field
  • Support in opening up new sales opportunities

RESULTS:

  • B2B network expanded in a targeted way
  • new strategic partnerships initiated
  • additional market and sales potential made visible
  • stronger presence with customers through personal market work
Verified expert

Klaus Zwingel

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Head of HR, Machinery and Plant Engineering

Poing
Klaus Zwingel

Last position:

Head of HR, Machinery and Plant Engineering at Interim Management (freelance)

  • Acting as a professional sparring partner for management and leaders on HR topics
  • Advising employees on HR matters
  • Maintaining department capability during transition
  • Analyzing weaknesses in the performance appraisal process
  • Integrating the SAP appraisal tool
  • Negotiating and organizing short-time work
  • Analyzing and consolidating employment contracts
  • Preparing references and recruiting
  • Advising on organizational development
Verified expert

Thomas Meyer

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Executive Consultant, Coach to Management

Weilheim in Oberbayern
Thomas Meyer

Last position:

Executive Consultant, Coach to Management at International consulting firm

  • Support to management on critical strategic topics with high investment volumes (e.g. large project > EUR 250 million).
  • Support for the financing of large projects with a credit volume of EUR 100 million.
  • Advice on difficult personnel issues and on filling leadership positions.
  • Leadership and management in virtual project environments.
  • Strategic consulting on digitalization as well as financing and equity topics.
  • Impulse giver and advisor for stuck negotiations, contract design, and solution options.
Verified expert

Friedhelm Best

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Fractional CEO/CSO

Aurich
Friedhelm Best

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.

Verified expert

Jens Matthaei

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Project Management Operations: Plant Engineering, Production, Quality, Procurement

Maisach
Jens Matthaei

Last position:

Automation project manager at Capgemini Engineering @ ACC Battery Factory

PSA, Peugeot Citroën, France (10/2023 – 05/2024)

  • Launch Manager for electrode production rolling lines
  • Setup, modernization, and commissioning of cleanroom production equipment
  • Management of a team of 15 Chinese technicians
  • Recovery of a three-month delay and on-schedule delivery
Verified expert

Frank Ziegler

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Senior Project Manager | Interim / Project Assignments | Sourcing | Supplier Development | Special Machine Engineering |

Kuchen
Frank Ziegler

Last position:

Project Manager Sourcing at Carl Zeiss SMT GmbH

Manages complex sourcing and supplier projects in a high-tech / semiconductor environment with a focus on delivery capability, critical assemblies, QLTCS, escalation management, and sustainable supply chain stabilization. Leads international stakeholders, internal departments, and suppliers through demanding decision-making, qualification, and implementation phases.

Mandate relevance: Stabilization of critical supply chains, securing technologically demanding assemblies, and structured management of supplier and escalation topics in a highly dynamic high-tech environment.

Verified expert

Hashem Badra

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Dr.-Ing.

Linkenheim-Hochstetten
Hashem Badra

Last position:

Project Manager, QMB and Safety Officer at TRIPLAN GmbH

Project Manager Management, coordination and monitoring, as well as documentation and evaluation, of numerous multidisciplinary projects in the field of "production plants/plant engineering", in the gas and oil, chemical, and pharmaceutical industries QMB and Safety Officer Involved in the introduction of the quality management system and in the preparation and execution of the certification audit "energy, safety, and QM audit".

Verified expert

Roland Hovestadt

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CEO

Karlsruhe
Roland Hovestadt

Last position:

CEO at SOEX Group (& I:CO)

  • Got a misguided restructuring back on track
  • Successfully created positive momentum by motivating, inspiring, and encouraging employees to stay committed during this difficult phase
  • Developed a solid strategy concept and created a 5-year roadmap from it
  • End-to-end, AI-supported digitalization of collection logistics processes, which led to optimized operations and a significant increase in efficiency
  • Designed a complex technical concept for automated, AI-supported textile sorting on an industrial scale
  • Implemented efficient structures and established clear communication channels, which helped improve team coordination and clearly define responsibilities
  • Strategic development and successful implementation of a dynamic sales structure, which, through proactive leadership and targeted talent development, led to higher sales momentum and employee motivation
  • Created tailored concepts for international retailers, fashion brands, producers, and wholesalers (pre-/post-consumer textiles) as a key part of the new strategic direction
  • Initiated and maintained partnerships between industry and research to advance the shared goal of “Circularity in Textile” with recognized expertise
  • Targeted reduction of the investment backlog through modernization and optimization of machinery and plant technology, which led to a significant increase in operational productivity
Verified expert

Benjamin Rähmer

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Electrical Engineer (M. Eng.)

Frankfurt am Main
Benjamin Rähmer

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
Verified expert

Detlef Schön

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Independent Consultant/Project Manager/Interim Manager

Toppenstedt
Detlef Schön

Last position:

Independent Consultant/Project Manager/Interim Manager at Pro Domus Consulting

Verified expert

Andreas Schneider

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Project Manager

Mutterstadt
Andreas Schneider

Last position:

Project Manager at Nordex

  • Strategy to migrate data after the takeover of a company

Discover over 15,000 top freelancers

Statistics of experts using Plant Engineering

Aggregated from the professional profiles of matched freelancers.

Experience

29 years

Position duration

5.6 years

Positions per freelancer

14

Top business areas

Project Management, Operations, Product Development

Top industries

Manufacturing, Automotive, Professional Services

Certification focus areas

Project Management, Quality Assurance, Human Resources

Bachelor's degree or higher

88%

Master's degree or higher

47%

Doctorate

14%

Certifications per freelancer

3

Most common languages

German, English, French

Speak two or more languages

96%

Based on our profile pool as of 6 Sep 2026.

Daily rate distribution

0 30 60 90 120
<€400 €400-​800 €800-​1200 €1200-​1600 €1600+

The chart shows how the daily rates of freelancers in this technology 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 using Plant Engineering

Rates are based on recent contracts and do not include FRATCH margin.

1200
900
600
300
Rate comparison chart
Daily rate avg. 952 €

The average daily rate is the mean of all daily rates from recent contracts of comparable freelancers on our platform.

1200
900
600
300
Rate comparison chart
Median rate 1000 €

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 6 Sep 2026. Actual rates may vary depending on seniority level, experience, skill specialization, project complexity, and engagement length.

About the technology

What it covers

Plant engineering covers the planning and delivery of industrial plants and the systems inside them. It spans process flow, equipment selection, piping, utilities, layout, and interfaces between disciplines. Strong experts turn operating needs into buildable, safe, and maintainable plant designs.

Typical work

  • Feasibility and concept studies
  • Basic and detailed plant design
  • P&IDs, layouts, and equipment lists
  • Piping, utilities, and interface checks
  • Commissioning and handover support

Tools and standards

Plant engineering work often depends on CAD and plant design tools, document control, and structured review processes. Common references include P&IDs, 3D plant models, equipment data sheets, and safety documentation. In many projects, experience with process safety, HAZOP support, and change control matters as much as drawing skill.

When to bring in specialists

Companies bring in freelance plant engineering experts when internal teams are overloaded, a project needs niche process knowledge, or an upgrade must fit into an existing site. They are also useful for peak phases such as tendering, detailed design, shutdown planning, and as-built updates. This is common in food, chemicals, energy, pharmaceuticals, water, and general manufacturing.

What strong experts deliver

A good expert thinks across disciplines, not only within one drawing set. They spot clashes early, keep documents consistent, and understand how design choices affect safety, operability, and maintenance. They also work well with project management, procurement, and site teams.

Working model

Plant engineering often mixes remote document work with site visits. Remote collaboration works well for studies, documentation, and model reviews, while on-site time helps with surveys, walkdowns, and commissioning support. Clear communication in the project language and disciplined document handling are key.

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Frequently asked questions

What clients ask us most about Plant Engineering — answered in short.

Plant Engineering is used to plan, design, modify, and support industrial plants and production facilities. It covers the systems that make a site run, from process flow and utilities to equipment, piping, and layouts. Companies usually need it when they build new capacity, upgrade an existing line, or solve an operating problem.

Plant Engineering is broader than a single discipline. It connects process, mechanical, piping, civil, electrical, and control work so the whole plant can be built and operated safely. Process work focuses more on how the system behaves, while plant engineering also handles layout, interfaces, and delivery details.

A strong Plant Engineering specialist usually brings adjacent skills in CAD, P&IDs, equipment data sheets, document control, and site surveys. Knowledge of HAZOP, change management, and commissioning is often valuable too. The best people can read across disciplines and keep the technical package consistent.

For simple documentation updates, a focused Plant Engineering expert with solid practical experience may be enough. For greenfield plants, complex retrofits, or safety-critical changes, you want someone who has handled similar scope before. The key is not just time in the field, but direct work on the same type of plant and deliverables.

Much of Plant Engineering can be done remotely, especially concept studies, drawings, document reviews, and design coordination. Site visits are still important for surveys, walkdowns, clash checks, and commissioning support. Many projects use a mix of remote work and on-site presence.

Plant Engineering is common in chemicals, food and beverage, energy, pharmaceuticals, water treatment, and manufacturing. These sectors need safe layouts, reliable utilities, and clear handover documents. It also appears in brownfield upgrades where existing equipment must stay in service during changes.

Look for clear deliverables, consistent documents, and sound technical reasoning in a Plant Engineering portfolio. Good experts explain trade-offs, flag risks early, and coordinate well with other disciplines. References from similar plant types are often more useful than generic claims about broad experience.

Plant Engineering overlaps with plant design and with EPC delivery, but it is not exactly the same thing. Plant design is often the technical design scope, while EPC adds procurement and construction execution. Many freelancers work across these areas, but you should still define whether you need studies, design, or delivery support.

The average hourly rate of freelancers who have used Plant Engineering in their recent projects is 119 €, which corresponds to a daily rate of about 952 € based on an 8-hour working day.

Of the freelancers who have used Plant Engineering in their recent projects, 88% hold at least a Bachelor's degree, 47% hold at least a Master's degree, and 14% hold a doctorate.

On average, freelancers who have used Plant Engineering in their recent projects have 29 years of professional experience, with a single engagement typically lasting around 5.6 years.

The most common languages among freelancers who have used Plant Engineering in their recent projects are German (100%), English (95%), and French (28%).

The most common industries among freelancers who have used Plant Engineering in their recent projects are Manufacturing (91%), Automotive (59%), and Professional Services (50%).

The most common business areas among freelancers who have used Plant Engineering in their recent projects are Project Management (86%), Operations (75%), and Product Development (61%).

Main locations of FRATCH Experts, who have recently used Plant 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.

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Philipp Thomaschewski

FRATCH CEO

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