Programmable Logic Controller Expert
to automate production systems with vetted, available freelancers matched in minutesHire experts who design PLC control logic, connect industrial sensors and actuators, and commission reliable automation systems across manufacturing, energy and process operations. FRATCH matches you quickly and precisely with vetted, available freelancers.
Meet FRATCH Experts who have recently used Programmable Logic Controller
Jens R.
Last position:
Platform Architect & Senior Developer at Direct client, industrial measurement technology, medium-sized company
- Technical leadership across hardware, firmware, and software teams; scope: hardware/firmware team (4 people) and leadership group (5 people)
- Consolidated and documented a product family that had grown over more than 15 years and aligned it with CRA compliance — from the bare-metal I/O module to the cloud interface.
- Provided the most important customer product with the essential requirements and architecture documentation within two months — for a firmware landscape that had grown over more than 15 years. It now supports the customer’s modernization strategy.
- Established a monthly reporting line to the supervisory board and executive board within three months: nine meetings since 12/2025. The report itself is versioned and built from the CI pipeline; it is based on automatically collected activity and release data instead of assessments.
- Built a container-based CI/CD infrastructure from scratch: cross-compilation, host tests, and documentation builds in one continuous pipeline.
- Introduced declarative QA gates for DevOps and development artifacts — from the start using lefthook instead of pre-commit, executed in a dedicated container image.
Technologies used: arc42, req42, tpo42, docToolchain, PlantUML, ArchiMate, C4 model, ADR, C, C++ (GTest), CMake, Bare Metal (ARM Cortex-M3/M7), OCI containers, Jenkins, lefthook, Prometheus, Grafana, SBOM, CRA, OPC, SCADA, PLC integration, IPv6 migration, Zero Trust, Sociocracy 3.0, Cynefin
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.
Goran P.
Last position:
Test Manager & Analyst at Festo / Questax GmbH
Project goal: Carrying out system tests and validating industrial communication and control systems, including requirements definition and verification.
Responsibilities:
- Test planning, test execution
- Test strategy, test cases, and test specifications
- Requirements analysis
- Ensuring traceability between requirements, test cases, and defects
- Carrying out regression and integration tests
- Defect analysis
- Simulation and validation
- NetSniffer Wireshark
- Supporting test automation (Python, CI/CD)
- Reporting
- Stakeholder coordination and agile collaboration (Scrum / SAFe / Kanban)
- V-Model
- CI/CD automation with Python, Groovy, and frameworks (Selenium, PyTest)
Technologies:: CAN, Modbus, Ethernet, PLC, PROFINET, Codebeamer ALM, Scrum, SAFe, MS Teams, Git, CI/CD with GitLab CI and TeamCity, Windows Batch, FAS, Wireshark, Python, Enterprise Architect (EA), AI tools (e.g. ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot), VS Code, Tia Portal, SCL, Python (Selenium, PyTest)
Emil O.
Last position:
Automation Engineer In House at Prevas AB
Working as an Automation Engineer in Prevas' in-house engineering team. My primary assignment involves developing and expanding ABB 800xA SCADA systems for a large-scale data center project. Responsibilities include SCADA graphic design, alarm management, system integration using OPC UA and Modbus, testing, verification, documentation, and commissioning support. In addition, I contribute to PLC and HMI development projects using Siemens, Rockwell, and ABB platforms and provide 24/7 remote support for industrial customers.
- ABB 800xA & ControlBuilder/ AC800M
- Rockwell Studio 5000 Logix Designer
- Siemens TIA Portal
- ABB 800xA
- Remote Support
- Troubleshooting hardware/software
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
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
Saqib J.
Last position:
AI Developer / AI Engineer (Lead) at KOM4TEC GmbH
- Conceptual design and implementation of modular AI assistants for sales and business processes in the Microsoft ecosystem (Agentic AI, Copilot extensions)
- Frontend architecture and development with React + TypeScript for embedded chat and assistant surfaces (streaming UI, hooks, React Query, OpenAPI clients)
- Enterprise-level agent development: reusable skill/agent library, MCP server, review and compliance gates
- LLM integration into the user experience: Anthropic (Claude), OpenAI, tool use, RAG pipelines, prompt engineering, guardrails
- Architecture and code review consulting as well as mentoring in the AI development team
- Integration with Microsoft Graph, Power Platform, and Azure services
- Technologies: React, TypeScript, Anthropic Claude, OpenAI, MCP, RAG, Microsoft Graph, Power Platform, Azure
Vishnu V.
Last position:
Senior Software Architect at Roche Diagnostics Automation Solutions
- Own the software system architecture for laboratory automation products; specify interfaces across software, middleware, hardware and motor control in a regulated IVD environment.
- Led architecture evaluations and proof-of-concepts for integrating AI capabilities (anomaly detection, predictive maintenance) into lab automation under medical-device quality standards.
- Introduced GenAI-assisted development tools across the team, improving productivity and code review quality.
- Communicate architecture decisions to product and project management; coordinate research and improvement projects with system, electronics and external partners.
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
Saurabh H.
Last position:
Master Thesis, Simulation at AVL in Germany
- Engineered and validated a full-vehicle thermal management system in MiL simulation, achieving 95% correlation accuracy against real-world vehicle measurements, directly supporting virtual calibration and reducing dependency on physical test benches.
- Led end-to-end Model-in-the-Loop (MiL) simulation development using AVL CruiseM and MATLAB/Simulink, covering system architecture, parameterization, and validation.
- Acquired and analyzed vehicle sensor measurements (temperature, volumetric flow rate) using dSpace MicroAutoBox (HiL) and IPEmotion, translating raw data into actionable calibration insights.
- Calibrated and optimized critical actuators and thermal components - pumps, valves, electric heaters, heat exchangers, and refrigerant circuits and identified/integrated previously missing physical behaviors to close the gap between simulated and real vehicle performance.
- Designed and tuned an integrated actuator controller with precisely calibrated parameters, producing a high-accuracy virtual model adopted for downstream development use.
Hashem B.
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".
Olfa A.
Last position:
Senior Embedded Software Engineer / Function Developer at Enginius GmbH (FAUN GROUP)
- Developed model-based software for hydrogen tank control units using MATLAB/Simulink, aligned with ISO 26262 functional safety requirements
- Performed system integration and software verification across MIL and HIL environments using dSPACE and Vector tools
- Defined software architecture (SADS) with interface specifications for CAN, analog, and digital communication protocols
- Generated production-ready embedded C code using Simulink Embedded Coder; created and maintained A2L calibration files with CANape
- Designed and executed MIL/HIL test cases ensuring full coverage of functional and safety requirements
- Implemented CODESYS PLC applications on IFM ecomatController; applied CAN and Modbus TCP/IP communication protocols
- Contributed to HMI/UI development using Qt/C++ on Linux (Qt Creator)
- Applied agile Kanban workflow with Git-based version control (Bitbucket)
Tools: MATLAB, Simulink, CANape, CANalyzer, PCAN-View, Embedded Coder, CODESYS, TTC2038/PXROS, Codebeamer, Jira, Git
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.
Vaibhav G.
Last position:
Expert Software & Functions Engineer at AVL Software & Functions GmbH
E-Drive Control
- Performed Model-Based Development (MBD) of application software (ASW) functions for E-Drive control using AVL & customer toolchains
- Translated product requirements into scalable, high-performance Simulink models for high-visibility projects, ensuring compliance with V-Model, AUTOSAR, ASPICE, ISO 26262, MAAB, MISRA, MXAM
- Automatic code generation (.c, .h, .arxml) using Embedded Coder
- Analyzed and derived system and ASW requirements, along with test cases, using PTC Integrity, CodeBeamer & PikeTec TPT
- Performed Verification & Validation of ASW using MIL/SIL/HIL, model/code coverage, exception report, req. & test case traceability
- Reviewed requirements, test cases and ASW, providing feedback to testing & development teams to drive bug fixes & improvements
- Created signals in Visu-IT-ADD & Vector DaVinci Developer Classic
- Documented ASW functions using Visu-IT-FunDoc & customer tool
- Updated enterprise architecture (EA) framework for system & ASW
- Created whitebox specifications for Inverter subsystem using Visio
- Commissioned & tested Inverters on Power HIL
- Mentored colleagues to foster collaboration & knowledge sharing
Marc F.
Last position:
Interim Talent Acquisition Manager at doctari
- Building a cross-functional product team to develop a super app
- Advising and mentoring to support the team and provide input (technical & soft skills)
Discover over 15,000 top freelancers
Statistics of experts using Programmable Logic Controller
Aggregated from the professional profiles of matched freelancers.
Experience
23 years
Position duration
4 years
Positions per freelancer
14
Top business areas
Product Development, Information Technology, Quality Assurance
Top industries
Manufacturing, Automotive, Information Technology
Certification focus areas
Information Technology, Quality Assurance, Product Development
Bachelor's degree or higher
88%
Master's degree or higher
54%
Doctorate
11%
Certifications per freelancer
3
Most common languages
German, English, French
Speak two or more languages
96%
Based on our profile pool as of 26 Sep 2026.
Daily rate distribution
The chart shows how the daily rates of experts in this technology 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 using Programmable Logic Controller
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 26 Sep 2026. Actual rates may vary depending on seniority level, experience, skill specialization, project complexity, and engagement length.
Programmable Logic Controller experts industry focus
See which industries our matched freelancers work in most often — every figure is calculated live from the freelancers on FRATCH.
- Manufacturing (90%)
- Automotive (64%)
- Information Technology (47%)
- Energy (46%)
- Healthcare (32%)
- Education (30%)
- Professional Services (27%)
- Aerospace and Defense (26%)
Please note that freelancers can work across multiple industries, so percentages overlap.
About the technology
Core function
A Programmable Logic Controller, commonly called a PLC, is an industrial computer built to monitor inputs and control machines through deterministic logic. It reads sensors, evaluates a control program and switches outputs such as motors, valves, relays and drives. PLCs are designed for continuous operation in demanding factory and process environments.
Automation systems
PLC specialists build the control layer for production lines, packaging equipment, conveyors, robots, pumps, boilers and material-handling systems. They translate operating sequences into ladder logic, function block diagrams or structured text. Their work can include safety circuits, alarm handling, recipes, motion control and operator interfaces.
- Machine and line control
- Process monitoring and sequencing
- HMI and SCADA integration
- Safety and interlock logic
Ecosystem and tooling
The ecosystem includes Siemens SIMATIC and TIA Portal, Rockwell Automation ControlLogix and Studio 5000, Schneider Electric Modicon, Mitsubishi MELSEC and Beckhoff TwinCAT. Projects may also use industrial Ethernet, OPC UA, Modbus, PROFINET, EtherNet/IP, variable-frequency drives and distributed I/O. Specialists select tools according to the installed plant standard and required interfaces.
When expertise matters
Companies bring in freelance PLC expertise when a new machine must be commissioned, an existing line needs modernization or a control fault is stopping production. External specialists can audit legacy logic, migrate hardware, improve cycle behavior, document programs and support factory acceptance or site testing. They are also useful when internal teams need temporary capacity for a shutdown or expansion.
- New equipment commissioning
- Legacy PLC migration
- Troubleshooting and optimization
- Control documentation and testing
Adjacent capabilities
Strong professionals understand more than programming syntax. They read electrical schematics, size and configure I/O, diagnose field wiring and work with servo systems, VFDs, robots and industrial networks. Useful adjacent skills include HMI design, SCADA configuration, database connectivity, cybersecurity practices and functional safety methods.
Quality signals
Look for specialists who can explain their design choices in terms of machine behavior, safety, maintainability and recovery after faults. Relevant evidence includes clear sequence documentation, version-controlled logic, structured alarm handling and disciplined testing with simulators or real equipment. Ask how they manage backups, change control, remote access and commissioning risks. The strongest professionals communicate clearly with electricians, operators, mechanical teams and production leaders.
Frequently asked questions
What clients ask us most about Programmable Logic Controller — answered in short.
A Programmable Logic Controller controls industrial machines and processes by reading inputs and sending outputs according to programmed logic. PLCs run conveyors, packaging lines, pumps, heating systems, robots and other equipment while handling sequences, alarms, interlocks and operator commands.
A PLC is built for predictable control, electrical noise, straightforward maintenance and long operation in industrial environments. Microcontrollers can suit embedded products, while industrial PCs are often better for intensive computation, visualization or data processing; the right choice depends on timing, environment, lifecycle and integration needs.
A strong Programmable Logic Controller specialist may work with Siemens TIA Portal, Rockwell Studio 5000, Schneider Modicon, Mitsubishi MELSEC or Beckhoff TwinCAT. The most important match is usually the platform already installed at the site, along with its communication standards, drives, safety hardware and HMI tools.
A PLC professional often needs to understand electrical drawings, sensors, actuators, motor control, variable-frequency drives and industrial networks. HMI, SCADA, OPC UA, robotics, functional safety, commissioning and troubleshooting skills can also be essential to deliver a complete control system.
The required background depends on the risk and scope of the work. A Programmable Logic Controller freelancer handling a small logic change may need focused knowledge of one installed system, while a greenfield line, safety application or plant migration calls for proven design, testing and commissioning experience.
Much PLC work can be completed remotely, including code review, simulation, documentation, configuration and preparation for testing. Physical commissioning, wiring checks, machine trials and fault diagnosis usually require site access, so projects often combine remote collaboration with planned on-site work and controlled remote support.
Ask a Programmable Logic Controller specialist to describe a comparable machine, the testing approach and how faults, backups and changes were managed. Good answers cover readable logic, clear naming, safe recovery states, structured documentation and communication with electricians, operators and production teams.
A PLC freelancer should clarify the installed hardware and software, machine standards, network access, safety responsibilities, documentation quality and commissioning schedule. It is also important to establish whether the assignment includes remote diagnostics, travel, shift support, training or handover to an internal team.
The average hourly rate of freelancers who have used Programmable Logic Controller in their recent projects is 94 €, which corresponds to a daily rate of about 755 € based on an 8-hour working day.
Of the freelancers who have used Programmable Logic Controller in their recent projects, 88% hold at least a Bachelor's degree, 54% hold at least a Master's degree, and 11% hold a doctorate.
On average, freelancers who have used Programmable Logic Controller in their recent projects have 23 years of professional experience, with a single engagement typically lasting around 4 years.
The most common languages among freelancers who have used Programmable Logic Controller in their recent projects are German (99%), English (92%), and French (20%).
The most common industries among freelancers who have used Programmable Logic Controller in their recent projects are Manufacturing (90%), Automotive (64%), and Information Technology (47%).
The most common business areas among freelancers who have used Programmable Logic Controller in their recent projects are Product Development (93%), Information Technology (73%), and Quality Assurance (72%).
Main locations of FRATCH Experts, who have recently used Programmable Logic Controller
Our freelancers and interim experts are at home all over Germany — available on-site in Berlin, Hamburg, Munich and every major business hub, or fully remote. Choose a city to discover matched specialists, local market insights and up-to-date availability.
Berlin 
Hamburg 
Munich 
Dusseldorf 
Berlin Hamburg Munich Cologne Frankfurt Stuttgart Dusseldorf Leipzig Dortmund Essen Bremen Dresden Hanover Nuremberg In Austria our freelancers and interim experts support companies from Vienna to Graz — on-site where your project needs them, or fully remote. Choose a city to discover matched specialists, local market insights and up-to-date availability.
Vienna Graz Across Switzerland our specialists are active in Zurich, Geneva, Basel and Bern — working on-site or fully remote. Choose a city to discover matched specialists, local market insights and up-to-date availability.
Zurich Geneva Basel Bern Countries:
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