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Find proven

Programmable Logic Controller Experts in Germany

to modernize industrial control with precise AI matching

Hire experts who configure PLC systems, connect Siemens SIMATIC and other automation platforms, and deliver reliable machine control for production environments. FRATCH matches you quickly and precisely with vetted, available freelancers.

Meet FRATCH Experts in Germany, who have recently used Programmable Logic Controller

Verified expert

Gregor P.

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Engineering Data Management Project Manager

Frankfurt am Main
Gregor P.

Last position:

Engineering Data Management Project Manager

Technical and commercial risk assessment for an investment project in the hardware sector (scaling potential, liability risks, operational processes) Process consulting for two SMEs in the engineering environment, with a focus on workflow digitization and PLM

Verified expert

Henok M.

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M.Sc. Industrial Engineer | Technical Trainings & Enablement | Interim Project & Product Manager

Frankfurt am Main
Henok M.

Last position:

Electrician Specialist for Predefined Work (Dt: EFfT) at WBS Trainings

  • Fundamentals of electronics measurement, electropneumatic circuits & protective measures according to DIN-VDE
  • Installation, wiring and commissioning of PLC-controlled Systems
Verified expert

Jens R.

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Technical Product Owner

Kerpen
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

Verified expert

Muhammad Tanveer B.

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Embedded Systems | ADAS | RF Systems | Quantum Optics | R&D and Validation & Integration

Siegen
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.

Verified expert

Ljubomir O.

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Senior Test Automation Engineer | QA Engineer

München
Ljubomir O.

Last position:

Senior Software Test Engineer at Keil KTM GmbH

Temporary employment

  • System black-box integration tests (BBIT, IVVQ): Execution of regression, release, confirmation and conformity tests for safety-critical braking control units in the railway industry
  • Software Test Application & Integration: Runtime configuration of software components and libraries, validation of interfaces, configuration dependencies and component interactions
  • Test Automation (FEAT Framework): Co-development and further development of an automated test framework for test execution, reporting and result analysis
  • Functional Safety (SiL4, FuSi): Ensuring compliance with safety requirements, traceability and coverage as well as conformity with EN50126/28/29
  • Test Automation for Communication Components: Configuration and validation of fieldbus (CAN) and Ethernet-based TCMS data communication interfaces (TRDP and CIP)
  • Requirements Analysis & Shift-Left (PTC Windchill ALM): Analysis of software and system artifacts to identify gaps, ambiguities and redundancies early in the SDLC
  • Test Design & Test Case Development: Derivation of test conditions and coverage strategies and implementation of data-driven test cases (DDT) including reusable test data fixtures
  • CI/CD & Automation (Python, PowerShell, Jenkins, SVN): Automation of build, test and HIL deployment processes as well as integration into CI/CD pipelines
  • Test Data & Configuration Management (XML): Maintenance and adjustment of XML test vectors and system configurations with automated integration into test environments
  • Non-Functional Testing: Execution of performance and load tests to assess stability and system behavior
  • Agile Development & Defect Management (JIRA, Confluence): Work in Scrum teams, test coordination, review of test artifacts as well as defect tracking and root-cause analysis
  • Error Analysis & Debugging (CANoe, CANalyzer): Analysis of errors and message flows across multiple system levels (application to bus)
  • Model-Based Analysis (UML, Enterprise Architect): Specification of SUT/SOW and support for systematic test control
  • Process & Test Documentation: Creation of integration and test documentation according to internal quality and certification requirements
Verified expert

Volkmar S.

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Mechatronics. Technology. Foresight.

Hamburg
Volkmar S.

Last position:

Parameterization and support during the commissioning of water treatment at wks GmbH

Parameterization and support during the commissioning of water treatment

Project: New construction of municipal water treatment plant Dörenthe

  • Checking the sensors for suitability, installation errors and parameterization.
  • Coordination with the PL system for automation.
  • Correction of errors

Tools: Endress & Hauser Tools

Verified expert

Emil O.

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Automation & Software Engineer | Industrial Automation

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
Verified expert

Saqib J.

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Senior Solution & Software Architect · Interim IT Lead · AI/Agentic AI, Cloud, .NET

Erlensee
Saqib J.

Last position:

AI Developer / AI Engineer (Lead) at KOM4TEC GmbH

  • Designed and implemented modular AI assistants for sales and business processes within 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 servers, 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, and mentoring within 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
Verified expert

Olfa A.

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Embedded Software Engineer | Model-Based Software Design | HIL/SIL/MIL Validation

Hanover
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

Verified expert

Jens-Uwe P.

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Diplom-Physiker And Certified LabVIEW Architect With Over 15 Years Of Experience In The Development Of Automated Measurement,

Coburg
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

Verified expert

Hendrik W.

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Software Test and Maintenance Support

Berlin
Hendrik W.

Last position:

Software Test and Maintenance Support at Anton Paar ProveTec GmbH

  • Adding/creating test specifications
  • Performing regression tests
  • Performing release tests
  • Analyzing Jira tickets
  • Identifying software defects and fixing them with C#
Verified expert

Vishnu V.

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AI Solution Architect · ISAQB® Certified Software Architect · Founder & CEO

Backnang
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.
Verified expert

Saurabh H.

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Mechatronics Engineer

Ingolstadt
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.
Verified expert

Youness R.

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Dipl.-Ing. (FH) Automation Technology | Self-employed Entrepreneur

Neuss
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

Discover over 15,000 top freelancers

Statistics of experts using Programmable Logic Controller

Aggregated from the professional profiles of matched freelancers.

Experience

23 years

Programmable Logic Controller experts in Germany have 23 years of professional experience on average.

Position duration

4 years

Programmable Logic Controller experts in Germany stay in a single position for 4 years on average.

Positions per freelancer

14

Programmable Logic Controller experts in Germany have completed 14 positions on average over the course of their careers.

Top business areas

Product Development, Information Technology, Quality Assurance

Programmable Logic Controller experts in Germany have gathered most of their hands-on project experience in Product Development, Information Technology, and Quality Assurance.

Top industries

Manufacturing, Automotive, Energy

Programmable Logic Controller experts in Germany are most in demand in Manufacturing, Automotive, and Energy.

Certification focus areas

Information Technology, Quality Assurance, Product Development

Programmable Logic Controller experts in Germany earn their certifications most often in Information Technology, Quality Assurance, and Product Development.

Bachelor's degree or higher

88%

88% of Programmable Logic Controller experts in Germany hold at least a Bachelor's degree.

Master's degree or higher

55%

55% of Programmable Logic Controller experts in Germany hold at least a Master's degree.

Doctorate

10%

10% of Programmable Logic Controller experts in Germany have a doctorate (PhD).

Certifications per freelancer

3

Programmable Logic Controller experts in Germany hold 3 professional certifications on average.

Most common languages

German, English, French

Programmable Logic Controller experts in Germany most often speak German, English, and French.

Speak two or more languages

95%

95% of Programmable Logic Controller experts in Germany speak two or more languages.

Based on our profile pool as of 29 Oct 2026.

Daily rate distribution

0% 25% 50% 75% 100%
4% of Programmable Logic Controller experts in Germany charge less than €400 per day.
52% of Programmable Logic Controller experts in Germany charge between €400 and €800 per day.
37% of Programmable Logic Controller experts in Germany charge between €800 and €1200 per day.
6% of Programmable Logic Controller experts in Germany charge between €1200 and €1600 per day.
2% of Programmable Logic Controller experts in Germany charge €1600 or more per day.
<€400 €400-​800 €800-​1200 €1200-​1600 €1600+

The chart shows how the daily rates of experts in this technology in Germany are distributed, based on recent contracts on our platform. Each bar covers a rate range — its height shows the share of experts charging within that range.

Discover detailed Programmable Logic Controller rate benchmarks:

Explore rate insights

Average rates of experts in Germany using Programmable Logic Controller

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

800
600
400
200
Rate comparison chart
Daily rate avg. 747 €

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

800
600
400
200
Rate comparison chart
Median rate 756 €

The median daily rate is the middle value of all daily rates — half of comparable freelancers charge less, half charge more. Unlike the average, it is barely affected by outliers.

Calculated based on our freelancers’ daily rates as of 29 Oct 2026. Actual rates may vary depending on seniority level, experience, skill specialization, project complexity, and engagement length.

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 (63%)
  • Energy (47%)
  • Information Technology (46%)
  • Education (30%)
  • Healthcare (30%)
  • Professional Services (27%)
  • Aerospace and Defense (26%)

Please note that freelancers can work across multiple industries, so percentages overlap.

About the technology

Industrial control

A Programmable Logic Controller, commonly called a PLC, is a rugged computer for monitoring inputs and controlling machines, production lines and industrial processes. It runs deterministic logic in real time and continues operating in demanding environments where standard computers may not be suitable. PLC systems connect sensors, actuators, drives, safety devices and operator interfaces.

Core applications

PLC specialists deliver control solutions for manufacturing, logistics, energy, water treatment, building systems and process industries. Typical assignments include:

  • Machine sequencing, motion control and batch logic
  • Conveyor, packaging and material-handling automation
  • Sensor, actuator, drive and robot integration
  • Fault handling, alarms and operator interface logic

Ecosystem and tools

The ecosystem includes Siemens SIMATIC and TIA Portal, Rockwell Automation platforms, Beckhoff TwinCAT, Schneider Electric systems and other vendor environments. Strong professionals work with IEC 61131-3 languages such as Structured Text, Ladder Diagram and Function Block Diagram. They also understand industrial networks, including PROFINET, PROFIBUS, EtherNet/IP and OPC UA, plus HMI, SCADA and version control practices.

When expertise matters

Companies bring in freelance PLC expertise during a new line installation, plant expansion, controls migration or production recovery. Specialists can assess legacy logic, define an automation structure, write and test programs, commission equipment and document the final system. In Germany, projects often combine remote preparation with on-site commissioning at a factory or facility.

Safety and integration

Reliable PLC work goes beyond writing control logic. Professionals must understand safe states, interlocks, emergency-stop circuits, industrial cybersecurity, electrical documentation and validation procedures. They coordinate with mechanical, electrical and process teams so that a program reflects the actual machine, complies with project requirements and can be maintained by the operating team.

Choosing a specialist

Look for evidence of comparable machines, platforms and commissioning contexts rather than generic automation experience. A strong specialist explains sequence logic clearly, tests failure modes, separates standard and safety functions, and leaves usable documentation. For German sites, clarify the expected language, travel requirements, access to plant systems and responsibility for on-site acceptance before work begins.

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Frequently asked questions

The facts hiring teams ask for most often when it comes to Programmable Logic Controller.

A Programmable Logic Controller controls machines and industrial processes by reading inputs, executing logic and switching outputs. PLCs are used in production lines, conveyors, packaging equipment, utilities, building systems and process plants.

A PLC is designed for deterministic control, electrical noise, continuous operation and straightforward maintenance on the plant floor. An industrial computer may offer greater processing flexibility, while a PLC is often preferred for repeatable machine sequences and direct I/O control.

A strong Programmable Logic Controller specialist should understand electrical drawings, sensors, actuators, drives, HMI, SCADA and industrial networks. Safety circuits, commissioning, troubleshooting and clear technical documentation are also important for a complete delivery.

PLC work often involves Siemens SIMATIC with TIA Portal, Rockwell Automation, Beckhoff TwinCAT or Schneider Electric environments. The right platform depends on the installed equipment, existing standards, required motion or process functions and the maintenance team's capabilities.

The required level for a Programmable Logic Controller project depends on its scope and risk. A small logic change may need focused platform knowledge, while a new production line or safety-related migration calls for a specialist who has handled architecture, testing, commissioning and operational handover.

PLC projects can include remote activities such as program design, simulation, documentation, code review and diagnostic support. Physical installation, machine testing and commissioning usually require on-site work in Germany, so travel access, plant security and collaboration language should be agreed early.

Ask a Programmable Logic Controller specialist to explain a comparable control sequence, test strategy and approach to faults and safe states. Review sample documentation, platform knowledge and commissioning experience, then confirm how they handle backups, change control and handover to the operating team.

Before engaging a PLC professional, define the machine scope, controller and network environment, available drawings, safety responsibilities, testing stages and access to the site. Also clarify whether the assignment covers programming only or includes panel checks, commissioning, operator training and final documentation.

The average hourly rate of freelancers in Germany who have used Programmable Logic Controller in their recent projects is 93 €, which corresponds to a daily rate of about 747 € based on an 8-hour working day.

Of the freelancers in Germany who have used Programmable Logic Controller in their recent projects, 88% hold at least a Bachelor's degree, 55% hold at least a Master's degree, and 10% hold a doctorate.

On average, freelancers in Germany 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 in Germany who have used Programmable Logic Controller in their recent projects are German (99%), English (92%), and French (20%).

The most common industries among freelancers in Germany who have used Programmable Logic Controller in their recent projects are Manufacturing (90%), Automotive (63%), and Energy (47%).

The most common business areas among freelancers in Germany who have used Programmable Logic Controller in their recent projects are Product Development (93%), Information Technology (72%), and Quality Assurance (71%).

Main locations of FRATCH Experts, who have recently used Programmable Logic Controller

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

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