
Programmable Logic Controller Experts in Germany
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Meet FRATCH Experts in Germany, 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
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.
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
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
Daniel S.
Last position:
Senior Software Engineer at energielenker solutions GmbH
- Designed and implemented a Python-based ETL pipeline with the Dagster framework to transform raw energy data from heterogeneous sources using InfluxDB and visualizations in Grafana
- Defined time-based and dependency-based jobs
- Deployed to managed Kubernetes clusters using Helm
- Integrated InfluxDB Cloud
- Prepared data for use in Grafana, including cleaning, normalization, and time-based resampling in Python
- Developed dashboards and visualizations in Grafana
- Developed unit tests with mocking using pytest
- Set up a CI/CD pipeline in GitLab
Technologies: Python, Dagster, InfluxDB, Grafana, pandas, pytest, REST, CI/CD, GitLab, Container, Kubernetes, Helm, Docker, Cloud
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
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
13

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
53%
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 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.
Discover detailed Programmable Logic Controller rate benchmarks:
Explore rate insightsAverage rates of experts in Germany 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 19 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 (29%)
- Professional Services (27%)
- Aerospace and Defense (25%)
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 industrial computer that monitors inputs and controls machines, production lines and building systems. It executes deterministic logic, handles signals from sensors and sends commands to actuators, motors, valves and safety equipment. PLC systems are built for continuous operation in demanding environments.
Where PLCs run
PLCs coordinate processes across manufacturing, energy, logistics, water treatment, food production and building automation. Typical deliverables include:
- Machine and production-line control
- Conveyor, packaging and material-handling logic
- Process control for pumps, valves and temperature systems
- HMI and SCADA interfaces for monitoring and operation
- Safety, alarm and emergency-stop integration
Ecosystem and tooling
Strong specialists work across PLC programming standards, industrial networks and vendor environments. Common tools include Siemens SIMATIC and TIA Portal, Rockwell Automation Studio 5000, Beckhoff TwinCAT, Schneider Electric platforms and Codesys. Related work often involves ladder logic, structured text, function block diagrams, PROFINET, PROFIBUS, EtherNet/IP, OPC UA, HMIs and SCADA systems.
When companies need specialists
Companies bring in freelance PLC expertise when a new machine must be commissioned, an existing line needs modernization or internal capacity is limited. Support can cover requirements, electrical documentation, program development, simulation, testing, on-site commissioning and production handover. In Germany, projects often combine remote programming with on-site work at a plant or customer facility.
What strong professionals deliver
Experienced PLC professionals translate operating sequences into clear, maintainable control logic. They understand electrical schematics, I/O mapping, motion control, industrial communication and fault diagnosis. They document changes, use version control where practical and test safety-relevant behavior with the responsible specialists. Clear communication matters when production teams, electricians and mechanical specialists work together.
Choosing the right fit
Look for evidence of comparable machines, processes or vendor systems rather than a list of software names. Ask how the specialist approaches commissioning, backups, change management, alarms and recovery after faults. For German industrial environments, confirm the ability to collaborate with local teams, follow site procedures and work in German or English as the project requires. A good fit can explain technical trade-offs in terms operators and stakeholders understand.
Frequently asked questions
The facts hiring teams ask for most often when it comes to Programmable Logic Controller.
A Programmable Logic Controller controls industrial machines and processes by reading sensor inputs and executing programmed logic. PLCs can operate conveyors, packaging equipment, pumps, motors, valves and safety-related functions while providing status and alarms to operators.
A PLC is designed for reliable, deterministic control, straightforward maintenance and industrial electrical environments. Microcontrollers can suit embedded products, while industrial PCs are often better for complex computation, data processing or visualization; the right choice depends on timing, environment, lifecycle and integration needs.
A strong Programmable Logic Controller specialist often works with electrical schematics, I/O commissioning, motor and drive configuration, industrial networking, HMI and SCADA systems. Knowledge of safety circuits, motion control, OPC UA and structured troubleshooting is valuable when the PLC is part of a larger automation system.
The required background depends on the machine, process risk and scope of commissioning. A specialist for a small logic change may need focused experience with the relevant platform, while a greenfield production line calls for proven work across design, testing, documentation and start-up.
Much PLC programming, documentation, simulation and troubleshooting can be completed remotely when secure access and a test environment are available. Physical wiring checks, machine testing and commissioning usually require on-site collaboration, so the project plan should define travel, access and German or English language expectations.
Common PLC platforms include Siemens SIMATIC with TIA Portal, Rockwell Automation systems, Beckhoff TwinCAT, Schneider Electric solutions and Codesys-based products. The best specialist is usually experienced with the platform already installed and understands its connected drives, networks, HMI and safety components.
Ask for examples of comparable equipment and discuss how the specialist handles I/O lists, state logic, alarms, backups, testing and fault recovery. A quality Programmable Logic Controller professional explains decisions clearly, documents changes and treats safety, production continuity and maintainability as core requirements.
PLC commissioning often combines remote preparation with structured on-site testing alongside electricians, operators and mechanical specialists. The work may include checking signals, tuning sequences, resolving faults, validating alarms and handing over documentation, so flexibility and clear communication are as important as programming skills.
The average hourly rate of freelancers in Germany who have used Programmable Logic Controller in their recent projects is 95 €, which corresponds to a daily rate of about 757 € 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, 53% hold at least a Master's degree, and 11% 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 (64%), and Information Technology (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 (72%).
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.
Countries:
- Germany
- Austria
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