Structured Text Experts in Germany
in minutes from 15,000 CVs with vetted freelance specialistsHire experts who write clear IEC 61131-3 Structured Text for PLC logic, machine control, function blocks, and HMI-linked automation. They work across ST, SCL-style code bases, testing, refactoring, and commissioning support, with fast, precise matching to vetted, available freelancers.
Meet FRATCH Experts in Germany, who have recently used Structured Text
Volker Foitzik
Last position:
Technical Lead | Software Architect | Embedded Software Engineer at Hydac
- Development of safety-related embedded software for a mobile machine on a Hydac TTC 2390 controller.
- Implementation in C with consideration of SIL 3 / ASIL D and MISRA-C:2025.
- Implementation of communication via CAN, CANopen, and J1939.
Standards, guidelines and norms: ISO 26262, IEC 61508, MISRA-C:2025
Technologies: C99, Hydac TTC 2390, Infineon TriCore Aurix TC397, Hightec C/C++ Compiler, PC-lint Plus, CAN, CANopen, J1939, MISRA-C:2025
Goran Popovic
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)
Thomas Stork
Last position:
Automation Technology Lecturer at HWK Munich and Upper Bavaria
- Training professionals in PLC technology, pneumatics, control engineering, and KUKA robots
- Creating scripts for Siemens systems: STEP 5, STEP 7, TIA Portal, WinCC
- Creating scripts for pneumatics, control engineering, and KUKA robot programming
- Serving on the examination committee for quality assurance in vocational training
- Training and certifying over 500 professionals
Basel Jaber
Last position:
Senior Application Engineer / Product Manager at Altran Magnetics LLC
- Oversee development and optimization of key products, including DP contactors, EMI filters, and circuit breakers.
- Lead certification processes ensuring compliance with UL, TÜV, and VDE standards.
- Act as technical liaison between customers, sales teams, and manufacturing to deliver customized solutions.
Tamás Nagy
Last position:
JAVA development for thermal printer test program at GeBE Elektronik und Feinwerktechnik GmbH
JAVA development for thermal printer test program
Further development of the free thermal printer test program in Java 1.8 AWT and Swing
Creating new plugins for sensor feedback using a real-time bar chart
Using multiple printer languages for USB, UDP, TCP and RS232 communication
Improving usability and responsiveness with threads and string buffering
Querying and displaying network configuration
Converting and processing hex data from printer responses
Advanced study of servomotors and USB bus
Enumerating available USB ports from the Windows Registry, retrieving additional information via PowerShell, parsing and listing all in a Java list box
Fixing reported database errors
Detecting if the printer driver is installed and recognizing physically connected devices
Migration to Windows 11
Handling customer tickets as part of support in C++ and Qt6
Writing CMake scripts
Compiling STM32 printer firmware with CMake and managing the process in FileMaker Pro
Technologies: Eclipse, Java 1.8, AWT, Swing, RS232, USB, TCP, UDP, PowerShell, servomotor technology, Windows 10 and Windows 11, WSL 2.4, Ubuntu Linux, CMake, Qt6, FileMaker Pro
Natdanai Promchinavongs
Last position:
Software Developer for SiC-Mold Production Line at Vitesco Technologies Germany GmbH
- Developing software solutions based on technical requirements and existing systems
- Developing TLV commands for automated laser cleaning and laser power measurement
- Supporting and assisting production processes
- Performing software tests as well as analyzing and fixing errors
- Integrating and connecting MES systems
- Using C# and Structured Text (ST according to IEC 61131-3)
- Using TwinCAT 3.1 as the development environment
- Implementing visualizations with Windows Forms
- Working with Beckhoff CX controllers and Stäubli industrial robots
- Using Ethernet and EtherCAT networks
- Integrating TRUMPF TruMark 3330 and 7050 laser systems
- Using a KEYENCE vision system
- Version control with Git and GitLab
Arnauld Siewe
Last position:
PLC Programmer/Maintenance Technician at Tiernahrung Deuerer GmbH
- Planning of automation systems
- PLC programming (Simatic S7, TIA Portal: AWL, SCL, FUP, KOP)
- Visualization of automation systems (WinCC, Sirvac, GUI)
- Commissioning of systems with various drives and sensors
- Creating and maintaining documentation and training materials
Rachid Raji
Last position:
Self-employed at R&A Engineering GmbH
- Development and programming of PLC controllers and servo drives, such as TIA Portal, Siemens Step7 Classic, RSlogix/Studio5000, Unity Pro and CODESYS
- Visualization systems WinCC, FactoryTalk VIEW
- Integration of various fieldbuses into automation devices (PROFIBUS, PROFINET, DeviceNet, ControlNet, Ethernet/IP, MODBUS)
- Script programming (C# / VB.Net / VBscript / VBA)
- Selection of electrical components and systems
- Commissioning and optimization of simple to complex plants and machines
- Planning and creation of electrical schematics
- Preparation of installation plans
- Preparation of bills of materials and technical calculations
- Feasibility studies
Yifan Zhang
Last position:
Power Plant Solution Engineer at Vestas
- Addressed customers’ electrical and grid-related inquiries to ensure projects were delivered on time and in full compliance with grid code requirements.
- Documented areas for improvement encountered during projects and provided feedback to the R&D team for future product enhancements.
- Supported Nordseecluster (NSC) and Nordlicht (NDL) projects by explaining Vestas PPC and WTG control logic and methods and authoring PPC Function Design Specification (FDS) documents.
- Tuned PPC parameters according to project-specific settings agreed upon by the customer and TSO to ensure full grid code compliance.
- Assisted project managers by clarifying the technical background of contractual agreements and participated in negotiating testing procedures for the Baltic Eagle project, then issued grid code testing procedure documents for NSC and NDL.
- Created grid code compliance statements (GCCS) based on German and Dutch grid codes, assessed Vestas PPC, WTG, and SCADA system capabilities against these requirements, and documented gaps for R&D prioritization.
Dursun Bilgilisoy
Last position:
Project Manager at Tesa
- Manufacturing machines (Tesa)
- Project manager for inventory of controls, documentation
- S5, Step7, TIA V16/17/18/19, WinCC Advanced, WinCC flexible, Office
Souhair El-Rayess
Last position:
Director of Sales at Loick Biowertstoff GmbH
- building a sales network for packaging fillers and granulates domestically and internationally with focus on direct sales of extrusion machines and Biogranulat 100
- managing key accounts
- leading the Farmfill sales department for packaging materials with leadership responsibilities
Jörg Putzer
Last position:
Master Electrician at Automatisierungstechnik Jörg Putzer
- Project planning, manufacturing and programming of systems for:
- Process automation
- Control and regulation technology
- Fully and semi-automatic controls for machines and plants
- PLC programming (Siemens)
- Simatic Manager
- TIA Portal
- Risk analysis and assessment with CE certification
- Retrofit of existing machines and plants
- Programming of industrial robots
Joachim Kirsten
Last position:
Programming and Commissioning of Test and Assembly Machines
- Programming in TIA Portal
- Visualization with WinCC
- F-CPU, Safety Integrated
- Various sensors and camera sensors
- Participated in defining the task and from design onwards
Ralph Kehmeier
Last position:
Self-Schooling
- PLC (Programmable Logic Controller)
- LD (Ladder Diagram / Ladder Logic)
- ST (Structured Text)
- CodeSys
Stephan Vogt
Last position:
Gaswerke Etzel
- Create bill of quantities
- Obtain quotes
- Evaluate quotes
- On-site inspections for projects
- Select instrumentation
- Documentation
- Cable lists
- Migrated folder system to a database system
Discover over 15,000 top freelancers
Statistics of experts using Structured Text
Aggregated from the professional profiles of matched freelancers.
Experience
22 years
Position duration
5.5 years
Positions per freelancer
15
Top business areas
Product Development, Quality Assurance, Information Technology
Top industries
Manufacturing, Automotive, Energy
Certification focus areas
Information Technology, Production, Quality Assurance
Bachelor's degree or higher
100%
Master's degree or higher
67%
Doctorate
8%
Certifications per freelancer
1
Most common languages
German, English, French
Speak two or more languages
93%
Based on our profile pool as of 30 Aug 2026.
Daily rate distribution
The chart shows how the daily rates of freelancers in this technology in Germany are distributed, based on recent contracts on our platform. Each bar covers a rate range — its height shows how many freelancers charge within that range.
Average rates of experts in Germany using Structured Text
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 30 Aug 2026. Actual rates may vary depending on seniority level, experience, skill specialization, project complexity, and engagement length.
About the technology
What it is
Structured Text is a PLC programming language from IEC 61131-3. It reads like a compact, rule-based text language, which makes it useful for control logic that is too dense for ladder diagrams. Teams use it for deterministic automation, clean function blocks, and code that can be reviewed and maintained over time.
Where it fits
- Machine and line control
- Motion and sequencing logic
- Process automation
- Reusable library blocks
- Diagnostics and fault handling
It is often chosen where clarity matters across many states, alarms, interlocks, and edge cases. In Germany, it is common in factories, machine builders, and systems that need stable PLC code tied to production equipment.
Ecosystem and tools
Structured Text is usually part of a broader IEC 61131-3 stack. Strong specialists know the PLC environment, hardware mapping, and how ST interacts with ladder, function block diagram, and vendor-specific libraries. They also understand version control, simulation, and structured testing for control logic.
What strong specialists do
A good specialist writes code that is easy to trace from requirement to behavior. That means naming variables clearly, separating reusable functions, and handling alarms, timers, and state transitions without hidden side effects. They also document assumptions so maintenance work stays manageable.
When companies bring in freelance help
Companies often need freelance expertise when they are starting a new machine project, modernizing older PLC code, or fixing logic that is hard to extend. They also bring in specialists for audits, commissioning support, and short-term help during peak delivery phases. In Germany, this is especially useful when local teams need on-site support at the plant, but the code work can still be done remotely.
What to look for
- Real PLC project experience
- Clean IEC 61131-3 coding habits
- Comfort with vendor tools and libraries
- Careful debugging and commissioning support
- Clear handover documentation
The best Structured Text professionals understand both code and the machine behind it. They can read control requirements, spot risky state logic, and make changes without breaking timing, safety, or maintainability. That is what keeps a PLC project stable after handover.
Frequently asked questions
Quick answers to the questions that come up most around Structured Text.
Structured Text is used to write control logic for machines, production lines, and process systems. It is a text-based part of IEC 61131-3, so it suits sequencing, interlocks, timers, alarms, and reusable function blocks. Many teams choose it when they need code that is easier to structure and review than dense graphical logic.
Structured Text and ladder logic solve similar PLC problems, but they fit different tasks. Ladder is often easier to read for simple electrical-style logic, while ST is better for complex calculations, loops, data handling, and state machines. In many projects, specialists use both and choose the one that fits the task best.
Structured Text is the IEC 61131-3 language name, while SCL is Siemens’ common name for a similar text-based PLC language. In practice, people often search for both when they need the same kind of specialist. A strong freelancer should understand the vendor environment, not just the language label.
A strong Structured Text specialist usually also knows PLC hardware, I/O mapping, alarms, timers, and state-based control design. Vendor tooling, simulation, debugging, and basic industrial networking are also valuable. For larger systems, knowledge of HMI integration and safety logic can matter too.
With Structured Text, the best results come when the specialist has clear inputs: the PLC platform, existing code, I/O list, control goals, and any commissioning constraints. Even a rough sequence description helps, but missing details can slow the work. A good freelancer will ask precise questions before changing logic.
Yes, much of the Structured Text work can be done remotely if the PLC source, requirements, and test setup are available. In Germany, many companies mix remote coding with on-site commissioning or plant visits when physical equipment must be checked. That split is common for machine and factory projects.
Look for Structured Text code that is readable, modular, and easy to trace back to the requirement. Good specialists explain their state logic, handle faults cleanly, and leave useful comments and handover notes. If they can talk through debugging steps and edge cases, that is usually a strong sign.
A Structured Text freelancer will want to know the PLC platform, the control scope, the available documentation, and whether commissioning support is needed. They will also ask how the codebase is organized and who approves changes. Clear expectations on remote access, plant availability, and testing reduce delays.
The average hourly rate of freelancers in Germany who have used Structured Text in their recent projects is 87 €, which corresponds to a daily rate of about 698 € based on an 8-hour working day.
Of the freelancers in Germany who have used Structured Text in their recent projects, 100% hold at least a Bachelor's degree, 67% hold at least a Master's degree, and 8% hold a doctorate.
On average, freelancers in Germany who have used Structured Text in their recent projects have 22 years of professional experience, with a single engagement typically lasting around 5.5 years.
The most common languages among freelancers in Germany who have used Structured Text in their recent projects are German (100%), English (93%), and French (33%).
The most common industries among freelancers in Germany who have used Structured Text in their recent projects are Manufacturing (93%), Automotive (67%), and Energy (53%).
The most common business areas among freelancers in Germany who have used Structured Text in their recent projects are Product Development (100%), Quality Assurance (87%), and Information Technology (80%).
Main locations of FRATCH Experts, who have recently used Structured Text
Our freelancers and interim experts are at home across the DACH region — available on-site in the major business hubs or fully remote. Choose a location to discover matched specialists, local market insights and up-to-date availability.
Berlin Hamburg Munich Cologne Frankfurt Stuttgart Dusseldorf Leipzig Dortmund Essen Bremen Dresden Hanover Nuremberg Request a free demo
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Philipp Thomaschewski
FRATCH CEO
