TwinCAT Experts in Germany
for smarter industrial automation, matched with vetted freelancers in minutesHire experts who configure TwinCAT control systems, develop PLC and motion applications, and connect Beckhoff automation with industrial networks and production software. FRATCH finds the right vetted, available freelancer through fast, precise AI matching.
Meet FRATCH Experts in Germany, who have recently used TwinCAT
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 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
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.
Daniel P.
Last position:
Freelance specialist in industrial automation technology at dPSolutions
- Self-employed PLC and software specialist focusing on automation and special-purpose machinery
- Programming, modernization, expansion and optimization of production systems, focusing on increased efficiency, data transparency and system integration
- PLC programming and safety with Siemens S7 Classic/TIA Portal, Beckhoff TwinCAT 2/3 and CoDeSys
- Development of high-level language software and database applications (.NET / C#, C++, Visual Basic .NET, Borland/Embarcadero C++)
- Development of custom software solutions for industrial automation, including embedded systems (Raspberry Pi, Arduino, NodeMCU, ESP8266)
- Integration of external systems such as reading devices, printers, scales, scanners and cameras, as well as various bus systems (Ethernet, Profinet, Profibus, EtherCAT, CAN bus, RS232, TCP/IP)
- Creation of visualizations and HMI applications with Siemens WinCC flexible, Beckhoff HMI and .NET frontends
- Planning, development and integration of machine vision solutions (Keyence, Cognex, AVS Alfavision, camera systems) in PLC and PC environments
- Design and implementation of process data collection systems and traceability solutions (100% traceability) based on Microsoft SQL Server (Compact, Express, Server), including stored procedures and direct PLC-SQL communication
- Creation of software and PLC concepts, standard function blocks and project libraries for PLC and high-level language projects
- Planning and programming of conveyor, inspection, assembly, packaging and grinding systems in industries such as automotive, chemical, food, electronics, machinery and systems engineering
- Conducting workshops and training on Siemens TIA Portal, STEP7 Classic, Beckhoff TwinCAT (including TwinSAFE), as well as topics such as architectures, safety, database integration and documentation
- Creation of technical documentation, manuals, training materials and class documentation with Microsoft Office and Doxygen
- Project management tasks from requirements analysis through planning, concept development and supplier coordination to commissioning, production support and customer support
Basel J.
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.
Uwe K.
Last position:
Software Architect / Developer at Manufacturer of packaging and filling machines in the pharmaceutical industry
- Migration of an Excel-based parameterization software into a .NET application based on .NET 8 and WPF.
- Use of MS SQL Server as the primary database with generic access to SQLite for portability.
- Reengineering of complex macros and database-like structures in Excel sheets for input dialogs and validations.
- Integration and optimization of the solution to ensure easy-to-use operation.
- System environment: Windows 10 (x64), MS SQL Server, SQLite, Visual Studio Pro. 2022 with .NET 8.0, C# with WPF, VBA scripting with Excel, GIT.
Wolfgang S.
Last position:
Software Developer / Aviation Commissioning Engineer at Vakuum Schmelze Hanau
- Development of automation software and commissioning of a pneumatic press for processing electrical sheet stator cores, including KUKA robot handling, process monitoring, and connected measurement systems for quality inspection and sorting.
Taner M.
Last position:
Founder at FixHub
- System design for problem solving and task allocation for demand infrastructures using modern enterprise solutions and SDLC principles
- SaaS and PaaS development, problem solving, and cloud computing
- Infrastructure-as-code implementations for development, Q&A, and production environments
- Terraform, AWS, Azure, GCP, MongoDB, OpenStack, Cisco, OpenShift
Tamás N.
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
Florian W.
Last position:
Managing Director and Independent Engineering Service Provider at Wirth Engineering GmbH
- Engineering and consulting in the areas of simulation, manufacturing technology, and mechanical and plant engineering.
Natdanai P.
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
Alexander B.
Last position:
Owner at PEMA-TEC Alexander Bröcker
- Project to develop the complete software for a film roll warehouse at American Packaging Corporation, Story City, Iowa (warehouse vehicles SINATIC S7, warehouse management C#, Microsoft SQL Server, AGV interface C++, ERP system interface REST API)
- Development of a warehouse simulator for real machine processes aimed at optimized storage of film rolls (C#)
- Project to develop the complete software for a printing cylinder warehouse at Huhtamaki, Ronsberg (warehouse vehicles TIA Portal, warehouse management C#, Oracle, ERP system interface DB table)
- Further development of the warehouse simulator for improved programming of the movement planner
- Project to read and analyze QR codes on letters in the letter sorter at XPROMA GmbH, Salzhausen (program as a service for fast reading of QR codes via two Keyence barcode readers in C#, Microsoft SQL Server, TCP/IP; program for monitoring and parameterizing the barcode readers and triggering the data export in C#, Microsoft SQL Server, SFTP transfer)
- Project for the development and programming of a low-cost management system for automated guided vehicles with Egemin Automation Inc. and American Packaging Corporation (C++, C#, Microsoft SQL Server, TCP/IP)
- Project for the test stand development and automation of SYS.5 tests for the climate actuator at ETO GRUPPE TECHNOLOGIES GmbH, Stockach (test stand software LabVIEW, C#; test evaluation DIAdem, C#; databases Microsoft SQL Server)
Frank H.
Last position:
Technical Consultant Aviation at Aircraft Cabin Modification
- Product development of passenger restraint systems
- Machine / site relocation
- Tools used: MS Office 365, Outlook, Word, Excel
Rachid R.
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
Mahir K.
Last position:
EMR-Engineer at Arxada / Sthree
- Ensuring plant availability and product changeovers
- Ensuring, preparing, reviewing, and coordinating proper and cost-effective maintenance with internal and external service providers/partners
- Issuing orders, capacity planning, maintaining reporting in SAP
- Tasks within the engineering department (DeltaV, MODICON, and Comos)
- Continuous optimization of plants and maintenance processes
- Participation in risk analyses and implementation of change management
- System commissioning and system optimizations at customer sites
- Providing on-call support in energy and production operations
- Expediting suppliers as well as supervising and coordinating installations
- Commissioning and qualification of electrical, measurement, control, and regulation technology
Discover over 15,000 top freelancers
Statistics of experts using TwinCAT
Aggregated from the professional profiles of matched freelancers.
Experience
25 years
Position duration
2.8 years
Positions per freelancer
15
Top business areas
Product Development, Information Technology, Quality Assurance
Top industries
Manufacturing, Automotive, Information Technology
Certification focus areas
Information Technology, Production, Product Development
Bachelor's degree or higher
75%
Master's degree or higher
63%
Doctorate
19%
Certifications per freelancer
2
Most common languages
German, English, Spanish
Speak two or more languages
100%
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.
Average rates of experts in Germany using TwinCAT
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.
TwinCAT experts industry focus
See which industries our matched freelancers work in most often — every figure is calculated live from the freelancers on FRATCH.
- Manufacturing (100%)
- Automotive (67%)
- Information Technology (48%)
- Food and Beverage (43%)
- Energy (38%)
- Healthcare (33%)
- Transportation (33%)
- Education (29%)
Please note that freelancers can work across multiple industries, so percentages overlap.
About the technology
What TwinCAT does
TwinCAT is Beckhoff’s software platform for industrial automation. It turns a standard industrial PC into a real-time control system for machines, production lines, robotics and motion applications. Teams use it to combine PLC logic, motion control, measurement, safety and data exchange in one engineering environment.
Core engineering work
TwinCAT specialists create control software with IEC 61131-3 languages and structure applications for maintainable machine operation. Their work can include:
- PLC logic for sequencing, interlocks and process control
- Motion functions for servo axes, robotics and coordinated movement
- HMI, diagnostics and alarm handling
- Real-time communication through EtherCAT and industrial protocols
Ecosystem and tooling
The TwinCAT ecosystem includes TwinCAT 3 Engineering, XAE, runtime components and libraries for PLC, motion, vision, measurement and safety. Strong knowledge of Beckhoff hardware, EtherCAT terminals, servo drives and industrial PCs is often essential. Depending on the project, professionals also work with OPC UA, MQTT, SQL systems, Git and automated testing.
When companies need specialists
Companies bring in freelance TwinCAT expertise when a machine needs a new control platform, an existing application requires modernization or commissioning capacity is limited. Typical assignments include:
- Migrating projects from TwinCAT 2 to TwinCAT 3
- Commissioning EtherCAT networks and Beckhoff hardware
- Integrating robots, drives, sensors and safety devices
- Connecting shop-floor data with MES, SCADA or cloud services
Germany and collaboration
Manufacturers across Germany use TwinCAT in packaging, logistics, automotive supply, food production, energy and special-purpose machinery. Remote work suits software design, simulation, documentation and code review, while commissioning and fault analysis often require access to equipment on site. German or English communication may be relevant when coordinating with plant, maintenance and production teams.
What strong professionals bring
The best TwinCAT professionals understand both software structure and physical machine behavior. They design clear state models, manage real-time constraints, document interfaces and diagnose faults methodically. They also know when a problem belongs to PLC code, EtherCAT configuration, electrical wiring, drive parameters or the wider production system. Experience with safety procedures, version control and disciplined commissioning helps deliver reliable results.
Frequently asked questions
Quick answers to the questions that come up most around TwinCAT.
TwinCAT is used to program and run industrial automation systems on Beckhoff industrial PCs. Companies use it for PLC control, motion, robotics, machine vision, safety, measurement, HMI functions and production data integration.
TwinCAT combines IEC 61131-3 control with PC-based real-time execution and close EtherCAT integration. Siemens TIA Portal has a strong position in Siemens hardware environments, while CODESYS is a broad automation development platform used across many vendors. The right choice depends on hardware, cycle-time needs, existing standards and the team’s operating model.
A strong TwinCAT specialist often understands Beckhoff hardware, EtherCAT, servo drives and industrial safety. Useful adjacent skills include OPC UA, MQTT, SQL, SCADA or MES integration, Git, automated testing and structured commissioning.
The required background depends on the scope and risk of the machine. A migration or new control architecture calls for someone who can structure the application and validate the design, while a focused troubleshooting task may need deep knowledge of EtherCAT, drives or PLC diagnostics. Ask for comparable deliverables rather than relying on a generic seniority label.
TwinCAT software design, code review, simulation, documentation and some diagnostics can often be done remotely. Hardware commissioning, safety validation and machine faults usually require on-site access in Germany or coordinated access to the plant. Agree early on the test setup, remote access and travel expectations.
TwinCAT 3 is the current environment for many new Beckhoff projects and supports a modular engineering approach with Visual Studio integration. TwinCAT 2 remains relevant when maintaining or migrating established machines. A suitable professional should explain compatibility, migration risks and how existing libraries and hardware will be handled.
Review how the TwinCAT professional structures PLC code, handles states and errors, documents interfaces and tests behavior under realistic machine conditions. Ask how they approach EtherCAT diagnostics, version control, safety boundaries and commissioning handover. Clear reasoning and traceable deliverables are strong quality signals.
TwinCAT is common in machine building and manufacturing, including packaging, logistics, automotive supply, food production, energy and special-purpose equipment. Its PC-based architecture and EtherCAT support suit systems that need coordinated motion, fast I/O and integration with higher-level production software.
The average hourly rate of freelancers in Germany who have used TwinCAT in their recent projects is 96 €, which corresponds to a daily rate of about 766 € based on an 8-hour working day.
Of the freelancers in Germany who have used TwinCAT in their recent projects, 75% hold at least a Bachelor's degree, 63% hold at least a Master's degree, and 19% hold a doctorate.
On average, freelancers in Germany who have used TwinCAT in their recent projects have 25 years of professional experience, with a single engagement typically lasting around 2.8 years.
The most common languages among freelancers in Germany who have used TwinCAT in their recent projects are German (100%), English (95%), and Spanish (19%).
The most common industries among freelancers in Germany who have used TwinCAT in their recent projects are Manufacturing (100%), Automotive (67%), and Information Technology (48%).
The most common business areas among freelancers in Germany who have used TwinCAT in their recent projects are Product Development (100%), Information Technology (90%), and Quality Assurance (86%).
Main locations of FRATCH Experts, who have recently used TwinCAT
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
