Job Description
PLC Programmer / Commissioning Engineer – Automotive EV Automation
Location: Germany
Start Date: September 2026
Duration: Until approximately mid/end 2027
Contract: Contract
Language: English-speaking candidates welcome
Expenses: Travel, accommodation and project-related expenses covered
The Role
We are looking for experienced PLC Programmers / Commissioning Engineers to support a major automation project within the automotive EV sector in Germany.
The client designs, manufactures and commissions large-scale automated machinery before shipping and installing the systems into automotive manufacturing facilities.
The current programme includes 50+ machines, including individual systems extending up to 250 metres in length, supporting EV battery, storage and material-handling applications.
This is a hands-on role combining PLC programming, controls integration, commissioning and troubleshooting.
Key Responsibilities
- PLC programming and software development using Siemens TIA Portal.
- Commissioning and troubleshooting PROFINET bus systems.
- Commissioning and optimisation of SINAMICS S120 servo drives.
- Developing and commissioning motion control applications using S7-1500T/TF.
- Supporting machine commissioning from initial testing through to final customer acceptance.
- Troubleshooting electrical, controls and automation systems during commissioning.
- Working closely with electrical, mechanical and commissioning teams.
- Supporting the integration and validation of large-scale automated machinery.
- Travelling to customer sites as required for installation and commissioning.
Essential Experience
- Strong hands-on experience with Siemens PLCs and TIA Portal.
- Proven commissioning experience within industrial automation.
- Experience with PROFINET commissioning and troubleshooting.
- Experience with SINAMICS S120 servo drives.
- Experience with S7-1500T / S7-1500TF Motion Control.
- Comfortable working on complex machinery and automation systems.
- Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
- Good English communication skills.
Ideal Background
Automotive experience is highly desirable, particularly engineers who have worked across multiple automotive automation standards and applications.
The client is specifically looking for diverse automation experience rather than candidates who have spent their career working within one narrow area.
Experience across areas such as:
- EV / battery manufacturing
- Conveyors
- Storage systems
- Picking systems
- Sortation
- Palletising
- Material handling
- Gantry systems
- Pick-and-place automation
- Automotive production equipment
Engineers who have worked across several different automotive standards and environments are particularly attractive, as the client can quickly train engineers on their specific standards and systems.
Important: Candidates with experience limited exclusively to one area such as BIW may not be suitable. Broader automation and commissioning experience is preferred.
Project Environment
The machinery is primarily based around the client's own gantry and pick-and-place technology, with limited or no traditional robotics.
The systems are being designed and manufactured in Germany before being shipped to automotive manufacturing facilities.
The project is heavily focused on the EV sector, including battery and storage applications.
What’s on Offer
- Long-term contract through to approximately mid/end 2027.
- Start in September 2026.
- Major automotive EV automation project.
- Large-scale machinery and technically challenging commissioning environment.
- Travel, accommodation and project-related expenses covered by the customer.
- English-speaking working environment.
Candidates with strong Siemens/TIA Portal commissioning experience who have worked across multiple automation environments are encouraged to apply.