Automation Expert (PLC/SCADA Systems)

ITS Group S.A.; Antwerpen; On-site; EUR 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

ITS Group S.A. seeks an Automation Expert (PLC/SCADA) to support OT systems used in bridge and lock automation within a highly regulated, on-site environment. You will manage OT platforms, ensure reliability, continuity and security of critical infrastructure, and contribute to modernization efforts.

The role requires deep Siemens expertise (Step 7 Classic, WinCC), strong networking and cybersecurity focus (NIS/NIS2), and fluent Dutch with technical English. Full-time on-site in Belgium.

Qualifications

• Experience in industrial automation technologies or similar environments.
• 10+ years of relevant experience.
• Expert understanding of industrial control systems.
• Experience with Siemens Step 7 Classic and WinCC is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Manage OT systems used for bridge and lock control.
• Ensure maintenance, reliability and security of critical automation systems.
• Support modernization of automation infrastructures.
• Implement cybersecurity measures in line with NIS/NIS2.
• Update, patch, and manage OT assets.
• Configure and maintain PLC/SCADA architectures and communications.
• Support continuity of critical infrastructure in a full-time on-site setting.

Skills

Industrial Automation

PLC

SCADA

OT Systems

Cybersecurity

NIS/NIS2 compliance

Hardware configuration

Networking

Siemens Step 7 Classic

Siemens WinCC

Siemens switches configuration

VPN configuration

Bridging and routing

Station Configurator

Redundant systems

Dutch (Fluent)

Technical English

Education

Bachelor or Master in Electromechanics or Automation

Electromechanics/Automation degree

Job description

Great assignments await you with our key account clients in rich and varied environments

We are looking for an Automation Expert (PLC/SCADA Systems) to support the management, maintenance, security and modernization of critical industrial automation systems within a highly critical operational environment.

The role focuses on Operational Technology (OT) systems supporting bridge and lock control installations, including PLCs, SCADA platforms, industrial communication networks and cybersecurity compliance.

The consultant will contribute to the reliability, continuity and security of business-critical infrastructure while supporting ongoing modernization initiatives and cybersecurity improvements.

Your missions:

• Manage Operational Technology (OT) systems used for bridge and lock automation.
• Ensure the maintenance, reliability, and security of critical industrial automation systems.
• Support the ongoing modernization of automation infrastructures.
• Implement and reinforce Cyber Security measures in compliance with NIS and NIS2 requirements.
• Perform updates, upgrades, and patch management of OT assets.
• Modify, optimize, and maintain PLC and SCADA applications.
• Contribute to the operational continuity of critical infrastructure systems.
• Work entirely on-site in a highly regulated industrial environment.

Your activities:

OT Systems Administration & Maintenance

• Administration and maintenance of bridge and lock control systems.
• Management of Operational Technology platforms and associated infrastructure.
• Monitoring, troubleshooting, and optimization of industrial automation systems.

Cybersecurity

• Implementation of cybersecurity measures aligned with NIS and NIS2 directives.
• Security hardening of OT environments.
• Support compliance initiatives related to critical infrastructure protection.

Lifecycle Management & Patching

• Updating and patching:
• PLC systems
• I/O systems
• Sensors
• SCADA software
• Engineering software
• Variable speed drives
• UPS systems
• Variable message traffic boards
• Related automation components
• PLC program modifications.
• Hardware configuration management.
• Communication setup and maintenance between PLCs and third-party systems.
• Troubleshooting and optimization of PLC architectures.
• SCADA system configuration and maintenance.
• Development and modification of SCADA applications.
• Setup and maintenance of communications with PLC systems.
• Management of redundant SCADA architectures.
• Configuration and management of industrial network infrastructure.
• Network topology implementation and maintenance.
• Support of communication and connectivity between OT systems.

You have the following skills:

Mandatory

Automation & OT Experience

• Demonstrable experience in industrial automation technologies or similar environments.
• Minimum 10 years of relevant experience.
• Expert-level understanding of industrial control systems.
• Minimum 5 years of experience.
• Hardware configuration (HW Config).
• Communication setup between systems.
• Minimum 2 years of experience.
• Hardware system setup.
• Network topology design.
• System interconnections and communications.
• Minimum 2 years of experience.
• Hardware configuration of redundant systems.
• PLC-to-SCADA communication setup.
• Station Configurator.

Education

• Higher education (Bachelor or Master) or equivalent experience.
• Degree in Electromechanics, Automation, or equivalent proven experience.

Languages

• Fluent Dutch
• Technical English.

Preferred

• Minimum 5 years of experience.
• Configuration of Siemens industrial switches.
• VLAN configuration.

Advanced Siemens Industrial Networking

• Minimum 5 years of experience.
• Siemens industrial firewalls.
• VPN configuration.
• Bridging and routing.

Advanced Siemens Step 7 Classic

• Minimum 10 years of experience.
• Advanced communication architectures.

Advanced Siemens WinCC

• Advanced PLC integration.
• High-availability configurations.

The assignment is performed within an environment characterized by:

• Critical infrastructure operations.
• Bridge and lock automation systems.
• High-tech industrial automation.
• Strong focus on cybersecurity.
• Service continuity requirements.
• Strict regulatory and compliance constraints.
• Full-time on-site presence.
• High-availability and business-critical operational context.