Software / Automation Engineer

CTRL Engineering; West-Vlaanderen; Remote; EUR 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Meal vouchers

Comprehensive insurance

Extra vacation days

Company car

Friday fries tradition

Job summary

CTRL Engineering in Bruges, Belgium is seeking a Software / Automation Engineer to design the control and software architecture for high-tech machines. You will work across mechanics, electrical engineering and software, choosing languages from PLC to C#, C++ or Python, using platforms like Beckhoff/TwinCAT.

You will develop from scratch or extend existing installations, ensure safety circuits, and contribute to validation and commissioning on the shop floor.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in electromechanics, electrical engineering, computer science or related field.
• Experience with multiple programming languages for industrial automation (ST, C#, C++, Python).
• Knowledge of industrial communication protocols (EtherCAT, Profinet, Modbus) and machine safety standards.
• Proficiency in Dutch and English; French is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Develop control and software architecture for machines from scratch or on existing installations.
• Collaborate within the automation team and promote code conventions.
• Implement safety circuits and verify risk analyses.
• Develop and validate software through version control, reviews and on-machine testing.

Skills

Automation

Software architecture

Cross-functional teams

Dutch & English

Education

Master’s degree

Tools

C#

C++

Python

TwinCAT/Beckhoff

Git

Simulink

Job description

Are you the gamechanger who brings machines to life through smart control software? Do you think in architectures and communication networks, feel at home in different programming languages, and build software you dare to validate yourself and put neatly into version control? Then we’re looking for you as a Software / Automation Engineer for #TeamCTRL!

Description

Welcome to CTRL engineering, where we develop innovative, custom high-tech machines for a wide range of industries. From test benches for the electric motors of your future car to vision-guided quality control or an automated dosing system for your Sunday pancakes. No challenge is too big!

As a Software / Automation Engineer, you’re our go-to for bringing all that mechanics and electronics to life. You build the software architecture and communication networks that make sensors, motors, valves and safety circuits work together into a machine that does what it should ‑ reliably, safely and on tempo. You choose the language and tools that best fit the question, from classic PLC languages to C#, C++ or Python, with platforms like Beckhoff/TwinCAT as trusted tools.

You don’t just work at your own desk: automation constantly touches on mechanics, electrical design and software, so you’re always seeking alignment with those disciplines. You also put your code to the test in reality ‑ on the machine itself, during startup and commissioning ‑ because logic is only good once the machine actually runs smoothly with it.

What does this involve?

• You develop the control and software architecture of machines completely from scratch, or build on an existing installation: from architecture and communication networks to a machine that runs on tempo and safely.
• You roll up your sleeves within the automation team and share your knowledge with the team, including through shared code conventions and reusable software modules.
• Machine safety comes first: you implement safety circuits and logic that meet applicable standards, and help think through risk analyses.
• You build software according to a structured development and validation process: from version control and code reviews to testing on the machine itself.
• You’re closely involved in both development and commissioning: you’re at the machine during startup, debugging and optimization, and adjust where needed.
• You keep a close eye on time and budget: deadlines are always just around the corner with us!

Requirements

• Passionate about pushing the boundaries of complex machines where mechanics, electrical engineering and software come together!
• Master’s degree in electromechanics, electrical engineering, computer science or a related field, with a strong foundation in automation and control systems.
• Experience with multiple programming languages and paradigms for industrial automation ‑ think Structured Text, but also C#, C++ or Python, for example for HMI development ‑ and a good eye for software architecture. Interest in or knowledge of model-based design (e.g. Simulink) is a plus.
• Knowledge of industrial communication protocols and networks such as EtherCAT, Profinet or Modbus, and integrating sensors, motors and drives into one system.
• Familiar with structured software development: version control (e.g. Git), code reviews and setting up test and validation processes for industrial software.
• Familiar with machine safety standards (e.g. Machinery Directive, ISO 13849) and implementing safe control circuits.
• Experience with commissioning and troubleshooting on the shop floor: you’re not afraid to measure and debug on the cabinet or machine yourself.
• Ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams, including mechanical, electrical and software engineers, and directly with clients and suppliers, both internally and at partners.
• You’re flexible and handle pressure well: automating complex machines is fun, but unpredictable, and we work hard, so deadlines are always just around the corner!
• Proficiency in Dutch and English is required, French is a plus.
• You’ll join a team of enthusiastic and passionate colleagues who share your dedication to innovation.
• You’re involved in the design and development of truly unique projects and solutions, from start to finish. Yes, you can be a gamechanger in the field of mechatronics! There’s nothing more exciting than seeing your work in action.
• Access to a broad portfolio of training courses, so you can keep developing.
• The chance to be part of a fast-growing company where you can grow in your field or area of interest.
• A convenient office location close to the highway (E40-E403), the central station and the charming city of Bruges, making for a stimulating work environment!
• An attractive salary package with extra benefits such as meal vouchers, comprehensive insurance, extra vacation days, a company car and our beloved Friday fries tradition.