SPS / PLC Programmer - Wetzlar (m/f/d)

Next Ventures; Wetzlar; On-site; EUR 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working hours

Competitive compensation package

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Next Ventures is seeking a PLC & Functional Safety Engineer to develop and implement advanced automation for complex industrial machinery. You will own PLC software design, programming, commissioning, and safety validation, collaborating with cross-disciplinary teams.

This hands-on role emphasizes taking ownership of control systems, solving technical challenges, and contributing to risk assessments and safety documentation.

Qualifications

• Several years of professional experience in PLC/SPS programming within industrial automation or machinery.
• Strong programming skills in Structured Text (ST), ideally per IEC 61131-3.
• Practical experience with Siemens TIA Portal, B&R Automation Studio or comparable PLC environments.
• Knowledge of functional safety principles and safety-related control systems.

Responsibilities

• Develop, program and optimise PLC software for sophisticated industrial machinery.
• Design and implement control solutions using Siemens TIA Portal, B&R and Pilz technologies.
• Develop safety-related control functions in line with industry standards.
• Support machine commissioning, troubleshooting and continuous system improvements.
• Take ownership of PLC programming activities from development to implementation.

Skills

PLC programming

Siemens TIA Portal

Industrial automation

Functional safety

ISO 13849

Electrical engineering

German language

Education

Electrical Engineering / Mechatronics

Tools

B&R Automation Studio

Pilz safety

Job description

As a PLC & Functional Safety Engineer, you will play a key role in developing and implementing advanced automation and control solutions for complex industrial machinery. You'll work across the complete development lifecycle, from PLC software design and programming through to commissioning, optimisation and functional safety.

This is a hands-on engineering position offering the opportunity to take ownership of control systems, solve technical challenges and collaborate closely with multidisciplinary engineering teams.

IN THIS ROLE

• Develop, program and optimise PLC software for sophisticated industrial machinery
• Design and implement control solutions using Siemens TIA Portal, B&R and PILZ technologies
• Develop safety-related control functions in line with relevant industry standards
• Support machine commissioning, troubleshooting and continuous system improvements
• Work closely with electrical, mechanical and software engineering teams to integrate automation solutionsContribute to machine risk assessments, safety validation and technical documentation
• Take ownership of PLC programming activities from initial development through to implementation

WHAT YOU NEED TO SUCCEED

• Several years of professional experience in PLC / SPS programming within industrial automation or machinery
• Strong programming skills in Structured Text (ST), ideally in accordance with IEC 61131-3
• Practical experience with Siemens TIA Portal, B&R Automation Studio or comparable PLC environments
• Knowledge of functional safety principles and safety-related control systems
• Familiarity with ISO 13849 and ideally experience with safety controllers
• Background in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Automation Technology or a related technical discipline
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to work independently
• Very good German and good English communication skills

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT

• Work on technically challenging automation projects involving advanced industrial machinery
• High level of ownership across PLC development and functional safety
• Opportunity to work with modern control technologies and multidisciplinary engineering teams
• Flexible working hours and an attractive compensation package
• Continuous professional development and technical training opportunities
• A stable, collaborative engineering environment with long-term career prospects