Junior PLC Engineer

Tribe Engineering; Netherlands; Remote; EUR 37,000 - 46,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Vacation days

Sports budget

Training certs

International projects

Overtime compensation

Job summary

Tribe Engineering in the Netherlands is seeking a Junior PLC Engineer to grow with our automation team. You'll design, test and refine industrial control software while learning from experienced engineers on real projects.

You'll gain hands-on experience with PLC programming, HMI, and industrial networks, travel to customer sites, and contribute to international projects. A practical engineering education and a proactive mindset are valued.

Qualifications

• Completed MBO level 4 or HBO in Industrial Automation, Electrical Engineering, or Mechatronics.
• 0–2 years of relevant experience; motivated graduates welcome.
• Basic PLC programming principles and control systems.
• Familiarity with Siemens TIA Portal or Beckhoff TwinCAT is a plus.
• Interest in HMI development and industrial networks.
• Strong attention to detail and willingness to learn.
• Professional English communication; Dutch preferred.
• Willingness to travel to customer sites, including internationally.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, test and improve industrial control software.
• Support PLC software development for machines and installations.
• Assist with programming, testing and troubleshooting PLC systems.
• Work with HMIs and industrial networks.
• Support testing, simulation and commissioning.
• Read electrical schematics and technical documentation.
• Collaborate with experienced engineers and commissioning specialists.
• Investigate faults and develop practical solutions.
• Document changes and test results.
• Gradually take responsibility for defined software modules.

Skills

Basic programming interest

Analytical mindset

Team collaboration

Willingness to travel

Professional English

Dutch preferred

Education

MBO/HBO in Industrial Automation / Electrical Engineering / Mechatronics

Tools

Siemens TIA Portal

Beckhoff TwinCAT

Job description

Write the code. See the machine come to life.At Tribe Engineering, industrial automation isn't just about writing software behind a desk. It's about understanding how machines work, how systems communicate and how your code makes technology perform in the real world.As a Junior PLC Engineer, you'll develop your programming skills alongside experienced automation engineers. You'll contribute to real projects, learn to translate technical requirements into working software and gradually take responsibility for your own engineering tasks.From industrial machinery to complex automated installations, you'll discover how software and engineering come together.

THE JOB

What you’ll actually be doing.

As a Junior PLC Engineer, you'll learn to design, develop, test and improve industrial control software.

• Support the development and modification of PLC software for industrial machines and installations.
• Assist with programming, testing and troubleshooting PLC-controlled systems.
• Learn to work with HMI interfaces and industrial communication networks.
• Support software testing, simulation and commissioning activities.
• Read and interpret electrical schematics, functional descriptions and technical documentation.
• Work alongside experienced PLC engineers, electrical engineers and commissioning specialists.
• Help investigate software-related faults and develop practical solutions.
• Document software changes, test results and technical findings.
• Gradually take responsibility for defined software modules and engineering tasks.

YOUR SKILLS

What you bring to the table.

We're looking for someone who enjoys programming, understands the basics of engineering and wants to see their software working in real installations.

• Completed relevant technical education at MBO level 4 or HBO level, preferably in Industrial Automation, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics or a related discipline.
• Approximately 0–2 years of relevant experience. Motivated graduates are welcome.
• Basic understanding of PLC programming principles and industrial control systems.
• Familiarity with Siemens TIA Portal, Beckhoff TwinCAT or another PLC environment is an advantage.
• Basic knowledge of programming logic, sensors, actuators and electrical systems.
• Interest in HMI development, industrial networks and machine control.
• Analytical mindset, willingness to learn and attention to detail.
• Ability to work effectively with engineers from different disciplines.
• Professional English communication skills. Dutch is strongly preferred.
• Willingness to travel to customer sites, including internationally when required.

WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU

The benefits. Without the corporate fluff.

Gross monthly salary: €3,300–€4,100, based on a 40-hour working week, excluding holiday allowance and applicable additional compensation.

• 25 vacation days per year.
• €25 monthly sports budget.
• Guidance and technical support from experienced automation engineers.
• Opportunities to develop your PLC, HMI and commissioning skills.
• Training, professional development and relevant certifications.
• Experience across different industries, machines and automation platforms.
• Opportunities to participate in commissioning and international projects.
• Overtime compensation, with applicable arrangements discussed during the hiring process.
• A team where asking questions, sharing ideas and taking initiative are encouraged.

LIFE AT TRIBE

Good people. Real projects. Your kind of team.

Good engineers never stop learning.

At Tribe Engineering, we believe the best way to develop is by combining technical knowledge with practical experience.

You'll work with colleagues who enjoy solving complex challenges and are willing to share what they've learned.

We don't expect you to have all the answers. We expect you to ask questions, take responsibility for your development and keep improving.

Your ideas matter, your growth matters and your contribution will become more important with every project.

Inspired by the fear of being average.

Ready to turn your interest in automation into a career?