Senior PLC Automation Engineer - Hybrid, Impactful Controls

Ranpak; Eygelshoven; Hybrid; EUR 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Professional development

Competitive salary

Job summary

Ranpak is seeking a Senior PLC Automation Engineer to design and implement control systems for our packaging automation machines. You will bridge PLC, HMI, drives, safety, and networking, taking projects from prototype to robust, serial-production solutions.

Collaborating with Mechanical and Electrical Engineering teams, you will develop data collection and dashboarding, strengthen cybersecurity, and ensure compliance with machinery-safety standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Automation Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related technical discipline.
• At least 8 years of proven experience in PLC engineering of automation machines, in cooperation with electric and mechanical engineering.
• Proven ability to program and configure PLC and HMI systems, for example Beckhoff, Siemens, and Omron, for industrial automation applications.
• Demonstrated ability to develop PLC logic from proof-of-concept through to robust, scalable, and maintainable production solutions.
• Experience with IEC 61131-3 programming languages, particularly Structured Text (ST).
• Knowledge of industrial communication protocols and networks such as Profinet, OPC UA, EtherCAT, and Ethernet/IP.
• Continuously seeks industry best practices and actively contributes to process and technology improvements.
• Self‑motivated, innovative, and a strong team player with a passion for product development. Keeps up to date with emerging automation technologies and proactively introduces improvements and best practices.
• Excellent communication and problem‑solving skills, with professional proficiency in both Dutch and English.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop PLC logic, from prototype concepts through to reliable and maintainable solutions for serial production.
• Ensure seamless integration between PLC, HMI, drive systems, and machine controls.
• Participate in new product development projects, customer-specific solutions, product maintenance activities, and continuous quality improvement initiatives.
• Collaborate closely with Mechanical and Electrical Engineering teams to define machine functionality and develop integrated technical solutions.
• Test and commission machine software, including I/O validation, motion control systems, machine functionality, industrial networks, and data exchange interfaces.
• Develop and maintain PLC logic primarily in Beckhoff environments; knowledge of Omron systems is considered an advantage.
• Develop machine data collection and communication solutions for performance monitoring and dashboarding.
• Support industrial networking and cybersecurity implementation in accordance with industry best practices.
• Develop and maintain safety PLC applications in compliance with applicable machinery safety standards.
• Willing to travel up to 5% of the time.
• Participate in service support activities, including occasional after-hours troubleshooting and hotline support when required.

Skills

PLC engineering

Beckhoff

Siemens

Omron

HMI systems

Structured Text

Industrial networks

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor’s degree or higher in Automation/Electrical Engineering

Related technical discipline

Tools

Beckhoff

Siemens

Omron

HMI software

Job description

Ranpak is seeking a Senior PLC Automation Engineer to design and implement control systems for our packaging automation machines. You will bridge PLC, HMI, drives, safety, and networking, taking projects from prototype to robust, serial-production solutions.

Collaborating with Mechanical and Electrical Engineering teams, you will develop data collection and dashboarding, strengthen cybersecurity, and ensure compliance with machinery-safety standards.