Automation Engineer / Automation Technician (Ingenieur Automatisierungstechnik / Automatisierungstechniker (m/w/d)

Official title: Ingenieur Automatisierungstechnik / Automatisierungstechniker (m/w/d)

Location: Aachen, Germany; hybrid location type | Employment information: Full time; hybrid location type (Aachen)

The Automation Engineer / Automation Technician takes technical responsibility for the FMCS after its delivery and commissioning by an external integrator. The role is concerned with keeping production-support infrastructure operational, observing system behaviour, and strengthening the system over time. It is not presented as a greenfield programming post; the vacancy emphasises operational understanding, fault analysis, corrective action, and well-controlled growth of the installed system.

Daily work can range from diagnosis within SCADA and PLC systems to verification in the field. The post requires an applicant who can interpret alarms and communication issues in operating utility and production systems, perform targeted signal checks, and translate findings into clear documentation or system changes. External suppliers, service providers, and auditors are part of the technical interface described by the employer.

Responsibilities

• Operate, monitor, and continuously optimise the FMCS to support uninterrupted factory operation.
• Maintain, diagnose, and adjust SCADA and PLC systems, including Siemens WinCC OA or Yokogawa DCS Centum and Siemens S7 controls.
• Investigate and remedy faults, alarms, and communication problems affecting utility and production equipment during operation.
• Carry out loop checks, signal tests, and fault-finding on field devices, instruments, and automation components.
• Develop the system by integrating additional data points, visualisations, reports, and alarm concepts.
• Keep the technical documentation current as the monitoring and control environment changes.
• Serve as the technical contact for external service providers, suppliers, and auditors.
• Support qualification, acceptance, and change-control activities connected with the system.

Qualifications

• Completed training as an automation electronics technician followed by state-certified technician training, or a completed degree in electrical engineering, automation engineering, or a comparable discipline.
• Several years of practical experience with industrial SCADA and PLC systems in a manufacturing or industrial setting, ideally in operations, maintenance, or commissioning.
• Strong knowledge of Siemens S7 controls, including TIA Portal or STEP 7, and experience diagnosing faults on operating equipment.
• Experience with SCADA systems; Siemens WinCC OA or Yokogawa DCS Centum are named as ideal, while comparable platforms are also welcome.
• Practical experience with field instrumentation, loop checks, signal diagnostics, and reading P&ID diagrams, circuit diagrams, and I/O lists.
• A structured, self-directed working approach with strong quality awareness.
• Very good English language skills.
• Preferred: German language skills.

Skills and Competencies

• Technical diagnosis across live automation systems and their communication paths.
• Siemens S7 control knowledge with TIA Portal or STEP 7.
• SCADA-system familiarity, including the ability to maintain and adapt system configurations.
• Methodical signal testing and troubleshooting at field-device and instrumentation level.
• Confident interpretation of P&ID diagrams, circuit diagrams, and I/O lists.
• Clear technical coordination with service providers, suppliers, and auditors.

Benefits and Employment Information

• The employer describes flexible working arrangements intended to support balance between work and private life.
• Continuous learning alongside professional and personal development is described in the vacancy.
• The published benefits package includes insurance benefits, an occupational pension plan, and virtual stock options.
• The employer describes an inclusive and supportive environment focused on collaboration, innovation, and personal growth.