Senior Automation Engineer Beckhoff

NAXCON GmbH
NAXCON GmbH, located in the heart of Freiburg, is at the forefront of the German IT and engineering industry.
Our experts have extensive knowledge in software and hardware development, state-of-the-art electronics, and future-oriented technologies such as artificial intelligence and virtual reality. We are not only dedicated to project work for our customers, but also intensively pursue in-house innovation projects as well as research & development. Renowned companies from a wide range of German industries place their trust in us - demonstrating the outstanding expertise and commitment of our engineers.

Position: Senior Automation Engineer - Beckhoff
Field: Automation & Process Control Systems
Type: Contract, 1- 2 Years, Full-time or Part-time (Flexible)
Location: Lampoldshausen, Germany

Join a fast-track hydrogen infrastructure programme that will build and commission a new cryogenic and high-pressure hydrogen test facility at a leading European research site in Lampoldshausen. You will lead the complete process-control-system (PCS) package, from detailed design through site acceptance, while coordinating a multidisciplinary engineering team.

Core Responsibilities:

• Own end-to-end PCS delivery: architecture, detailed design, hardware selection, software configuration and cyber-security hardening.
• Convert the functional specification into an executable plan with milestones, deliverables, and integrated schedule/cost/risk registers.
• Lead and mentor PLC programmers, E-CAD designers, safety & cyber specialists, and electricians to achieve quality and performance targets.
• Approve engineering artefacts (E-CAD drawings, PLC code, HMI graphics, safety calculations) and chair formal design reviews (FDS, HAZOP, SIL verification).
• Supervise execution: cabinet assembly, Factory Acceptance Test (FAT), site installation, loop checks and SAT; resolve technical issues and non-conformities in real time.
• Ensure compliance with IEC 61511 (functional safety), IEC 62443 (OT cyber-security) and ISO 9001 quality procedures.
• Serve as single technical interface to the client’s PM, procurement, safety and operations teams; prepare weekly status reports and attend progress meetings.

Must-Have Skills:

• Degree in Automation Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics or related field.
• 5 + years delivering industrial automation projects, including at least one full life-cycle PCS for hydrogen, LNG, chemical or power applications, with a proven Beckhoff commissioning record.
• Demonstrated delivery of Beckhoff PCS: TwinCAT 3 programming, EtherCAT/TwinSAFE integration, cabinet build, Industrial PCs and HMI visualisation.
• Expert knowledge of EtherCAT networks and industrial-Ethernet redundancy strategies.
• Hands-on implementation of SIL-2/3 safety-instrumented systems under IEC 61511, from HAZOP to proof-testing.
• Proficient in EPLAN or AutoCAD Electrical; able to review and approve single-line diagrams and loop drawings.
• Fluent English, working German an advantage, experienced in leading external engineering partners.
• Eligible to work in the EU and to access hydrogen/cryogenic test facilities.

Nice-to-Have (Preferred but not required):

• Commissioning of modular hydrogen test benches: cryogenic LH₂ storage (−250 °C, up to 300 bar) and vent/flare systems.
• Large-scale Beckhoff PCS (> 500 I/O).
• Intrinsically safe I/O: Beckhoff ELX or equivalent Ex i terminals inside hazardous zones.
• Integration of external flare stacks or cryogenic skids via remote I/O, network segregation and safe interlocks.
• Hydrogen-plant start-up safety aligned with EIGA purging guidance, AIGA leak-response practices and H₂Tools commissioning checklists, including SIL-rated ESD valves.
• Solid grasp of IEC 62443 defence-in-depth principles
• Multi-vendor procurement and as-built documentation experience
• Cross-disciplinary site coordination on hydrogen research facilities: planning cable routes, foundations, and interface management.

Soft Skills:

• Proactive ownership of the full development lifecycle
• Clear communicator in distributed teams
• Structured, analytical problem-solver under tight deadlines
• Quality-first mindset: testing, peer reviews and traceable documentation

What we offer:

• Competitive compensation package: At NAXCON, we believe that our engineers are our greatest asset. That's why we offer a comprehensive and competitive compensation package that includes a salary commensurate with experience and expertise.
• Professional growth and development: With us, our engineers can immerse themselves in new industries or projects after just 1-2 years and actively transfer knowledge.
• Join a cosmopolitan and internationally mixed team: We welcome individuals from all backgrounds and cultures to contribute their unique perspectives and talents to our team.
• Benefit from a fixed contact person from the company: We understand the importance of having a reliable point of contact within the company. That's why we assign a dedicated contact person who will provide guidance and support throughout your employment with us.
• Enjoy regular team events with the company: We believe in the power of team building and fostering positive relationships within the workplace. That's why we organize regular team events to promote collaboration and strengthen our team bonds.