Automation Engineer - Facilities SCADA & PLC (f/m/d)

Blacksemiconductor
Aachen, Germany
Hybrid

Who this role is best for

Experienced automation professionals with SCADA and PLC expertise in semiconductor manufacturing will find this role rewarding.

Best fit for

  • Candidates with hands-on SCADA and PLC experience in semiconductor production environments
    — “5+ years of hands-on experience with industrial SCADA and PLC systems in a production environment”
  • Individuals who value technical ownership and can manage complex, mission-critical systems
    — “You won't be building it from scratch - you'll be the person who understands it well enough to keep it running”
  • Professionals with strong field instrumentation and troubleshooting skills
    — “Verify instrument calibration and troubleshoot analog and digital field signals - multimeter in hand, not only from a screen”

Things to consider

  • The role demands a strong commitment to on-site presence and technical accountability
    — “If the FMCS has an issue at 03:00, you're the one who knows what to do”
  • German language proficiency may be necessary for effective vendor and contractor collaboration
    — “Good command of English; German is a strong advantage given the site, suppliers and local contractors”

How to stand out

  • Highlight your experience with Siemens S7-1500 PLCs and WinCC OA in your resume and interviews
    — “Solid experience with Siemens S7 PLCs (TIA Portal / Step 7)”
  • Emphasize your structured approach to documentation and change control in your application materials
    — “A structured, disciplined approach to documentation and change control”
  • Demonstrate your ability to perform end-to-end loop checks and field signal troubleshooting
    — “Plan and perform loop checks end to end - tracing each signal from the field device through wiring, I/O and PLC all the way to the operator screen”
  • Showcase your experience in maintaining and diagnosing PLCs in live production settings
    — “Maintain and diagnose our Siemens S7-1500 PLCs and their remote I/O, and adapt control logic within the existing standardised structure”
  • Demonstrate your ability to work with P&IDs, loop diagrams, and I/O lists
    — “Practical experience with loop checks, instrument calibration and signal troubleshooting, and with reading P&IDs, loop diagrams and I/O lists”
Pace · SteadyCollaboration · HighAutonomy · MediumDecision Impact · Team

Derived from job-description analysis by Serendipath's career intelligence engine.

What success looks like

  • operating and maintaining laboratory measurement setups
  • investigating and resolving alarms and communication faults
Typical background
completed apprenticeship as an Electronics Technician for Automation Technology plus further training as a state-certified techniciandegree in Electrical Engineering, Automation Engineering or a related field

Skills & requirements

Required

Operating, Monitoring And Maintaining Scada SystemsMaintaining And Diagnosing PlcsPerforming Loop Checks And Troubleshooting

Preferred

Experience With Siemens S7 PlcsStrong Scada Engineering Skills

Stack & domain

Siemens Wincc OASiemens S7-1500 PlcsTIA Portal / Step 7WinccPCS 7IgnitionAvevaZenonLoop ChecksInstrument CalibrationSignal TroubleshootingP&idsLoop DiagramsI/O ListsCommunicationDocumentationChange ControlFacilities MonitoringControl SystemProduction Environment

About the role

Original posting from Blacksemiconductor via Ashby

The Role

We are looking for an experienced Automation Engineer to take technical ownership of the Facilities Monitoring and Control System (FMCS) that keeps our fab running - the system that supervises every utility our production depends on, from cleanroom air and chilled water to process cooling, exhaust and power monitoring. The system is delivered and commissioned by an external integrator; from handover, it's yours. You won't be building it from scratch - you'll be the person who understands it well enough to keep it running, diagnose it when it misbehaves, extend it as we grow from pilot line to full production, and hold suppliers to account. If the FMCS has an issue at 03:00, you're the one who knows what to do.

To join our team, you should be excited to:

  • Operate, monitor and maintain our SCADA system (Siemens WinCC OA) across servers, operator stations and displays
  • Maintain and diagnose our Siemens S7-1500 PLCs and their remote I/O, and adapt control logic within the existing standardised structure
  • Plan and perform loop checks end to end - tracing each signal from the field device through wiring, I/O and PLC all the way to the operator screen, and confirming that commands actually move valves, dampers and actuators
  • Investigate and resolve alarms, communication faults and unexpected equipment behaviourduring live operation
  • Verify instrument calibration and troubleshoot analog and digital field signals - multimeter in hand, not only from a screen
  • Add new datapoints, screens, trends and reports, and tune alarms so operators trust the system
  • Keep documentation current - as-built drawings, tag lists, change records - and uphold change control
  • Act as the technical counterpart to contractors and vendors, and support qualification and audits with system evidence

Your Qualifications

  • One of two equivalent qualification paths: a completed apprenticeship as an Electronics Technician for Automation Technology plus further training as a state-certified technician (Techniker), or comparable - or a degree in Electrical Engineering, Automation Engineering or a related field, or comparable
  • 5+ years of hands-on experience with industrial SCADA and PLC systems in a production environment - commissioning, operating or supporting, not only design
  • Solid experience with Siemens S7 PLCs (TIA Portal / Step 7) - going online, reading and modifying logic, diagnosing faults on a running plant; experience with comparable PLC platforms is also welcome
  • Strong SCADA engineering skills - ideally Siemens WinCC OA, but experience with another platform (e.g. WinCC, PCS 7, Ignition, Aveva, Zenon) plus the willingness to grow into WinCC OA is just as welcome
  • Practical experience with loop checks, instrument calibration and signal troubleshooting, and with reading P&IDs, loop diagrams and I/O lists
  • A structured, disciplined approach to documentation and change control, and the confidence to say no to a change that compromises safety or system integrity
  • Good command of English; German is a strong advantage given the site, suppliers and local contractors

Our work culture

People Over Processes. At Black Semiconductor, flexibility is key—we ensure work adapts to life, not the other way around. We champion work-life harmony, where careers are meaningful and enriching. Our processes are human-centric, allowing you to focus on what matters

Let’s grow together. Your potential is our priority. We provide the autonomy to make a lasting impact and nurture your growth through a culture of continuous learning. We invest in your journey for professional and personal development

Your Health and Future Matter. Your well-being is paramount. We offer a comprehensive benefits package with outstanding insurance, pension and virtual stock options for your mental, physical, and financial health. Your peace of mind is our priority - in the present and future

We Live Openness. Collaboration and inclusivity are the cornerstones of our culture. We practice openness, fostering trust and respect. Individuality is our collective strength, fueling innovation and driving us forward

We connect chips – and people. We encourage qualified individuals from any background to apply. We foster an inclusive and supportive work environment that values collaboration, innovation, and growth. Join our team and be part of an organization dedicated to making a difference in the industry

Can you picture yourself in this Role and our Company? Let’s connect

If your application results in an employment relationship, your Applicant Data will be transferred to our personnel records and processed in accordance with applicable legal requirements; otherwise, your Applicant Data will be retained for up to six (6) months after completion of the recruitment process. Read more about our privacy policy here. https://www.blacksemi.com/privacy-policy

Source: Blacksemiconductor careers (Ashby)

Similar roles

More roles at Blacksemiconductor