Senior Automation Engineer (PLC)

About SAEKI

SAEKI is building the operating system for autonomous factories — the infrastructure that lets Europe manufacture mission-critical components at software speed.

The Role

As a Senior Automation Engineer (PLC), you will design, program, and commission the PLC-based control systems that form the backbone of Factory ONE's automation infrastructure. You own the real-time control logic, safety systems, HMI interfaces, and industrial networking that keep the factory running reliably. Based on-site at Factory ONE in Munich, you'll work at the intersection of electrical engineering, industrial automation, and production operations — writing PLC code, commissioning drives, integrating sensors, and ensuring that the control layer operates flawlessly under real production conditions.

What We're Looking For

• 5+ years of experience in industrial PLC programming and automation — designing, commissioning, and maintaining control systems in a production environment.
• PLC Mastery (Beckhoff): Expert-level proficiency with Beckhoff TwinCAT and IEC 61131-3 programming, especially Structured Text. You can work effectively in large, structured industrial PLC codebases.
• Industrial Networking: Hands-on experience with EtherCAT, Profinet, EtherNet/IP, or Modbus TCP, plus strong networking fundamentals (IP addressing, switching, and diagnostics).
• Safety Systems: Experience designing and commissioning safety PLCs (e.g. Beckhoff TwinSAFE, Siemens F-CPU, Pilz) in compliance with ISO 13849 and IEC 62443. You understand risk assessment and safety validation.
• HMI/SCADA: Experience building operator interfaces and visualization systems. You design screens that operators can actually use under production pressure.
• Robotics Integration: Practical experience integrating, commissioning, and troubleshooting KUKA robots in PLC-controlled production systems.
• Additive Manufacturing Fundamentals: Practical understanding of plastic 3D printing processes and production constraints.
• Electronics + Electrical Fundamentals: Ability to read and review schematics at both PCB and panel level. Comfortable with soldering, hands-on electronics debugging, and electrical panel systems (circuit breakers, power supplies, relays/contactors, and field wiring).
• Commissioning Grit: You are the person who stays until the system runs. You troubleshoot I/O failures, timing issues, and communication dropouts until everything works.
• Location: Based in Munich (on-site at Factory ONE).
• Language: Fluent in German and English.

What we're not looking for

• PLC programmers who only work from their desk. You must be comfortable on the factory floor — wiring, measuring, and commissioning.
• Automation engineers who treat PLC code as a black box separate from the wider software ecosystem. You will integrate your control systems with our Factory OS via OPC-UA and MQTT.
• People who only know one PLC platform and are unwilling to learn others. Our automation landscape will evolve.
• Engineers who resist documenting their work. Your control logic must be maintainable and auditable.

What we offer

• Mission: Rebuild the industrial sovereignty of the West. Your work directly enables the production of mission-critical hardware for defense and space.
• Total Ownership: High-stakes autonomy in your domain. You own both the problems and the solutions — and have the authority to execute.
• The Environment: Access to a 5,000m² state-of-the-art facility featuring 5-axis CNCs, industrial robots, and large-scale 3D printers. Your work runs on real hardware from day one.
• The Team: "Special Forces" model. Everyone senior, everyone ships. No politics, no bureaucracy. Direct feedback, high standards.
• Compensation: Competitive salary + meaningful equity.
• Location: Zurich HQ or Factory ONE in Munich, depending on role. Hybrid options available where applicable.

Apply

• Resume: Focus on systems you've built and owned.
• GitHub/Portfolio: Show us work you're proud of — code, machines, or production systems.
• Cover letter: Why this mission? Why now? What would you build first?