We’re seeking an experienced Automation & PLC Engineer to lead the implementation, standardization, and integration of Beckhoff-based control systems across our automation cells. This role also bridges our PLC logic with our ROS 2-based robotics stack, ensuring seamless system behavior, communication, and remote support.
You’ll own the PLC-side architecture, from I/O control to motion coordination and system diagnostics. You'll also work closely with our perception, motion planning, and integration teams to create reliable handshakes between ROS 2 and machine-level automation.
Key Responsibilities
- Architect, develop, and maintain Beckhoff TwinCAT 3 codebases across all automation cells.
- Design modular, scalable automation logic using structured text, object-oriented function blocks, and safe state machines.
- Integrate PLCs with our ROS 2 stack (e.g., via OPC UA, Modbus TCP, or custom middleware), enabling real-time coordination with robotic subsystems.
- Develop and deploy intuitive HMI interfaces for operators, maintenance, and debug.
- Configure and manage EtherCAT I/O networks, motion components, and field devices.
- Enable remote diagnostics, secure access, and data logging from deployed systems.
- Collaborate closely with mechanical, vision, and software teams to ensure integrated cell behavior.
- Support field deployments, issue diagnosis, and system reliability testing.
Qualifications
- 3–5 years experience in industrial automation, including Beckhoff TwinCAT 3 and structured text (ST).
- Experience building and deploying modular, production-grade PLC code for real-world machinery.
- Familiarity with ROS 2 concepts and message-passing architectures, or previous experience bridging ROS to PLCs.
- Strong understanding of industrial fieldbuses (EtherCAT, OPC UA, Modbus, etc.).
- Competent in HMI design, I/O mapping, and safe system startup/teardown logic.
- Ability to design for remote access, including secure gateways, remote logging, and system updates.
Nice to Have
- Experience with ROS 2 client libraries (C++ or Python) and integration patterns.
- Knowledge of textile automation, robotics, or machine vision systems.
- Familiarity with InfluxDB, SQL, or cloud telemetry pipelines for industrial data.
- Experience deploying systems into production environments and supporting field debugging.
Top Skills
What We Do
We are silana – automated fashion production. We founded this robotics startup to fully automate the production process in the fashion industry. Currently, fashion is mainly produced in Southeast Asia & (newly) in African Countries, which leads to tremendous lead times, an incredible CO2-emission through broad transportation, and slave-like working conditions. This industry faces issues in the whole tripple-bottom-line.
