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Software & automation engineers often have a background in industrial automation, electrical engineering, mechatronics or technical computing. You’ll learn how machines, systems and production lines are controlled using software, control engineering and industrial networks.
Many engineers start out as junior automation engineers, PLC programmers or software engineers in mechanical engineering, manufacturing or the high-tech sector. By gaining experience with control systems, testing and commissioning, you’ll progress to become an independent engineer or specialist.
A typical working day as a software & automation engineer revolves around developing, testing and improving control software. You work on machines, production lines or process installations and ensure that systems operate safely and reliably.
For example, you’ll programme PLC software, test functions in a simulation environment and liaise with mechanical and electrical engineers. During the testing phase, you’ll check that machines respond as intended and resolve any faults before a system is put into operation.
On some projects, you’ll also be involved in on-site commissioning. In these cases, you’ll test the software in real time, monitor signals and adjust settings where necessary.
Software & automation engineers work with various control systems, visualisation systems and industrial networks. The systems you use depend on the machine, sector and client.
PLC programming often forms the basis of industrial automation. Commonly used platforms include Siemens, Beckhoff and Allen Bradley.
SCADA software is used to monitor, visualise and control processes. This is common in production environments, process plants and the energy sector.
Operators communicate with machines and installations via Human Machine Interfaces. As an automation engineer, you ensure that these interfaces operate logically, safely and clearly.
Many projects utilise Profinet, Ethernet IP or other industrial communication systems. These networks ensure that machines, sensors, drives and control systems work together effectively.
Robotics constitutes a distinct specialism within many automation projects. Software and automation engineers work with robots from manufacturers such as FANUC, KUKA and ABB. You will be involved in the programming, integration and optimisation of robots within automated production environments.
Cyber security is playing an increasingly important role in industrial automation. Machines, production lines and control systems are increasingly connected to corporate networks. Consequently, software development must also take into account secure communication, access control and protection against cyber threats.
Software & automation engineers work across a range of technical sectors. This means you can work on a wide variety of projects within software, mechanical engineering, high-tech, industry and energy.
In mechanical engineering, you develop software for machines, production lines and automated systems.
In the high-tech industry, you’ll work on complex automation solutions where precision, timing and reliability are key.
In the industrial sector, you’ll work on production environments, process installations and technical optimisations. This often involves controlling pumps, valves and shut-off valves, and monitoring measuring instruments such as flowmeters. These are used, for example, to monitor pressure in pipes and volumes in tanks or silos. Operators often work in SCADA environments to monitor processes remotely and make adjustments where necessary. The software you develop has a direct impact on safe and efficient production.
Within energy projects, you will work on systems for monitoring, control and process management.
Working as a software & automation engineer is a good fit for people who want to combine engineering with software development. You think analytically, work with precision and are interested in improving the performance of machines and processes.
This role is also a good fit if you enjoy working alongside mechanical engineers, electrical engineers and clients. You can see straight away how your software performs in practice.
A software and automation engineer develops control software for machines, systems and production lines.
A software and automation engineer often works with PLC systems, SCADA platforms, HMI/DCS solutions and industrial networks.
As a software and automation engineer, you will often work in the office or on a hybrid basis, supplemented by on-site testing, commissioning or support.
Yes, software and automation engineers often progress to become senior automation engineers, systems engineers, control engineers or project engineers.
Software and automation engineers often work in mechanical engineering, high-tech, the (process) industry, energy and industrial automation.
You can apply directly for a suitable vacancy or find out how the application process works at Trinamics.
Has this sparked your interest, or would you like more information? Please do get in touch. We’d be happy to help!
