Senior Automation Software Engineer (f/m/d)

Intro

For our location in Freiburg im Breisgau, we are looking for a Senior Automation Software Engineer (f/m/d) to strengthen our team.

At NexWafe, we are redefining how silicon wafers are manufactured. Our innovative epitaxial wafer technology reduces process steps, energy consumption, and CO₂ emissions, setting a new benchmark for sustainable photovoltaic production.

As a Senior Automation Software Engineer (f/m/d), you will support in advancing our Siemens-based automation platform and next-generation process control software. You will work at the intersection of industrial automation, software engineering, process control, and digitalization, developing scalable solutions that enable faster process development and improved manufacturing performance.

Join our international team and help drive the transition toward a more sustainable energy future.

Your Mission

• Develop and maintain Siemens PLC applications, reusable function blocks, and standardized control architectures for NexWafe's production equipment.
• Design and implement workflow-driven process automation, recipe management, and orchestration systems using Node-RED or similar platforms.
• Integrate instrumentation, machine equipment, industrial networks, and SCADA/MES systems into a reliable and scalable automation environment.
• Develop industrial software applications, APIs, HMIs, dashboards, and analytics tools.
• Collaborate closely with process engineers and cross-functional stakeholders to translate process requirements into robust and user-oriented automation solutions.
• Support equipment commissioning, troubleshooting, and optimization activities to ensure stable, efficient, and reliable production processes.

Your profile

• Master's degree in Automation Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Mechatronics, Software Engineering, or a comparable field.
• 7+ years of hands-on experience in industrial automation and PLC programming, with strong expertise in the Siemens ecosystem (TIA Portal, S7 PLCs, Industrial Edge and/or related technologies).
• Strong programming skills in at least one modern language such as JavaScript/TypeScript, Node.js, Python, HTML, and modern web technologies.
• Strong understanding of industrial communication technologies, such as OPC UA, Profinet, Modbus TCP, MQTT, or REST APIs and related integration patterns.
• Experience with workflow orchestration and event-driven systems such as Node-RED or Apache NiFi, including development and maintenance of custom nodes/components.
• Experience with time-series data platforms and analytics solutions, including Telegraf, InfluxDB, and Grafana (TIG Stack).
• Experience with Git, source control, code review practices and modern software development practices.
• Proven ability to troubleshoot and support distributed industrial software systems, PLC, communication, orchestration, database, and HMI layers.
• Proven track record of successful commissioning, startup, and support of industrial automation solutions in production environments.
• A structured and solution-oriented working style combined with strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills in interdisciplinary and international teams.
• Fluent English language skills, both written and spoken. German language skills are a plus.
• Willingness to occasionally travel within Germany and internationally for project and commissioning activities.

Why us?

• Build technology that goes beyond products: At NexWafe, we are developing and industrializing a unique gas-to-wafer manufacturing platform for the next generation of solar wafers for space and terrestrial applications.
• Solve complex engineering challenges: Work on process development, equipment design, automation and manufacturing scale-up, and see the impact of your work firsthand as innovative concepts become industrial reality.
• Attractive remuneration package: A permanent position with competitive salary, company pension scheme and upside-sharing through our VSOP program.
• Support for your wellbeing: Annual health budget and Hansefit membership.
• Expand your language skills: Language courses and continuous development opportunities.