PLC Developer – R&D

Bühler's Value Nutrition business unit builds the processing solutions behind a large share of the world's food and feed. As a PLC Developer in R&D, you'll develop the control software for the next generation of our industrial processing machines. You'll build standard software modules, new functions and innovative control concepts that deliver precise process control, energy efficiency and reliable operation at customer plants worldwide.

Our machines run on Bühler's own in-house automation technology. No prior experience with our specific platform is required. We'll train you on it. What matters is solid PLC programming experience with Siemens, Rockwell or another comparable automation platform.

What will be your responsibilities?

• Develop new PLC software functions and standard modules for Bühler processing machines on our in-house automation platform.
• Design and implement advanced closed-loop process control for temperature, humidity, airflow, pressure and product moisture (PID, cascade and model-based control).
• Develop control concepts for fans and drives (VFDs), burners and heat exchangers, dampers, conveying units and sensors.
• Evaluate and integrate new field devices and instrumentation over industrial networks (PROFINET, PROFIBUS, EtherNet/IP, Modbus, OPC UA).
• Implement safety-related functions, including burner management, interlocks, and fire and dust-explosion protection logic (ATEX), in line with ISO 13849 / IEC 62061.
• Build and run prototypes, test rigs and simulations. Validate new functions in test centers and pilot installations.
• Develop software features for energy optimization, process data analytics and connectivity to MES/IIoT systems.
• Maintain and improve the software architecture, coding standards and reusable libraries used by project engineering teams worldwide.
• Create and maintain technical documentation: functional specifications, software design documents, test protocols and release notes.
• Work closely with process technologists, hardware and mechanical engineers, and the Product Owner in an agile development team.
• Support project engineering and service teams with second-level expertise on new functions.

The position is based in Prague and includes up to 10-15% travel to test centers and pilot installations.

What should you already know/have?

• Degree in Automation, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Control Engineering or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• 3+ years of PLC programming experience in industrial automation.
• Hands-on experience with Siemens (TIA Portal / S7-1500) or Rockwell (Studio 5000), or other platforms of similar scope.
• Strong IEC 61131-3 skills, especially Structured Text and Function Block, including modular or object-oriented design.
• Experience with process control: control loops, PID tuning and analog signal handling.
• Understanding of industrial communication protocols and fieldbus systems.
• Ability to read electrical schematics and P&IDs.
• Structured, analytical approach and curiosity to try new solutions.
• Good English, both written and spoken. Czech or German is an advantage.

These skills are nice to have, but not required:

• Experience with thermal processes or combustion/burner control.
• A background in food, feed, grain or similar process industries.
• Knowledge of ATEX, dust explosion protection, and machinery safety standards.
• Experience with simulation or virtual commissioning tools (e.g. PLCSIM Advanced, MATLAB/Simulink).
• Experience with MES integration, OPC UA, IIoT or data historians.
• Git-based version control for PLC code, automated testing, or scripting skills (Python, C#).

What do you get in return?

• 25 days holiday/year
• Flexible working hours and home office (hybrid work model)
• Meal allowance (129 CZK/day)
• Flexible cafeteria benefit (15,600 CZK/year)
• Pension fund or DIP contribution (500 CZK/month)
• Public transportation allowance (500 CZK/month)
• Electronics allowance (10,000 CZK every 3 years)
• Annual bonus
• Mobile phone plan with unlimited calls, messages and data
• Multisport card at a subsidized rate
• Online healthcare consultation service for employees and their family members
• Employee shopping programs and discount benefits with selected partners
• Daily use of English and career growth opportunities
• Modern offices in Prague - Pankrác
• Fitbreaks - regular stretching sessions
• Workshops, company events, monthly birthday celebrations and social gatherings

Recruitment process

• Introductory call - brief phone call to introduce the role and answer your questions.
• First interview - learn more about the position and share your experience.
• Second interview - meet more of your future colleagues, discuss the role in more detail and get answers to your questions.