Automation Engineer (Beckhoff TwinCAT)

We are looking for a hands-on Automation Engineer to develop and maintain the software modules that control our robotic integration platform. This role focuses on real-time systems, PLC programming (TwinCAT), and ensuring robust data integrity between hardware, control software, and higher-level AI modules, including reliable integration with our machine database.

You will be responsible for building the backbone of our machine control architecture, enabling seamless communication between robotics, sensors, and data acquisition systems. Working closely with hardware and AI engineers, you will ensure our machines operate reliably, safely, and with high precision.

This role is ideal for a experienced Automation Engineer who enjoys working at the interface of hardware and software, and who thrives in an environment where their code directly drives machines in the lab and production floor.

As part of the engineering team, you will take ownership of:

• Machine control software:
  • Develop and maintain PLC and real-time control software for our robotic platforms.
  • Ensure high reliability, repeatability, and safety in machine operations.
• Software interfaces:
  • Design and maintain standard software interfaces (APIs, communication protocols) between hardware, AI modules, and operator tools.
  • Apply object-oriented and modular design principles to keep the control software stack maintainable and scalable.
  • Support modularity and scalability of the overall machine software stack.
  • Design and maintain a user-friendly Human Machine Interface (HMI)
• Real-time data handling:
  • Implement robust data acquisition, synchronization, and integrity mechanisms.
  • Support logging, error handling, and diagnostics for live experiments and production.
• System integration:
  • Collaborate with robotics, AI, and physics experts to integrate new hardware modules.
  • Support commissioning of new machines and upgrades.
• Testing & validation:
  • Set up automated test procedures for machine functions.
  • Document and monitor performance, reliability, and safety compliance.
• Continuous improvement:
  • Introduce new tools and practices to improve machine software development.
  • Support scaling from prototype machines to commercial-grade systems.

• Bachelor’s or Master’s in Computer Science, Electrical/Automation Engineering, Mechatronics, or related technical field.
• 5+ years experience with PLC programming, real-time systems, or industrial machine control using TwinCat 3.
• Prior work in robotics, automation, or semiconductor/precision equipment is a strong plus.

• Technical skills:
  • Full stack PLC programming in TwinCat, including database connectivity and HMI (Siemens, Fanuc, Heidenhain etc are a plus).
  • Experience in C/C#/C++ and/or Python for real-time applications.
  • Strong object-oriented programming (OOP) skills required (clean architecture, interfaces, modular design).
  • Knowledge of industrial communication protocols (EtherCAT, OPC UA, Modbus, etc.).
  • Familiarity with version control (Git) and modern software engineering practices.
• Bonus skills:
  • Background in motion control, machine vision, or instrumentation.
  • Knowledge of safety standards for automation systems.
• Mindset:
  • Pragmatic engineer who takes ownership of machine performance and is eager to keep pace with the hardware team, for testing and implementing of new modules and features.
  • Comfortable debugging at the intersection of hardware and software.
  • Willing to adapt and learn quickly in a fast-paced, prototype-driven environment.
• Collaboration:
  • Strong communication skills in English; German a plus.
  • Ability to work closely with interdisciplinary teams (hardware, AI, operations).

• Impact: Your software will directly control and optimize unique robotic systems at the heart of our technology.
• Learning: Exposure to robotics, nanotechnology, and precision engineering challenges.
• Ownership: Help define the architecture of our machine software and scale it from prototype to product.
• Growth: Opportunity to expand into system architecture, integration lead, or automation specialist roles as we scale.
• Compensation: Competitive Swiss salary with full employment benefits (incl. pension). Equity participation possible.
• Culture: Join a small, international, and collaborative team with a mission-driven mindset.
  … and the best coffee in Zurich :)