Research Associate AQVA HEAT III (m/f/d) - Keyword: 20-2025 Automation

Do you believe that the energy transition can succeed with the help of innovative automation? Then you’ll fit right in with our team! Help us successfully implement the “AQVA HEAT III” project and join us in advancing the state of the art in science and technology in the field of automation for energy-related processes.

As part of the “AQVA HEAT III” project, you’ll focus on the automation of energy-related processes and complex test facilities. The role specifically includes the following tasks:

• Developing control system architecture concepts, which involves planning and designing the architecture of a control system

• Analyzing requirements (identifying process requirements and defining objectives regarding functionality, safety, scalability, and efficiency),

• Designing the logical and physical structure of the control system (hierarchical division into control, monitoring, and field levels; integration of programmable logic controllers (PLCs), human-machine interface (HMI) and supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems, sensors, and actuators), and definition of communication paths and protocols (e.g., OPC UA, Modbus TCP/UDP),

• Planning of hardware and software (control hardware, e.g., Wago; development environment, e.g., Codesys and the control system) as well as definition of any redundancy mechanisms for greater reliability,

• Development of concepts for monitoring, controlling, and regulating processes (data flow and processing within the control system, as well as the creation of visualization strategies for operators),

• Development of concepts for securing the control system against cyberattacks and system failures,

• Implementation of concepts (e.g., PLC programming) and

• Preparation of technical documentation for the control system.

The following knowledge and skills are required

• A college degree in automation and mechatronics,

• practical experience and expertise in the automation and control of energy-related processes,

• Experience working with programmable logic controllers (PLCs), particularly those from Wago,

• Good knowledge of the development environments Codesys 2.3, Codesys 3.5, and e!cockpit or comparable software,

• Ability to program (IEC 61131-3) and optimize automation solutions,

• Knowledge of at least one programming language (e.g., Python, Java), ideally for the integration or expansion of automation systems,

• Experience with database solutions for capturing, storing, and analyzing process data,

• Ability to develop concepts for control system architectures and knowledge of communication protocols and network integration (e.g., OPC UA, Modbus TCP/UDP),

• Understanding of the physical and technical fundamentals of energy technologies, such as thermodynamic processes, power plants, or renewable energy,

• good written and spoken English skills, as well as

• proficiency in word processing and spreadsheet software, as well as confidence in using digital media.

In addition, the following are desirable:

• knowledge and experience in implementing modern control strategies,

• experience using cloud services for process control or monitoring, and

• experience using edge computing technologies for decentralized data processing in automation systems.

We expect you to

• a dedicated and team-oriented approach to work,

• the ability to carry out tasks in a goal-oriented and independent manner,

• a willingness and interest in furthering your professional and personal development,

We offer you

• an interesting and challenging field of work,

• flexible and family-friendly working hours within the framework of the applicable employment agreement, as well as part-time options,

• opportunities for personal and professional development through targeted continuing education and training,

• attractive employee benefits (company pension plan, annual bonus, capital-forming benefits),

• a workplace Health Management program with initiatives to promote employee health, and the option to use a job ticket.