11/03/2026 updated
100 % available
Senior Automation Software Engineer / Technical Project Leader in Industrial Automation
Zagreb, Croatia
Worldwide
Master of Science in Electrical Engineering and Information TechnologyAbout me
Developing, integrating, commissioning and deploying complex industrial automation systems for high-volume manufacturing. Experienced across the full automation lifecycle—from control software development and system integration through field commissioning, production ramp-up, and customer acceptance
AutomationIndustrial EngineeringPython (Programming Language)Manufacturing AutomationProject ManagementManufacturing Execution System (MES)OPC Unified ArchitectureRobotics Design and ProductionSIMATIC WinCC (SCADA System)Systems IntegrationTia PortalSiemens S7Sps-software
Industrial Automation & Control Software Development
Development and integration of production-critical control software for complex automated manufacturing systems, including PLC programming with Siemens TIA Portal (S7/Step 7), HMI/WinCC, and adherence to IEC 61131-3 standards across high-volume automotive production environments.
Systems Integration & Field Commissioning
Integration of industrial robotics, AGVs, CNC equipment, vision systems (Cognex, Keyence), and MES interfaces into complete, highly automated production lines, combined with on-site field commissioning, hardware-software troubleshooting, and production ramp-up support.
Technical Project Leadership & Cross-Functional Coordination
Leadership of multidisciplinary engineering teams through the full automation lifecycle from initial design through installation, commissioning, and final customer acceptance, serving as the primary technical interface and escalation point for global Tier-1 automotive OEM clients.
Software & Programming Languages
Proficiency in Python, C, and MATLAB/Simulink for automation and control applications, alongside Linux-based environments and OPC UA communication protocols.
Networking & Fieldbus Protocols
Knowledge and application of PROFINET and PROFIBUS industrial communication standards for integrating automation components in manufacturing networks.
Machine Vision & Automated Inspection
Integration and configuration of machine vision systems using Cognex and Keyence platforms for automated quality inspection in production lines.
CNC & Sinumerik Systems
Programming and commissioning of CNC production lines using Siemens Sinumerik CNC control systems within multi-axis automation environments.
HIL & Virtual Commissioning
Application of Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) testing and virtual commissioning methodologies to validate automation systems prior to physical deployment.
MES & Production Traceability
Integration of Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) and production traceability solutions into automated manufacturing lines to ensure data integrity and process transparency.
EPLAN Engineering
Use of EPLAN for electrical engineering documentation and design within industrial automation projects.
Development and integration of production-critical control software for complex automated manufacturing systems, including PLC programming with Siemens TIA Portal (S7/Step 7), HMI/WinCC, and adherence to IEC 61131-3 standards across high-volume automotive production environments.
Systems Integration & Field Commissioning
Integration of industrial robotics, AGVs, CNC equipment, vision systems (Cognex, Keyence), and MES interfaces into complete, highly automated production lines, combined with on-site field commissioning, hardware-software troubleshooting, and production ramp-up support.
Technical Project Leadership & Cross-Functional Coordination
Leadership of multidisciplinary engineering teams through the full automation lifecycle from initial design through installation, commissioning, and final customer acceptance, serving as the primary technical interface and escalation point for global Tier-1 automotive OEM clients.
Software & Programming Languages
Proficiency in Python, C, and MATLAB/Simulink for automation and control applications, alongside Linux-based environments and OPC UA communication protocols.
Networking & Fieldbus Protocols
Knowledge and application of PROFINET and PROFIBUS industrial communication standards for integrating automation components in manufacturing networks.
Machine Vision & Automated Inspection
Integration and configuration of machine vision systems using Cognex and Keyence platforms for automated quality inspection in production lines.
CNC & Sinumerik Systems
Programming and commissioning of CNC production lines using Siemens Sinumerik CNC control systems within multi-axis automation environments.
HIL & Virtual Commissioning
Application of Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) testing and virtual commissioning methodologies to validate automation systems prior to physical deployment.
MES & Production Traceability
Integration of Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) and production traceability solutions into automated manufacturing lines to ensure data integrity and process transparency.
EPLAN Engineering
Use of EPLAN for electrical engineering documentation and design within industrial automation projects.
Experience
Professional experience10+ years
Freelancer since2024
Languages
GermanNative speakerEnglishFluentCroatianNative speaker
Project history
Developing and integrating production-critical control software for a battery cell-to-pack manufacturing system supporting BMW e-mobility production. Responsible for delivering and deploying production-ready automation software directly within an active manufacturing environment. Integrating machine control, process sequencing, safety, diagnostics, and production functions into a high-reliability manufacturing system. Supporting on-site field commissioning, hardware-software troubleshooting, and production ramp-up under highly demanding deployment timelines. Project: BMW i7 at Rimac Campus in Zagreb.
Led automation engineering and technical execution of complex manufacturing systems from initial design through installation, commissioning, and final customer acceptance. Held technical responsibility for control software and automation systems operating in live production environments for global Tier-1 automotive OEMs (BMW, Audi, GM, Ford). Coordinated multidisciplinary engineering squads during field deployment, acting as the primary technical interface and escalation point for customers. Diagnosed and resolved complex controls, integration, and production issues directly on the factory floor. Integrated industrial robotics, AGVs, CNC equipment, specialized welders, vision systems, and MES interfaces into complete, highly automated production lines. Notable projects include Foton Beijing, JMC Nanchang, GM Springhill, Audi Gyor, Rotax BRP, Nemak Monterrey, Ford Cologne, Skoda Mlada Boleslav, Opel Tychy, VW Poznan, BMW Dingolfingen, Renault Bursa, ZF Pancevo, Ford Dearborn and Sterling Heights, GM Buffalo, Ford Halewood.
Engineered, programmed, and commissioned complex automated manufacturing systems for global automotive production environments across 10+ countries. Developed PLC and HMI software for multi-axis automation, CNC production lines, and integrated manufacturing equipment. Commissioned systems internationally, resolving controls, electrical, and process edge-cases during intense production ramp-ups. Optimized machine and line performance, including cycle times, sequence logic, fault handling, and overall production availability.