Senior PLC Automation Engineer
RanpakAt Ranpak, sustainability has been in our DNA since our founding in 1972.
At Ranpak, sustainability has been in our DNA since our founding in 1972. Our goal then was to create the first environmentally responsible system to protect products during shipment. Today, our mission remains the same: to deliver sustainable packaging solutions that improve supply-chain performance and costs, reduce environmental impact, and support a wide range of growing business needs globally.
The development and improvement of materials, technologies such as automation, and total-solution systems have made Ranpak an innovative leader in e-commerce and industrial supply-chain solutions.
As a Senior PLC Automation Engineer, you will shape the control systems behind our advanced packaging automation machines. This is a senior industrial automation role for an engineer who enjoys taking PLC logic from initial prototype through to robust, scalable and maintainable serial-production solutions. You will work at the intersection of PLC, HMI, drive systems, machine controls, industrial networks and machine safety.
You will collaborate with Mechanical and Electrical Engineering colleagues on new product development, customer-specific solutions and continuous improvement. In addition to core PLC engineering, you will help develop machine-data collection and dashboarding solutions, strengthen industrial networking and cybersecurity, and maintain safety PLC applications in line with applicable machinery-safety standards.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
- Design and develop PLC logic, from prototype concepts through to reliable and maintainable solutions for serial production.
- Ensure seamless integration between PLC, HMI, drive systems, and machine controls.
- Participate in new product development projects, customer-specific solutions, product maintenance activities, and continuous quality improvement initiatives.
- Collaborate closely with Mechanical and Electrical Engineering teams to define machine functionality and develop integrated technical solutions.
- Test and commission machine software, including I/O validation, motion control systems, machine functionality, industrial networks, and data exchange interfaces.
- Develop and maintain PLC logic primarily in Beckhoff environments; knowledge of Omron systems is considered an advantage.
- Develop machine data collection and communication solutions for performance monitoring and dashboarding.
- Support industrial networking and cybersecurity implementation in accordance with industry best practices.
- Develop and maintain safety PLC applications in compliance with applicable machinery safety standards.
- Willing to travel up to 5% of the time.
- Participate in service support activities, including occasional after-hours troubleshooting and hotline support when required.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree or higher in Automation Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
- At least 8 years of proven experience in PLC engineering of automation machines, in cooperation with electric and mechanical engineering.
- Proven ability to program and configure PLC and HMI systems, for example Beckhoff, Siemens, and Omron, for industrial automation applications.
- Demonstrated ability to develop PLC logic from proof-of-concept through to robust, scalable, and maintainable production solutions.
- Experience with IEC 61131-3 programming languages, particularly Structured Text (ST).
- Knowledge of industrial communication protocols and networks such as Profinet, OPC UA, EtherCAT, and Ethernet/IP.
- Continuously seeks industry best practices and actively contributes to process and technology improvements.
- Self-motivated, innovative, and a strong team player with a passion for product development. Keeps up to date with emerging automation technologies and proactively introduces improvements and best practices.
- Excellent communication and problem-solving skills, with professional proficiency in both Dutch and English.
What we offer
- A challenging and impactful engineering role within an innovative automation team.
- Opportunities for personal and professional development.
- Work on advanced automation projects using cutting-edge technologies.
- Hybrid working model, including the opportunity to work from home one day per week.
- Competitive salary package and attractive secondary employment benefits.
Why Join Ranpak?
- Work on innovative automation solutions used worldwide.
- Influence the next generation of sustainable packaging machinery.
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary engineering teams.
- Access training, development, and career growth opportunities.
- Contribute directly to Ranpak’s sustainability mission.
Ranpak Values
We believe in building a culture of ownership, where we all contribute and succeed together. At Ranpak, diverse perspectives, talent, and innovation come together to create amazing results.
Ownership Culture – Our ownership mentality empowers us. As employee-owners, we take responsibility for our individual work and pride in our collective achievement.
Environmental Sustainability – Our product portfolio has been designed to reduce the harmful consequences of our globalized economy.
Diversity and Inclusion – Diversity is strength. We aspire to the equitable representation of all perspectives across our company.
Employee Actualization – When each of us reaches our full potential as an individual, we all succeed together.
Customer Centricity – Our customers are vital both to our success and to our mission. Helping our customers succeed is top priority.
Data Driven Decision Making – We are guided by data. Key business decisions are based on verified data rather than intuition or observation alone.
Community Engagement – We embrace our responsibility to our local communities, contributing to the lives of those around us.
Equal Opportunity and Accessibility
Ranpak is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing a workplace free from harassment and discrimination. We celebrate the unique differences of our employees because that is what drives curiosity, innovation, and the success of our business.
Ranpak does not tolerate discrimination on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status, pregnancy, parental status, genetic information, political affiliation, or any other status protected by applicable laws and regulations.
Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities.
How to Apply
If this role feels like the right next step for you, we would be happy to hear from you. Please apply directly through this vacancy.
If you would like to learn more about the position, our Eygelshoven engineering location, or the team before applying, please contact Wayne Janssen at janssen.wayne@ranpak.com or +31 6 20056342.