Automation Engineer

Automation Data Interface Engineer - Next-Generation Battery Manufacturing (Contract Opportunity) GermanyOur client, a global leader in advanced energy and high-technology manufacturing, is seeking experienced Automation Data Interface Engineers to support the commissioning and ramp-up of a next-generation, large-scale battery cell production facility in Germany. This is a unique opportunity to play a key role in bringing one of Europe's most technologically advanced gigafactory environments into full production. This role will focus on integrating shop-floor automation equipment with higher-level manufacturing and enterprise systems, ensuring reliable, high-performance data flow, validation, and operational stability during a critical production ramp-up phase. Responsibilities: The successful candidates will act as a key technical interface between manufacturing equipment, OT systems, and MES platforms, enabling seamless communication across automation and digital manufacturing layers. You will play a critical role in ensuring production reliability, data integrity, and performance optimisation across highly automated production lines. Requirements: 5-10 years of experience in industrial automation within high-performance manufacturing environments * Battery cell production experience highly advantageous * Fluent in English and/or German (Chinese language skills beneficial) * Strong controls engineering foundation with hands-on PLC programming experience * Willingness to work onsite and support shift operations (early and late shifts) * Flexibility to support weekend activities during commissioning and ramp-up phases * Ideally based within reasonable commuting distance or available for long-term onsite engagementDesired Experience: Commissioning and validation of data interfaces between shopfloor manufacturing equipment and higher-level digital systems * Strong knowledge of industrial data models, collection technologies, and protocols such as OPC-UA, MQTT, and JSON Nodesets * Experience performing data validation, integrity, and plausibility checks * Hands-on experience testing and integrating MES systems and OT gateways (northbound and southbound communication) * PLC programming experience, primarily Siemens, with exposure to Beckhoff and/or Omron highly beneficialReasons why you should apply: This is a rare opportunity to contribute directly to one of Europe's most advanced battery manufacturing programmes, supporting the transition to next-generation energy technologies. You will work at the forefront of digital manufacturing, integrating state-of-the-art automation, MES, and smart factory systems within a highly automated, large-scale production environment. Long-term contract opportunity with strong extension potential and the chance to work on a flagship industrial programme shaping the future of electrification. How to Apply: For more information on the role, or an informal discussion regarding opportunities we have available, please contact Nicky Carlton on Why work with Proactive? Proactive Technical Recruitment is an industry leading, specialist engineering recruitment agency focused on the automation, manufacturing and robotics sectors. We offer specialist recruitment services to a niche customer base, vetting that our clients offer the best opportunities for your career. Proactive encourages and promotes equality and diversity within the workforce. We act with honesty, integrity and impartiality, ensuring your application is considered on its own merits and without bias. When registering with Proactive you will have the opportunity to apply for some of the most interesting, specialist, opportunities in the marketplace, with the biggest companies in the sector. Follow us on Linkedin and Facebook for industry news and download our app for live notifications about newly listed vacancies. We look forward to helping you find your next role! Proactive Global is committed to equality in the workplace and is an equal opportunity employer. Proactive Global is acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy