Automation engineer (PLC)
The engineer who makes machines think: programming PLC controls, building HMIs and automating production lines from design to commissioning.
As an automation engineer you write the software that drives machines and production lines. You program PLCs (usually Siemens or Allen-Bradley), build operator screens and integrate robots, servo drives and safety circuits into one working whole.
The profession sits at the crossroads of software and shop floor: your code doesn't just have to be correct, it has to run a machine safely and reliably. With industry 4.0 and the talent shortage, it's one of the fastest-growing technical professions in Belgium.
What does a Automation engineer (PLC) do?
- Design, program and test PLC software in TIA Portal, Step 7 or Studio 5000
- Build HMI and SCADA screens operators use to run the installation
- Commission machines in the workshop and at the customer, including abroad
- Analyse faults in existing controls and optimise software
- Implement and document safety functions to the machinery directive
What do you need to master?
- A bachelor or master in electromechanics, automation or electronics-ICT, or equivalent experience
- PLC programming on at least one platform; Siemens TIA Portal is the most requested in Belgium
- Insight into electrical schematics, fieldbuses (Profinet, EtherCAT) and drive technology
- Structured testing and documentation, also under project pressure
- Willingness to travel for commissioning
What does a Automation engineer (PLC) earn?
€3,400 – €5,200 gross per month
Indicative gross monthly salaries for the Belgian market, excluding premiums and fringe benefits such as a company car or meal vouchers. What a specific employer offers is shown on every vacancy: we publish the range everywhere.
How do you grow?
Many automation engineers grow into lead engineer or automation project leader. Others specialise in robotics, machine safety or MES/industry 4.0 integrations, where demand and pay are even higher.
Freelancing is strong here too: experienced PLC profiles with commissioning experience are among the most requested freelancers in Belgian industry.
What does a technical job pay?
We publish a salary range with every vacancy. See the current overview per field.
Frequently asked questions
What does an automation engineer earn in Belgium?
Roughly 3,400 to 5,200 euros gross per month, depending on experience and specialisation. A company car is almost always included, plus allowances for commissioning. Experienced freelancers invoice day rates well above that.
Which PLC platform should I learn first?
In Belgium, Siemens (TIA Portal) is by far the most requested, followed by Allen-Bradley in international production environments. Master one platform thoroughly and you'll switch quickly afterwards: the way of thinking is the same everywhere, only the tooling differs.
Can I grow from technician into automation engineer?
Yes, it's actually a classic path. Maintenance technicians who work with controls daily have a head start school leavers lack: they know the machines. With targeted PLC training, employers gladly make that switch possible.
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