PLC Programmer/ Engineer- Automation & Process Control Tech

Zentis Holding GmbH invests in and manages companies in Germany and abroad. It also performs shared services and fulfils overarching tasks for the companies of the Zentis Group. Our companies are particularly leading manufacturers of fruit preparations for the dairy, bakery and confectionery processing industries. The Zentis Group also offers a wide range of products, including jams, sweet spreads and confectionery for end consumers, as well as customized food solutions for the food service industry. We are looking for a technically skilled PLC programmer (m/f/d) to support our two food production plants in the USA on-site. You will receive comprehensive training in our production technology at our main plant in Aachen, Germany, before relocating to Plymouth, IN / USA after approximately 12 months. Your Responsibilities: • 12-month training period in our process engineering and production plant programming (PLC) in Germany • Support process engineering projects from concept to implementation, with a focus on process design • Programming and further development of control systems (mainly Siemens S7 / Allen-Bradley components), including troubleshooting • Project management for the programming of our cooking, cooling, and filling systems, as well as auxiliary production facilities, including component and media supply • adjustments to electrical drawings using EPLAN software to reflect design changes and project updates • Development, optimization, and standardization of automation processes in food production • Process optimization and realization of savings potential • Close cooperation and coordination with the entire team of our Global Central Engineering, our production and quality assurance, and our technical maintenance Specific Experience and Key Knowledge Requirements: • Completed vocational training or relevant professional experience in electrical or automation engineering – ideally supplemented by a technician or expert qualification (m/f/d), or alternatively a university degree in process or automation engineering • Several years of professional experience in the food industry or in the technical supervision of batch-based process engineering production systems • Solid expertise in PLC programming with Siemens S7 – ideally also experience with SCADA and MES systems, as well as modifying electrical schematics using EPLAN • Very good command of English (written and spoken) is required; good German language skills are an advantage • Strong analytical thinking and problem-solving skills • High level of reliability and flexibility – combined with a structured, self-driven, and independent working style • Readiness to travel to our Philadelphia, PA location on a regular basis, amounting to roughly 15–25% of annual working time • Willingness to permanently relocate to the USA after approximately 12 months of training in Germany – including the ability to meet all U.S. visa requirements for entry and employment We will support your training on site in Aachen and your transition to the USA in a professional and structured manner. This includes assistance with finding accommodation and guidance throughout the U.S. or European visa application process.