Robotics & Automation Engineer (PLC Focus) (f/m/d)

At Circus Kitchens, headquartered in Hamburg with offices in Berlin and Munich, we are pioneering global developments in on-demand autonomous food production. From creation to production and operation – everything is enabled by seamlessly integrated cutting-edge robotics and transformative AI technology.

Our foundation lies in extensive advancements in groundbreaking robotics driven by artificial intelligence, previously the missing link in achieving true autonomous food automation. Just as autonomous driving will disrupt how we build cities, organize our days, and live our lives, we will transform how the world thinks about food.

Our team supports a paradigm shift in one of humanity's most essential sectors with the sharpest minds in Robotics, AI, Engineering, and Culinary, collaborating closely with industry-leading partners to revolutionize every aspect of the food service experience.

Join us as we forge ahead, crafting a future where the art of cooking and the science of technology converge to create a world that thinks differently about food—a world where food takes on new meaning.

As a Robotics & Automation Engineer with a PLC focus, you will play a key role in designing, developing, and industrializing the robotic and automation control core of our autonomous kitchens. Your expertise in Siemens S7-1500 PLC programming will be central, alongside solid skills in embedded systems and robotics integration. You will work on both continuous improvements and next-generation system developments, helping bridge culinary creativity and mechatronic precision.

• Design, develop, and optimize Siemens S7-1500 PLC control programs using Structured Text (ST), Ladder Diagram (LD), and Function Block Diagram (FBD) within TIA Portal.
• Develop embedded control software for robotic components and automation systems using Embedded C++.
• Implement and maintain communication protocols such as Profinet, CAN/CanOpen, OPC-UA, and others to ensure seamless integration with sensors, actuators, and higher-level systems.
• Extend and adapt control systems to integrate new sensors, actuators, and subsystems as the product evolves.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with mechanical, electrical, robotics, software, and culinary teams on system design, hardware selection, functional testing, and product refinements.
• Lead diagnostics, testing, and validation efforts to ensure safety, reliability, and performance across system components.
• Troubleshoot and debug automation and embedded systems in lab and production environments.
• Cooperate with test engineers to build fast, reliable, and automated test systems.
• Support remote maintenance and integrate system feedback into continuous improvement cycles.
• Document architectures, logic structures, and test results in a structured and traceable way.

• 3+ years of hands-on experience in industrial automation or robotics environments, with strong emphasis on PLC systems, especially Siemens S7-1500 and TIA Portal.
• Proven expertise in programming using Structured Text, Ladder Diagram, and Function Block Diagrams.
• Solid embedded C++ skills for real-time control systems are highly advantageous.
• Understanding of electromechanical systems, sensors, actuators, and motion control.
• Familiarity with communication protocols CAN, UART, SPI, I2C, Ethernet, Modbus, and especially Profinet, OPC-UA, and CAN/CanOpen.
• Degree in Automation Technology, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Robotics, or related field.
• Experience with ROS or similar robotics frameworks is a plus.
• Strong problem-solving skills with an agile mindset and high accountability.
• Excellent English communication skills; German language skills are a plus.

• Experience launching robotic or automation products in production environments.
• Hands-on experience with continuous integration/continuous deployment (CI/CD) in embedded projects (e.g., GitHub Actions, Jenkins).
• Exposure to cloud-connected embedded systems and remote diagnostic tools.
• Experience working in high-growth, agile hardware/software environments.

• Competitive Compensation: Receive a competitive package including stock options for full-time employees.
• Work-Life Balance: Hybrid work setup, regular team events, 2 months per year of remote work ("Worcation"), unlimited vacation days, and corporate pension plan.
• Personal Development: €500 personal budget for training, in-house workshops, and growth opportunities.
• Mobility: €50 monthly budget for mobility expenses and subsidized Dance Mobility subscription for e-bikes and e-mopeds.
• Well-Being: Access to discounted Urban Sports Club membership and Wellhub well-being programs.

Join Circus Kitchens to transform the future of food with cutting-edge robotics and automation technology in an exciting, fast-paced environment. This role is ideal for engineers with deep PLC and embedded systems expertise eager to lead innovation in autonomous kitchen robotics