Software Engineer PLC

Etten-Leur, the Netherlands 40 hours Full-time €4357 - €5000 / month

Are you an experienced Software Engineer with a strong background in PLC-controlled machinery and industrial automation? In this role, you take responsibility for developing reliable control software for automated internal transport systems, from functional design and programming through testing and commissioning. You will work closely with project leaders, engineers and installation teams and play an important role in delivering technically sound automation projects.

Description

As a Software Engineer, you independently design, develop and programme control software for automated internal transport systems. You translate technical requirements, functional designs and machine specifications into reliable software solutions and support projects through to successful delivery.

Your responsibilities include:

Designing, developing and programming PLC control software for automated machinery and internal transport systems
Translating functional designs and machine specifications into software parameters and solutions
Preparing and working with technical design and project handover documentation
Reviewing technical specifications and coordinating requirements with the project leader and customer
Testing software before delivery and ensuring installations operate according to specification
Supporting assembly and installation teams with electrical and software-related technical instructions
Supporting the commissioning and start-up of machinery and installations when required
Diagnosing and resolving software faults and technical issues remotely
Contributing to the improvement and further development of modular software solutions
Working within multidisciplinary project teams to develop complete installations
Monitoring project progress and maintaining accurate project and time administration

Some travel may be required to support the commissioning and start-up of projects in the Netherlands or internationally.

Requirements

You are an experienced automation professional who combines strong PLC knowledge with a structured and project-oriented way of working.

You bring:

Approximately 5 years or more of relevant professional experience in software engineering, industrial automation or machine control
HBO-level working and thinking ability, gained through education or equivalent professional experience
Solid professional experience with PLC programming and control systems
Experience with OMRON PLC systems is strongly preferred
Experience independently developing software for machine control applications
Affinity with and understanding of technical design and project handover documentation
Strong technical and software insight
A precise and structured approach to engineering and project work
Good communication skills and the ability to coordinate effectively with engineers, project leaders and customers
The ability to work independently and take ownership of your responsibilities
Willingness to travel occasionally for project commissioning and start-up activities
Willingness to continue developing your technical knowledge

What we offer

At Employ IR, we provide you with the space and freedom for your own initiative and development. We believe it is important that you can apply your expertise within our organization. There is plenty of room to develop yourself and advance your career. Additionally, we offer:

Salary between €4.357 – €5.000 gross per month, depending on experience.
Employ IR covers work-related and relocation costs.
8% holiday allowance on top of your annual salary.
30 vacation days per year.
Company car (also available for private use).
A solid pension scheme for a secure future.
Opportunities for career growth and additional courses.
A stimulating work environment focused on team spirit, safety, and innovation.

About the client

Our client is an innovative engineering and manufacturing company specializing in automated internal transport and material handling solutions for the greenhouse horticulture and fresh produce sectors. They design, develop, produce, install, and service modular systems for sorting, weighing, packaging, and palletizing in processing halls and greenhouse logistics. With a focus on efficiency, customization, and automation, the company supports customers globally with high-quality machinery and smart software to optimise workflows and reduce labour costs.

More information

Are you ready to bring your engineering expertise to high-impact infrastructure projects in the Netherlands? Apply now for this vacancy.

Know someone else who might be a good fit? Feel free to share this vacancy.

Published on 14 August 2026

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Frequently Asked Questions

Questions about working in the Netherlands, your relocation or the process at Employ IR? Below are the questions we receive most often. Can't find your question? Please feel free to contact us.

View all frequently asked questions

How does health insurance work in the Netherlands?

In the Netherlands, you are required to have health insurance, which covers essential services such as doctor visits, hospital care and medications. Health insurance costs about €150 per month. Employ IR offers independent experts to help you choose a health insurer, and the government ensures that all insurers offer the same basic coverage. There is an annual deductible, but most basic care is covered. For a referral to a specialist, you first visit your family doctor. Additional insurance is also available for extras such as dentistry or physical therapy. The system is accessible and guarantees quality care for everyone.

How long does the relocation process take?

After you sign your contract with Employ IR, the process usually takes about 6-8 weeks before you are in the Netherlands. However, this depends on factors beyond our control, such as the workload at the IND (Immigration and Naturalization Service).

What documents do I need to move to the Netherlands?

Everyone participating in the relocation process needs a passport and an unabridged birth certificate (with apostille). If you are married and want to bring your partner to the Netherlands, you also need a marriage certificate (with apostille). If you are in a long-term relationship but not married, you and your partner must both provide a declaration of marital impediment (with apostille). The unabridged birth certificates, marriage certificates and declarations of impediment to marriage can be obtained from the Department of Home Affairs. Apostilles can be obtained from DIRCO.

Can I use my South African driver's license in the Netherlands?

Yes, if you have applied for the 30% ruling, you can use your South African driver's license for the first six months. It is important that you convert your South African driver's license to a Dutch driver's license at your municipality after your 30% ruling has been approved. If you do not convert your driving license within the first six months, it will become invalid and you will have to take a driving test again in the Netherlands.

How much does it cost to move to the Netherlands through Employ IR?

In short, very little.

More comprehensive: Employ IR covers all costs related to your move, except for expenses incurred in South Africa, such as for your personal documents and other personal items.

What Employ IR arranges

We arrange your entire move to the Netherlands and take care of the process for you. With our years of experience in visa procedures, we handle your visa application quickly and carefully, including applications for your partner and children. We arrange your housing, transport with a company car, Dutch lessons and the application for the 30% ruling. We also take care of the details from start to finish: from personally welcoming you at the airport to helping you register with a GP and sports clubs, apply for child benefit and much more. Your relocation manager guides you personally throughout the process.

What you arrange and pay for yourself

Employ IR pays the estate agent and covers the costs of finding your home; you pay the monthly rent yourself. You also arrange your own personal documents in South Africa and private insurance, including health insurance, which is compulsory in the Netherlands.