Freelance Automation Engineer – Food Manufacturing
6-Month Contract + Extension | Belgium | Confidential Client
On behalf of one of our clients in the Belgian food manufacturing sector, we are seeking an experienced Freelance Automation Engineer to support automation and continuous improvement projects at site level. This is an initial 6-month contract with a strong likelihood of extension.
The role is suited to a practical, hands-on automation professional who enjoys working in a production environment and taking ownership of technical challenges from concept through to commissioning.
Key Responsibilities
* Design, develop, and implement automation solutions for food production systems
* Improve and optimise existing production lines and technical workflows
* Translate functional requirements into PLC/SCADA applications
* Test, commission, and support systems on site
* Configure and adjust drives, sensors, and process instrumentation
* Integrate machine safety and production safety requirements
* Provide technical support and training to operators and maintenance teams
* Coordinate with engineering teams, contractors, and suppliers
* Ensure compliance with Belgian safety regulations, food standards, and quality requirements
* Act as the technical point of contact within assigned projects
Profile
* Technical background in Automation, Electrical Engineering, or Mechatronics
* Solid experience in industrial automation (PLC/SCADA)
* Experience in a food manufacturing environment is a strong advantage
* Clear communicator with a structured and solution-oriented approach
* Hands-on, reliable, and proactive
* Comfortable working independently in a production-driven environment
* Fluent in Dutch, with working knowledge of English and French
* Available to work on a freelance basis in Belgium
Contract & Offer
* Freelance contract
* Initial duration of 6 months with extension foreseen
* Competitive daily rate in line with experience
* On-site role within a well-established food production environment
* Opportunity for longer-term collaboration