Freelance Siemens Automation Engineer – Greenfield Food Production Project – Antwerp, BelgiumLocation: Antwerp, BelgiumDuration: 12 months (freelance contract)Sector: Food & Beverage / Industrial AutomationOverviewWe are seeking a Freelance Siemens Automation Engineer to play a key role in a greenfield food production project in the Antwerp area. This is a unique opportunity to work on the full lifecycle delivery of an entirely new automation system, from being involved in the initial design through to commissioning and production ramp-up.The project involves the implementation of a brand-new Siemens-based control architecture across multiple production lines and plant utilities. You will be instrumental in building the automation environment from the ground up, ensuring robust, scalable, and high-performance systems tailored for a modern, high-throughput food manufacturing facility.Your RoleDesign, program, and commission Siemens PLC and HMI systems for new production lines, utilities, and plant-wide processes.Develop automation architecture from scratch using Siemens TIA Portal (Step 7, WinCC).Define control philosophies, functional specifications, and system standards for a new facility.Configure and integrate industrial communication networks (Profinet, Profibus) across the plant.Lead and support FAT, SAT, and full on-site commissioning of newly installed systems.Work closely with electrical, mechanical, and OEM suppliers during installation and integration phases.Troubleshoot and resolve issues during commissioning and production ramp-up.Optimize automation systems for performance, reliability, and efficiency in a high-speed production environment.Develop and maintain detailed technical documentation, including software structure and as-built systems.Ensure all systems comply with safety regulations, industrial standards, and food production requirements.Your Profile5+ years’ experience in automation engineering within food & beverage or industrial manufacturing environments.Strong hands-on experience with Siemens PLCs (S7-1200/1500) and TIA Portal.Proven experience delivering automation systems from design through to commissioning.Experience with HMI/SCADA systems (WinCC).Solid understanding of industrial communication protocols (Profinet, Profibus).Experience working on greenfield or large-scale upgrade projects is highly desirable.Familiarity with electrical systems and control panels is a plus.Knowledge of Belgian and European standards (AREI / IEC) is advantageous.Fluent in English.Eligible to work as a freelance contractor in Belgium.Available for on-site work in Antwerp.Bonus SkillsExperience with Siemens drives and motion control systems (Sinamics).Knowledge of batch processing, recipe management, and traceability systems in food production.Experience integrating SCADA with MES or data collection platforms.Familiarity with commissioning strategies for new plants and production ramp-up.Experience in high-throughput or 24/7 production environments.Apply now — the client is ready to interview immediately!