---
title: 'Automation Engineer - Facilities SCADA & PLC (f/m/d) at Black Semiconductor GmbH'
canonical: 'https://feeny.ai/job/automation-engineer-facilities-scada-plc-f-m-d-black-semiconductor-gmbh-aachen-ykx7n666g1xe'
type: 'job'
last_seen: '2026-11-02'
---

# Automation Engineer - Facilities SCADA & PLC (f/m/d) at Black Semiconductor GmbH

- **Company:** Black Semiconductor GmbH
- **Location:** Aachen, Germany
- **Employment:** full-time
- **Work type:** hybrid
- **Posted:** 2026-09-29
- **Last confirmed live:** 2026-11-02
- **Apply:** https://jobs.ashbyhq.com/blacksemiconductor/9322dac1-306f-476c-8421-d4765325e9c6

## Job description

## The Role

We are looking for an experienced Automation Engineer to take technical ownership of the Facilities Monitoring and Control System (FMCS) that keeps our fab running - the system that supervises every utility our production depends on, from cleanroom air and chilled water to process cooling, exhaust and power monitoring. The system is delivered and commissioned by an external integrator; from handover, it's yours. You won't be building it from scratch - you'll be the person who understands it well enough to keep it running, diagnose it when it misbehaves, extend it as we grow from pilot line to full production, and hold suppliers to account. If the FMCS has an issue at 03:00, you're the one who knows what to do.

To join our team, you should be excited to:

- Operate, monitor and maintain our SCADA system (Siemens WinCC OA or Yokogawa DCS Centum) across servers, operator stations and displays
- Maintain and diagnose our Siemens S7-1500 PLCs and their remote I/O, and adapt control logic within the existing standardised structure
- Plan and perform loop checks end to end - tracing each signal from the field device through wiring, I/O and PLC all the way to the operator screen, and confirming that commands actually move valves, dampers and actuators
- Investigate and resolve alarms, communication faults and unexpected equipment behaviourduring live operation
- Verify instrument calibration and troubleshoot analog and digital field signals - multimeter in hand, not only from a screen
- Add new datapoints, screens, trends and reports, and tune alarms so operators trust the system
- Keep documentation current - as-built drawings, tag lists, change records - and uphold change control
- Act as the technical counterpart to contractors and vendors, and support qualification and audits with system evidence

## Your Qualifications

- One of two equivalent qualification paths: a completed apprenticeship as an Electronics Technician for Automation Technology plus further training as a state-certified technician (Techniker), or comparable - or a degree in Electrical Engineering, Automation Engineering or a related field, or comparable
- 5+ years of hands-on experience with industrial SCADA and PLC systems in a production environment - commissioning, operating or supporting, not only design
- Solid experience with Siemens S7 PLCs (TIA Portal / Step 7) - going online, reading and modifying logic, diagnosing faults on a running plant; experience with comparable PLC platforms is also welcome
- Strong SCADA engineering skills - ideally Siemens WinCC OA or Yokogawa DCS Centum, but experience with another platform (e.g. WinCC, PCS 7, Ignition, Aveva, Zenon) plus the willingness to grow into WinCC OA is just as welcome
- Practical experience with loop checks, instrument calibration and signal troubleshooting, and with reading P&IDs, loop diagrams and I/O lists
- A structured, disciplined approach to documentation and change control, and the confidence to say no to a change that compromises safety or system integrity
- Good command of English; German is a strong advantage given the site, suppliers and local contractors

Our work culture People Over Processes. At Black Semiconductor, flexibility is key—we ensure work adapts to life, not the other way around. We champion work-life harmony, where careers are meaningful and enriching. Our processes are human-centric, allowing you to focus on what matters Let’s grow together. Your potential is our priority. We provide the autonomy to make a lasting impact and nurture your growth through a culture of continuous learning. We invest in your journey for professional and personal development Your Health and Future Matter. Your well-being is paramount. We offer a comprehensive benefits package with outstanding insurance, pension and virtual stock options for your mental, physical, and financial health. Your peace of mind is our priority - in the present and future We Live Openness. Collaboration and inclusivity are the cornerstones of our culture. We practice openness, fostering trust and respect. Individuality is our collective strength, fueling innovation and driving us forward We connect chips – and people. We encourage qualified individuals from any background to apply. We foster an inclusive and supportive work environment that values collaboration, innovation, and growth. Join our team and be part of an organization dedicated to making a difference in the industry Can you picture yourself in this Role and our Company? Let’s connect

If your application results in an employment relationship, your Applicant Data will be transferred to our personnel records and processed in accordance with applicable legal requirements; otherwise, your Applicant Data will be retained for up to six (6) months after completion of the recruitment process. [Read more about our privacy policy here.](https://www.blacksemi.com/privacy-policy)

## About Black Semiconductor GmbH

## Company Overview
- **One-liner**: Black Semiconductor integrates graphene photonics directly onto electronic chips to enable ultra-fast, energy-efficient data transfer between chips.
- **Entity Type**: Private (Startup) – raised ~€25.7M in private investment plus €228.7M in public grants (IPCEI); total funding reported as ~$282M (LinkedIn).
- **Headquarters**: Aachen, Germany
- **Founded**: 2020
- **Founders**: Dr. Daniel Schall and Sebastian Schall

## Core Business
- **Primary industry**: Semiconductor manufacturing, integrated photonics, graphene-based chip connectivity.
- **Target customers**: B2B – data centers, chip designers, high-performance computing, telecom infrastructure.
- **Mission**: “Inspiring the world to rethink computing” by solving bandwidth and power limitations with graphene optical interconnects.

## Products & Services
- **Integrated Graphene Photonics Platform**: Combines photonics and electronics on one wafer using graphene for high-speed, low-power chip-to-chip communication.
- **FabONE Pilot Line**: World’s first production facility dedicated to graphene photonics (15,000 m² fabrication space, 2,000 m² office) – 300mm wafer pilot production under construction.
- **Applied Nanolayers Acquisition (Mar 2025)**: Brought in-house volume graphene production on 200mm wafers (Netherlands) to accelerate the roadmap.

## Market Standing
- **Valuation / Market Cap**: Not publicly disclosed.
- **Key Metrics**: Total funding ~$282 M (LinkedIn); €228.7M grant (IPCEI, 2025); 99 employees (+106.2% YoY); 25 active job postings.
- **Notable Investors & Partners**: Vsquared, Cambium, Intel Ignite, RWTH Aachen University.
- **Growth Signals**: SPARK Award 2025 winner; acquired leading graphene specialist Applied Nanolayers; construction of FabONE pilot line; fast headcount growth and international presence (11 countries).

## Competitive Advantages
- **Graphene-based BEOL integration** – only material with the temperature budget, devices, and compatibility to allow back-end-of-line photonics integration.
- **CMOS-compatible processing** – seamlessly fits into existing chip production, enabling scalability.
- **Lower power, higher bandwidth** – replaces copper with optical waveguides, reducing latency and energy use.
- **First-mover facility** – FabONE is the world’s first production fab for graphene photonics.

## Strategic Focus
- **Scale pilot line**: Complete FabONE construction and move from 200mm to 300mm wafer pilot production.
- **Secure next funding phase**: €25.7M private + €228.7M grant is drawn; next round underway.
- **Commercialization**: Move from R&D to customer-ready chip connectivity solutions, targeting data center and HPC markets.

## Why Work Here
- **Culture**: “Rethinking technology requires rethinking corporate standards” – minimal bureaucracy, maximum automation with in-house software tools.
- **Growth**: High-growth startup (106% headcount growth YoY); employees can have outsized impact.
- **Benefits**: Comprehensive insurance (life, incapacity, accident), pension scheme, supplementary healthcare budget, learning & development budget, Rosetta Stone language courses, weekly yoga, monthly vouchers, discount partners.
- **Work Model**: Human-centered – team chooses when, where, and how they work (hybrid/flexible).
- **Team**: 32% technical roles; international team across Germany, Netherlands, US, Finland, etc. Strong ties to RWTH Aachen.
- **Career**: Active hiring (25 open roles) across engineering (lithography, CMP, cleaning), facilities, IT security, finance, and executive support.

## Sources
1. [blacksemi.com](https://www.blacksemi.com/) – Overview, technology, funding milestones
2. [blacksemi.com/about-us](https://www.blacksemi.com/about-us) – Founders, history, Applied Nanolayers acquisition
3. [blacksemi.com/career](https://www.blacksemi.com/career) – Culture, benefits, values
4. [linkedin.com/company/black-semiconductor](https://www.linkedin.com/company/black-semiconductor/) – Employee count, funding, headcount growth, job postings
5. [jobs.ashbyhq.com/blacksemiconductor](https://jobs.ashbyhq.com/blacksemiconductor) – Open positions list

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