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For a project in the power plant environment, we are urgently looking for a freelance specialist for the migration and adaptation of the ABB 800xA control system.
Typical responsibilities in this role:**
Implementing programming and commissioning with the ABB 800xA DCS.
Migrating existing control system logic to the new version, including adjusting controllers and I/O modules.
Creating and adapting process graphics, operator interfaces, and alarm management configurations.
Conducting system tests, troubleshooting, and performance optimizations to ensure plant availability and controllability.
Providing technical support to operations staff during commissioning and ramp-up phases.
Preparing and maintaining technical documentation (functional diagrams, configuration descriptions, test reports).
Close collaboration with process engineering, electrical engineering, and the plant operator.
Relevant technologies, tools or methods:**
DCS: ABB Ability™ System 800xA (including AC 800M Controller, Information Management, Batch Control).
Engineering tools: Control Builder M, Process Graphics Migration Tool, Bulk Data Manager.
Fieldbuses: PROFIBUS, Foundation Fieldbus, Modbus.
Virtualization: VMware, Hyper-V for test and development environments.
Databases: SQL skills for analyzing historical data (e.g. 800xA History).
Knowledge of relevant standards for process and power plant technology (e.g. IEC 61508, IEC 61511).
Typical KPIs or success metrics:**
Migration speed: number of migrated system components/functions per week/month.
System availability: DCS uptime after migration > 99.9%.
Commissioning error rate: number of critical software bugs after go-live < 5.
Test coverage: percentage of successfully executed and documented test cases > 95%.
Adherence to project schedule: completing migration and commissioning by the agreed deadline.
Operator acceptance: positive feedback from operations staff on the new system environment.
Key challenges, risks or specifics:**
Migration in live operation ("brownfield") with minimal downtime.
Ensuring compatibility between old and new system components (hardware/software).
High complexity of process logic in power plants (e.g. boiler control, turbine regulation).
Risk of cybersecurity gaps in networked control systems (e.g. CVEs for 800xA).
Managing interfaces to third-party systems (e.g. MES, ERP).
Need for close and precise cooperation between control technology, process engineering, and operations.
Concrete deliverables:**
Migrated and operational control logic on the target system.
Fully tested and customer-approved process graphics and operator interfaces.
Acceptance protocols for Factory Acceptance Test (FAT) and Site Acceptance Test (SAT).
Updated technical plant documentation.
Final migration report with lessons learned.
Trained operations staff.
Must-haves:**
Degree in automation, electrical or control engineering, or equivalent qualification as a technician with many years of experience.
Several years of in-depth project experience with ABB 800xA, ideally in the power plant sector.
Proven experience in programming, visualization, and commissioning of DCS.
Experience in carrying out system migrations.
Willingness to work on site in an industrial plant.
Nice-to-haves:**
ABB certifications for System 800xA (e.g. Certified Engineer).
Knowledge of functional safety (SIL).
Experience with virtualization technologies and network engineering.
Familiarity with secondary and primary control of power plants.
Personal qualities and mindset:**
Strong analytical and systematic problem-solving skills.
High reliability and a strong sense of responsibility and safety.
Good communication and teamwork skills for interdisciplinary project teams.
Resilience and flexibility, especially during critical commissioning phases.
Independent and structured working style.