For a project in the power plant environment, we are urgently looking for a freelance specialist for the migration and adjustment of the ABB 800xA control system.
Typical tasks in this role:**
Implement programming and commissioning with the ABB 800xA process control system.
Migrate existing control system logic to the new system version, including adapting controllers and I/O modules.
Create and adapt process graphics, user interfaces, and alarm management configurations.
Perform system tests, error analysis, and performance optimizations to ensure plant availability and control capability.
Provide technical support to operations staff during the commissioning and ramp-up phase.
Prepare and maintain technical documentation (functional diagrams, configuration descriptions, test reports).
Work closely with the process engineering, electrical engineering teams, and the plant operator.
Relevant technologies, tools, or methods:**
Control System: 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 engineering (e.g., IEC 61508, IEC 61511).
Typical KPIs or success metrics:**
Migration speed: Number of migrated system components/functions per week/month.
System availability: Control system uptime after migration > 99.9%.
Error rate during commissioning: Number of critical software bugs after go-live < 5.
Test coverage: Percentage of successfully executed and documented test cases > 95%.
Adherence to project schedule: Completion of migration and commissioning by the defined 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 cyber security vulnerabilities in networked control systems (e.g., CVEs for 800xA).
Managing interfaces to third-party systems (e.g., MES, ERP).
Need for close and precise collaboration between control engineering, process engineering, and operations.
Concrete deliverables:**
Migrated and fully operational control logic on the target system.
Fully tested and customer-approved process graphics and user interfaces.
Acceptance reports 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 technician qualification with many years of experience.
Several years of deep project experience with the ABB 800xA control system, ideally in a power plant environment.
Proven experience in programming, visualization, and commissioning of process control systems.
Experience in performing 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.
Knowledge of secondary and primary power plant control.
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 working in interdisciplinary project teams.
Resilience and flexibility, especially during critical commissioning phases.
Independent and structured working style.