Junior IT / DACS

Role description

Newcleo is looking for a motivated junior engineer who wants to grow as a bridge between the classic OT world (control systems, instrumentation, real-time hardware) and the IT world (infrastructure, data, cybersecurity). Comfortable learning and applying LabVIEW-based control/real-time programming as the main platform, while also working with standard PLC systems (Siemens, Elsist) present in the plant, plus HMI/SCADA application development (Ignition), under the guidance of senior engineers. A medium-level general IT competence that allows them to also cover basic first-line IT support tasks is expected.

Detail-oriented, methodical, and reliable, with a strong willingness to learn from more senior colleagues and to act as the day-to-day link between OT engineers/OEMs on one side and IT infrastructure staff on the other. Effective communicator, positive attitude, hands-on approach, and enthusiasm for the job are qualities we look for in the candidate.

The candidate will support the design, development, testing, and commissioning of control/real-time applications — primarily in LabVIEW, alongside standard PLC platforms (Siemens, Elsist) used across the plant — and of HMI/SCADA screens for newcleo's industrial and laboratory assets, working under the supervision of the IT/OT Integration Lead. Act as a junior bridge between the OT domain (control systems, field instrumentation, real-time hardware) and the IT domain (infrastructure, networking, basic data flow), helping the two worlds communicate on day-to-day technical matters.

Main activities

• PLC programming: Develop and maintain control logic and real-time applications primarily in LabVIEW / LabVIEW Real-Time (e.g. on NI CompactRIO or equivalent platforms). Standard PLC platforms are also present across the plant: Siemens (TIA Portal, IEC 61131-3) and Elsist. Contributing to and maintaining logic on these systems is also part of the role.
• HMI/SCADA development: Build and maintain SCADA applications primarily on Ignition, plus HMI screens where needed, following company standards for tag naming, alarms, and navigation.
• IT/OT bridge: Act as the first point of contact linking R&D, OT, OEMs, and process/lab staff with the IT infrastructure and cybersecurity teams — translating requirements, flagging risks, and helping data flow smoothly between control systems and enterprise IT.
• Testing & commissioning: Participate in FAT/SAT activities, on-site commissioning, and first-level troubleshooting of LabVIEW/HMI systems.
• Field integration support: Assist with the integration of field instrumentation and control hardware through standard industrial protocols (OPC UA, Modbus RTU/TCP, PROFINET) under supervision.
• Basic IT support: Provide first-level IT support to the team and to plant/laboratory users (workstations, network connectivity, printers, standard software, basic account/access requests), escalating complex issues to IT infrastructure.
• Documentation: Draft and maintain technical documentation, IO lists, and functional descriptions for control logic and HMI applications.
• Continuous learning: Progressively grow toward broader IT/OT integration responsibilities (databases, data pipelines, OT cybersecurity) through on-the-job training and mentoring from the IT team.

Desired qualifications

Education

• Master’s degree in computer engineering, Automation, Electrical/Electronic Engineering, or equivalent.
• Additional exposure to control systems, industrial networks, or data engineering is a plus.

Experience

0-2 years of experience in LabVIEW/real-time programming and/or HMI/SCADA development; internships and academic/lab projects are considered:

• Industrial protocols: OPC UA, Modbus RTU/TCP, MQTT/AMQP, PROFINET, EtherCAT, EtherNet/IP.
• SCADA platforms: Ignition (required), HMI/SCADA application engineering, LabVIEW proficiency is required.
• PLC & control: Siemens TIA Portal, IEC 61131‑3 languages; field instrumentation and signal conditioning.
• Real‑time hardware: NI CompactRIO, LabVIEW Real‑Time, deterministic loop and command/acknowledge pattern design, Siemens, Elsist
• General IT: medium-level general IT knowledge (workstation setup and troubleshooting, Windows environment, basic networking, Office 365) sufficient to provide first-level IT support.
• IT/OT mindset: genuine interest in bridging OT and IT — comfortable moving between control-system logic and standard IT concepts and terminology.
• Programming: basic knowledge of Python and/or web programming (HTML/CSS/JavaScript or similar) is a plus.
• Data & IT foundations: willingness to progressively learn database and data-platform concepts (PostgreSQL, TimescaleDB).
• Soft skills: strong problem-solving attitude, precision, and willingness to work on-site and in the field when required.

Language Proficiency:

• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English (CEFR C1+)
• Fluent in Italian (CEFR C1+), French is a plus

What we offer

• Temporary contract (12 months).
• Salary range: RAL 28.000- 34.000€. The final salary will be determined on the basis of the selected candidate's qualifications and professional experience.