ZAFER ÇAKAR

Motion Control Technologies Product Manager | Industrial Automation & Robotics | Servo • PLC • HMI • CNC • EtherCAT • CANopen • PLCopen

Greater Kocaeli

About

Professional Summary; Experience & Motivation: Results-driven Motion Control Technologies Product Manager and Senior Embedded Software Engineer with 7+ years of experience in industrial automation, embedded systems development (C/C++, Python), and control systems design. I often introduce myself as a Control and Communication Engineer. Proven expertise in Product Lifecycle Management (PLM), digital transformation (ERP/CRM), competitive analysis, market research, forecasting, cross-functional product launches, and cross-functional team leadership using Agile/Scrum methodologies. Deep hands-on experience with Servo Motors, Servo Drives, PLCs, HMIs, CNC Systems, and Robotics across Bare-Metal, RTOS (FreeRTOS), and Linux-based platforms. Expert in real-time industrial communication protocols including EtherCAT, CANopen, Modbus, OPC-UA, and MQTT. Strong background in Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC), CI/CD pipelines, Docker containerization, and V-Model development. Full-stack development capability with Python, JavaScript/TypeScript, PostgreSQL, Docker, Nginx, and REST APIs — demonstrated by building SODOO, a comprehensive ERP/BRP platform based on Odoo 19.0 with custom modules. Extensive international experience collaborating B2B with technology partners across Europe and Asia. Active member of ETG (EtherCAT Technology Group), CiA (CAN in Automation), and PLCopen organizations. Currently deepening expertise in AI/ML, Deep Learning, Edge Computing, and robotics simulation environments such as ROS2 and Gazebo for next-generation industrial automation and Industry 4.0 technologies. My goal is to improve my skills and utilize my experience in world-class industrial systems and products

Experience

  • A GRUP ŞİRKETLERİ (7 yrs 5 mos)
    • Motion Control Technologies Product Manager
      Sep 2023 - Present · 2 yrs 10 mos

      SMB TECHNICS ( https://www.smbtechnics.com/home/ ) • Managing full product lifecycle of Motion Control Technologies portfolio: Servo Drives, Servo Motors, PLCs, Motion Controllers, HMIs, and CNC systems across 10+ product lines. • Leading brand marketing strategies, innovation roadmaps, and go-to-market execution for SMB TECHNICS brand. • Developed SODOO — a comprehensive Business Resource Planning (BRP) platform based on Odoo 19.0 CE with custom modules: SODOOC (OnlyOffice collaboration), SOTION (Notion-like knowledge base), and SODRAW (Draw.io diagramming). Platform integrates ERP, CRM, PLM, Manufacturing Process Management, Technical Writing Suite for Teams, and Project Management system. Full-stack development using Python 3.10+, JavaScript/TypeScript, XML (QWeb), PostgreSQL, Docker, Nginx, HTML5, Tailwind CSS, REST APIs with CI/CD workflows. • Architecting embedded software solutions (C/C++) and coordinating R&D roadmap for next-generation industrial automation and defense industry products. • Applying Agile/Scrum methodologies for product development sprints and cross-functional team leadership with 15+ stakeholders. • Traveled extensively across Europe and Asia for partner collaboration, joint development projects, technology transfer, and investment planning with international OEM/ODM partners. • Contributed to government-funded R&D programs and prepared proposals for EU-backed innovation projects; active contributor to ETG, CiA, and PLCopen standardization organizations. • Deepening expertise in AI/ML, Deep Learning, Computer Vision, and Edge Computing for integration into next-generation industrial automation product lines and Industry 4.0 technologies. • Driving corporate digital transformation by implementing ERP (Odoo), CRM, PLM, and AI-powered tools, reducing manual workflows by 40%.

    • Senior Embedded Software Engineer & Senior Control Systems Engineer
      Jul 2019 - Sep 2023 · 4 yrs 3 mos

      • Dev. firmware in C/C++ for Bare-Metal, RTOS (FreeRTOS), and Linux-based Embedded Systems across PLC, Motion Controller, and Servo Drive platforms. • Dev. Embedded System Manager software with real-time task scheduling. • Imp. EtherCAT Slave stack software and helping EtherCAT Slave hardware design (Servo Drive). • Imp. EtherCAT Master stack software (PLC, MC, and CNC). • Dev. CANopen Slave software (Servo Drive) and CANopen Master software (PLC, MC, HRS, SGSI). • Dev. Modbus RTU Slave&Master RS485-RS422-RS232 software and Modbus TCP/IP Ethernet Server&Client software. • Dev. NMEA0183 software for Gyros (HRS, SGSI). • Dev. DFU (Device Firmware Upgrade) software (Energy Analyzer). • Designed DS402-compatible Motion Control firmware. (Servo Drive, PLC, MC). • Designed PLCopen-compatible PLC Framework software for multi-axis motion control (PLC, MC, CNC). • Built OPC-UA Server/Client for IoT. Custom Ethernet-based protocol (SPOC: Self-Presentation Object Communication) for real-time data exchange. • Custom Embedded Linux distributions using Buildroot and Yocto Project; U-Boot bootloader, device trees, and BSP packages (PLC, MC, CNC). • Dev. Linux Kernel Drivers and Linux OS-based software. • Working with various processors (TI, STM32, Renesas, NXP, Infineon) and peripherals: PWM, Timer, Interrupt, Digital I/O, UART, SPI, I2C, ADC, DAC, CAN, Ethernet, DMA/FIFO, RAM, Flash, LCD. • Dev. BISS and SSI software for encoders. • Simulating and developing Control Systems Software (Servo Motor Control + FOC) including PID, Observers, Clark-Park Transformations, Decoupling, and Windup Controls. • Imp. Robotics Kinematics and Trajectory Generation algorithms for multi-axis CNC and Motion Controller platforms. • Extensive experience in optimizing, debugging, and testing embedded software using JTAG, logic analyzers, oscilloscopes, and network diagnostic tools. • Product certification tests (EMC, EMI, CE Compliance) and IEC 61508 / ISO 13849 functional safety compliance.

    • Aday Mühendis (&Long Term Intern)
      Feb 2019 - Jun 2019 · 5 mos

      Long Term Engineer Candidate AKIM METAL SAN. VE TİC. A.Ş. (A GROUP Companies) — İstanbul, Turkey 02/2019 – 06/2019 • Working with various processors (TI, STM32, Renesas, NXP, Infineon) and peripherals. • Developing BISS and SSI software for encoders (Servo Drive). • Simulating Control Systems (Servo Motor Control) and developing Digital Control Software. • Gained hands-on exposure to FPGA programming and HDL (VHDL) design for digital signal processing in motor control. • Modeling, simulating and implementing Digital Filters: Low-Pass, High-Pass, and Notch Filters. • Modeling, simulating and implementing advanced control: Luenberger Observer, Disturbance Observer, LQR, Kalman Filters. • Implementing Servo Motor Control with FOC including PIDs, Observers, Clark-Park Transformations, Decoupling, Windup Controls. • Developing EtherCAT Slave software and helping EtherCAT Slave hardware. • Developing Modbus RTU Slave software.

  • Intern at ENKA İnşaat ve Sanayi A.Ş. Engineering for a better future
    Aug 2018 - Sep 2018 · 2 mos

    • Practical training on PLC, Automation, and Robotic Automation. Advanced PLC programming. Installation and application software of automatic and classical control systems. Robot programming.

  • Intern - (Lincoln Electric Askaynak) at Eczacıbaşı Topluluğu
    Jun 2018 - Aug 2018 · 3 mos

    Robotic Automation and Organization Internship • Advanced PLC programming. Installation and application software of automatic and classical control systems. Robot programming. Analysis of mechanical mechanisms with finite element methods with Ansys. Work organizations.

  • Intern at Robo Otomasyon - Automation
    Aug 2017 - Sep 2017 · 2 mos

    Machining and Machining Techniques Internship - Electrical and Electronics Internship • Learning of machining for manufacturing. Learning Turning, Milling, Grinding, and CNC machines. Learning and using welding machines. Mechanical assembly. Machine electrical diagrams and wiring.