Warehouse Automation Engineer

Summary

Warehouse Automation Engineering position responsible for identifying, evaluating, piloting, and deploying new warehouse automation technologies. Works closely with internal operations, solution design, continuous improvement, IT, and product teams to select and install technology that drives efficiencies and competitive differentiation.

Job Description

This role requires a breadth of knowledge across multiple business types and automation technologies. It involves consulting with internal and external stakeholders, demonstrating the value of automation capabilities, and collaborating across regions and functional areas to evaluate, pilot, develop, and implement warehouse automation solutions.

Essential Functions

• RFP and New Business Support:
  • Lead minor RFP projects and support lead engineers on major RFP projects by selecting and validating automation technologies.
  • Build ROI and justification to select the optimal solution design.
  • Support presentation building with the Lead Automation Solutions Engineer.
• SOW (Scope of Work) Validation:
  • Help identify gaps in vendor FSD/SOW using the FSD Checklist process.
• Design Validation:
  • Provide input to ensure design includes key implementation items and operational performance.
  • Review design options for clearance, power, cost‑effectiveness, and SLA targets.
• Automation Procurement:
  • Build collateral for vendor technical reviews and requests for quotes.
  • Review design options for vendors and solutions.
• Implementation Project Management:
  • Manage smaller projects, update Punch List and Project Plan.
  • Track milestones and requirements for implementation.
• Implementation Support:
  • Attend status calls and verify optimal on‑site support.
  • Communicate with vendor and on‑site staff, handle escalation events, and coordinate post‑go‑live hypercare.
  • Support on‑site Solution Acceptance Test (SAT) testing plan and track Punch List after go‑live for uptime items.
• Data Analytics:
  • Profile data from dashboards and systems to support optimization projects.
  • Perform data analysis on technology and system reports, WMS/WES.
• Implementation Commissioning and Solution Validation:
  • Support SAT testing plan and track Punch List.
• Strategy and Success Measurements:
  • Review team strategy with manager and set personal goals.
• Financial Responsibilities:
  • Validate spend with manager and track project budget.
• Automation Troubleshooting:
  • Partner with vendor to resolve tickets related to performance degradation.

Additional Responsibilities

• Support vendor communication for minor projects.
• Develop pilot activities, define proof of concept, evaluate vendors, determine pilot timeline, and deploy pilots to evaluate business fit.
• Validate new technology through Proof of Concept implementations and coordinate value‑justification with senior management.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills And Abilities

• Ability to innovate with new warehouse automation technologies.
• Strong planning, time management, collaboration, decision‑making, organization, and presentation skills.
• Comfort with ambiguity and uncertainty.
• Ability to build professional relationships at all organization levels.
• Independent and team‑orientated work ability.
• Passion for understanding clients’ vision and business goals.
• Leadership and ownership in research, pilot, and thought‑leadership activities.
• Problem‑solving, curiosity, and hands‑on mentality.
• Change agent in adopting automation technologies and coaching business owners.
• Demonstrated success in developing new offerings or incremental enhancements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or related field (Required).
• Master's Degree in Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or related field (Preferred).
• 3+ years in warehouse automation, material handling technologies or warehouse systems integration (Preferred).
• 2+ years demonstrated experience in warehouse automation technologies such as sortation conveyor, goods‑to‑person, autonomous vehicles/robots, ASRS’s (Required).
• Experience in Physical & Process Robotics, Automation, or Management Consulting (Beginner, Required).
• Knowledge of W