Automation Systems Engineer

LifeScience Logistics•Memphis, TN

11h•Onsite

About The Position

The Automation Systems Engineer drives IT setup, repeatable deployment standards, QA validation, lifecycle and vendor management, and the technology roadmap for systems operating across ambient, cooler, freezer, dangerous-goods, and regulated storage environments. The role requires attention to detail in a validated environment and clear communication with IT, operations, quality, customers, and vendors. The engineer designs and implements automated systems for dedicated and mixed-client environments, integrating robot management, warehouse execution, conveyor control, and warehouse management platforms. The role owns interfaces and supports APIs, message flows, data mapping, error handling, monitoring, automation network design, system layouts, capacity models, equipment specifications, and validation plans. The position leads IT participation in computerized system validation, maintains patch, firmware, version, testing, and release records, and coordinates formal change control. It also supports system upgrades and operational reliability, defines monitoring and support processes, manages vendor arrangements, analyzes performance, and develops recommendations and program goals. The engineer leads cross-functional planning and feasibility discussions, builds implementation roadmaps, presents recommendations to senior management, and creates SOPs, work instructions, and training materials. The role also trains and develops staff and incorporates feedback into system improvements.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Information Systems, or a related field.
2 to 4 years of experience in industrial engineering, automation, or systems implementation.
Understanding of WMS, WES, and WCS design and functionality, and how they exchange data.
Experience with warehouse automation such as AMRs, AGVs, conveyors, robotic arms, scanners, and put walls.
Working knowledge of healthcare logistics, including cold chain, controlled substances, and dangerous goods.
Familiarity with validated or regulated environments, including GxP, CSV, and change control.
Project planning skills and working knowledge of financial terms and calculations.
Clear, concise written and verbal communication.
Proficiency in MS Office, including Excel, Access, Teams, OneNote, Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, and AutoCAD.
Working knowledge of enterprise networking, including VLANs, Wi-Fi, and firewalls, and of industrial protocols.
SQL and REST/JSON familiarity and basic scripting.
Familiarity with OT cybersecurity practices.
Production deployment mindset, including monitoring built systems, owning uptime, and attention to latency and cost.
Excellent written communication and ability to translate complex technical concepts for non-technical audiences.
Proven ability to collaborate cross-functionally across engineering, product, and customer-facing teams.
Must successfully meet preliminary employment requirements, including a background check and drug screen.
Able to safely conduct occasional lifting of 25 lbs.

Nice To Haves

Experience with healthcare clients in pharma, medical device, nutraceuticals, animal health, vaccines, or related areas.
Working knowledge of PLC/WCS and MES; noted as a plus and not required.
Previous experience working with a lean team in a regulated industry such as pharma, healthcare, government, or financial services.

Responsibilities

Design and implement automated systems for dedicated and mixed-client environments, integrating RMS, WES, WCS/PLC, and WMS platforms.
Own interface design and support, including APIs, message flows, data mapping, error handling, and monitoring between automation systems and WMS.
Partner with IT infrastructure and security on automation network design, including wireless coverage and roaming for mobile robots, OT/IT segmentation, and remote vendor access controls.
Develop layouts, capacity models, equipment specifications, and validation plans.
Lead IT participation in computerized system validation, including requirements, test protocols, execution, traceability, and summary reports.
Maintain patch, firmware, and version records, test evidence, and release calendars; coordinate formal change control with IT, Quality, Operations, and vendors.
Ensure data integrity, access control, and audit trail expectations are met for GxP-relevant systems.
Support and upgrade existing automation using components, software, and process improvements.
Define monitoring, alerting, support tiers, spare-parts strategy, backup and restore, and downtime procedures.
Manage vendor SLAs, maintenance options, and product roadmaps.
Collect and analyze performance data, including throughput, fault rates, availability, and utilization, and develop forecasts and improvement recommendations.
Develop automation program metrics and goals, oversee performance, and drive resolution of problems.
Lead cross-functional discussions on short- and long-term automation feasibility.
Build roadmaps from concept through implementation, set milestones, communicate with stakeholders, and remove obstacles.
Prepare and present studies and recommendations to senior management.
Write and maintain SOPs, work instructions, and training materials; train and develop staff and use feedback to improve systems.