Automation Systems Engineer

Life Science Logistics•Memphis, TN

9h•Onsite

About The Position

The Automation Systems Engineer drives IT setup, repeatable deployment standards, quality-assurance validation, lifecycle and vendor management, and the technology roadmap for automation systems operating across ambient, cooler, freezer, dangerous-goods, and regulated storage environments. The role requires attention to detail in validated environments and clear communication with IT, Operations, Quality, customers, and vendors. The engineer designs and integrates automated systems for dedicated and mixed-client environments, including interfaces among robot management, warehouse execution, conveyor control, and warehouse management platforms. The role also supports computerized system validation, formal change control, data integrity, system operations and upgrades, vendor relationships, performance analysis, automation planning, documentation, and staff training.

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 skills.
Proficiency in MS Office applications, including Excel, Access, Teams, OneNote, Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, and AutoCAD.
Working knowledge of enterprise networking, including VLANs, Wi-Fi, firewalls, and industrial protocols.
SQL and REST/JSON familiarity and basic scripting skills.
Familiarity with OT cybersecurity practices.
Production deployment mindset, including monitoring systems, owning uptime, and considering latency and cost.
Ability to successfully meet preliminary employment requirements, including a background check and drug screen.
Ability to safely conduct occasional lifting of 25 lbs.

Nice To Haves

Working knowledge of PLC/WCS and MES.
Experience with healthcare clients, including pharma, medical device, nutraceuticals, animal health, vaccines, or related areas.
Previous experience working with a lean team in a regulated industry, such as pharma, healthcare, government, or financial services.
Excellent written communication skills and ability to translate complex technical concepts for non-technical audiences.
Proven ability to collaborate cross-functionally across engineering, product, and customer-facing teams.

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 the WMS.
Partner with IT infrastructure and security on automation network design, including wireless coverage and roaming for mobile robots, OT/IT network segmentation, and remote vendor access controls.
Develop layouts, capacity models, equipment specifications, and validation plans.
Lead IT participation in QA validation and computerized system validation, including requirements, test protocols, execution, traceability, and summary reports.
Maintain patch, firmware, and version records; test evidence; and release calendars.
Manage changes through formal change control and coordinate 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 system performance data, including throughput, fault rates, availability, and utilization, and develop forecasts and improvement recommendations.
Develop metrics and goals for automation programs, 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 incorporate feedback into system improvements.
Stay current on industry practices and trends.