Director, Material Handling Equipment (MHE)/Automation Engineering

Dollar Tree • Chesapeake, VA

111d

About The Position

The Director, Material Handling Equipment (MHE)/Automation Engineering will lead the design, strategy, and execution of automated solutions across Dollar Tree's supply chain network. This role is responsible for overseeing all aspects of material handling equipment, automation, robotics, and engineered systems for new distribution centers, retrofits, and ongoing operational improvements. The Director will drive innovation, reliability, and cost efficiency to support the company's rapidly growing logistics footprint and $400M+ annual engineering and maintenance spend. The ideal candidate has deep expertise in warehouse automation, robotics, and material handling systems and has successfully led large-scale engineering initiatives that improve efficiency, safety, and performance.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering.
• 10+ years of progressive experience in MHE/automation engineering with at least 5 years in a leadership role.
• Proven success leading large-scale automation projects in a high-volume distribution, retail, or manufacturing environment.
• Strong knowledge of robotics, AGVs, AMRs, AS/RS, conveyor systems, controls, and warehouse automation technologies.
• Expertise in project management, vendor negotiations, and capital project execution.
• Demonstrated leadership skills with the ability to influence across multiple functions.
• Strong financial acumen with experience managing multi-million-dollar budgets.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute the MHE & automation strategy aligned with business growth, operational efficiency, and ROI.
• Serve as the subject matter expert and thought leader in automation engineering across the enterprise.
• Lead a team of engineers and partner with Operations, Supply Chain, and IT to deliver end-to-end solutions.
• Direct the design, selection, and implementation of automated material handling systems, robotics (AGVs, AMRs), AS/RS, sortation, conveyor systems, and advanced technologies.
• Oversee vendor selection, RFP processes, and contract negotiations for automation solutions.
• Ensure system scalability, reliability, and integration with WMS, LMS, and other supply chain platforms.
• Lead the planning and execution of large capital projects (new builds and retrofits).
• Establish KPIs to monitor system performance, uptime, throughput, and cost savings.
• Partner with internal and external stakeholders to deliver projects on-time, within budget, and meeting operational requirements.
• Provide engineering support for ongoing DC operations, troubleshooting, and system enhancements.
• Drive continuous improvement through automation analytics, performance monitoring, and technology upgrades.
• Ensure compliance with safety, environmental, and regulatory standards.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Industry: General Merchandise Retailers
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree