Lead Automation Integration Engineer (OT Specialist) (Minneapolis)

Target•Minneapolis, MN

2d•$132,000 - $238,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Working at Target means helping all families discover the joy of everyday life. We bring that vision to life through our values and culture. Learn more about Target here. Target Global Supply Chain and Logistics is evolving at an incredible pace. We are constantly reimagining how we get the right items to the guest even better, faster and more cost effectively than before. We are becoming more intelligent, automated and algorithmic in our decision-making, so that no matter how guests’ shop—in stores or on Target.com—we deliver the convenience and immediate gratification they demand and deserve. We are on a mission to win decisively over any competitor, with a seamless and superior guest service experience unlike any they can offer. Our teams work with the agility our mission requires, and we constantly come together to implement new processes in record time. So, we’re looking for exceptional people who are proactive, creative, independent, innovative, risk-savvy and comfortable working in varying degrees of ambiguity. Are you a critical thinker who seeks the root cause and can analyze both qualitatively and quantitatively? Are you a creative problem-solver who simplifies problems, quickly identifies solutions, commits to a plan and then positively influences others to execute it? If so, you will have success on one of our dynamic teams. A role in HQ Engineering & Asset Management means being at the heart of our perpetual reimagining. This group is the think tank and laboratory for the innovative ideas that spark change throughout the Supply Chain. We are inventors, metrics masters, data geeks, testers, triers, course-correctors and askers of the all-important question “What if … ?”. This team influences processes, engineers the robotics and automation to support those processes, activates solutions sustainably across the network and manages those assets. Your specific expertise—whether it’s people, process, technology, or data—will be felt well beyond the boundaries of the Supply Chain organization, positively impacting Target team members and guests alike. About Operational Technology Engineering Team The team is responsible for defining the automation system technologies deployed in Target facilities. We support all automation-related activities, including implementation, sustainability, and other process integration activities to help grow Target's business. This role will be part of a team with high technical competency in automated material flow system integrations and implementations, working closely with internal and external technology partners to integrate middleware systems for flexible, scalable, and reliable automated systems. This includes using simulation and emulation solutions with partners to guide direction and opportunities. Target is seeking a driven professional to join our new Operational Technology (OT) engineering team. This role, as an Integration Engineer, provides an opportunity to design, implement, and maintain automation solutions, including robust OT security frameworks. You will lead the strategy and implementation of automation integration, ensuring OT devices and systems are securely integrated into warehouse operations while maintaining functionality and performance. The ideal candidate will possess exceptional problem-solving skills, strong business judgment, and experience leading cross-functional projects. This position can be remote and will report to the Director of Engineering for the Global Supply Chain and Logistics organization.

Requirements

Education Degree in engineering related field or equivalent experience
Experience 5+ years in OT systems integration, including OT security and network protocols
Familiarity with SCADA/HMI solutions in industrial applications, ideally Ignition by Inductive Automation. Familiarity with Rockwell and Siemens PLCs and the associated development tools.
Experience with data streaming, big data and databases (Kafka, MQTT, Splunk, Postgres, Node-Red, Apache Hive) and querying large databases with SQL and NoSQL
Experience with applying DevOps and containerization technology (Docker, Kubernetes, CI/CD)
Experience with designing common API patterns, ideally REST
Experience with material flow strategies, material handling, dynamic manufacturing/supply chain systems, as well as automation systems and distribution warehousing processes
Knowledge of industrial network protocols such as OPC UA, MQTT, Modbus, and Ethernet/IP
Technical Skills Proficient in Python, Jython, and JVM languages
Proficiency in testing and simulation techniques, writing and executing test plans, and documenting results
Expertise in integrating various OT systems, along with a strong foundation in IT systems and governance processes
Ability to create system documentation for ongoing system management
Ability to pick up new knowledge quickly and stay up to date with new technology
Security and Risk Management Strong understanding of OT security practices, including network segmentation, threat monitoring, and mitigation strategies
Conducting risk assessments and recommending mitigations to secure OT systems without compromising performance
Staying current with emerging OT security threats, technologies, and best practices
Participating in OT-specific incident response plans and procedures
Interpersonal Skills Problem-solving mindset and the ability to troubleshoot issues across multiple domains
Comfortable working in fast-paced environments, adapting to new challenges, and contributing to continuous improvement initiatives
Self-motivated and self-educating, yet willing and able to work collaboratively with internal and external partners
Strong analytical and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
Strong communication skills – written and verbal
Must Have Strong problem-solving skills
Ability to lead cross-functional projects
Experience in OT systems integration and security
Proficiency in Python and other programming languages
Strong communication and collaboration skills
Ability to travel up to 25%

Nice To Haves

Experience in manufacturing, distribution, and logistics is desirable
Proven ability to lead cross-functional work
Demonstrated ability to influence peers, key stakeholders, and leaders
Experience in technical leadership roles within IT or OT

Responsibilities

Automation Systems Integration Design, implement, and support the integration of automation systems within a distribution warehouse environment, ensuring seamless interoperability between OT and IT systems, including material handling equipment and warehouse management systems
Design, develop, implement, and support automation solutions for maintaining and improving material flows and long-term lifecycle planning
Perform concept development, engineering design, prototype testing, and collaborate on controls solution system build and integration testing
Security and Risk Management Provide subject matter expertise on OT requirements and collaborate with cybersecurity partners to design and maintain OT security solutions
Design and implement robust OT security practices, including network segmentation, asset discovery, threat monitoring, and mitigation strategies
Oversee the configuration and deployment of OT systems to ensure they align with security and operational requirements
Address vulnerabilities in OT systems to minimize operational disruptions caused by security incidents
Conduct risk assessments and recommend mitigations to secure OT systems without compromising performance
Stay updated on emerging OT security threats, technologies, and best practices
Participate in OT-specific incident response plans and procedures
Document integration designs, configurations, and security protocols
Ensure security compliance by adhering to standards and routines (access reviews etc.)
Collaboration and Technical Guidance Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop solutions that align with business objectives, operational performance needs, and industry best practices
Work closely with tech, engineering, and operational teams to integrate security measures seamlessly with existing/new systems
Troubleshoot complex integration issues across automation, IT, and OT environments, diagnosing root causes and guiding resolution efforts
Provide technical guidance on architecture strategies to optimize system design and implementation
Proactively recommend and implement improvements to OT security and system integration processes
Gather information, engage with stakeholders, and conduct in-depth analysis to identify opportunities for improvement
Standards and Best Practices Contribute to the overall system architecture by leveraging expertise in automation, identity access management, and IT governance principles to enhance security, scalability, and performance
Ensure foundational programming principles are followed in developing the team’s products/models
Establish new standards and best practices to monitor, test, automate, and maintain operational technology components or systems

Benefits

In addition to your pay, Target cares about and invests in you as a team member, so that you can take care of yourself and your family.
Target offers eligible team members and their dependents comprehensive health benefits and programs, which may include medical, vision, dental, life insurance and more, to help you and your family take care of your whole selves.
Other benefits for eligible team members include 401(k), employee discount, short term disability, long term disability, paid sick leave, paid national holidays, and paid vacation.
Find competitive benefits from financial and education to well-being and beyond at https://corporate.target.com/careers/benefits.
We care about and invest in you as a team member, so that you can take care of yourself and your family.
Target offers eligible team members and their dependents comprehensive health benefits and programs, which may include medical, vision, dental, life insurance and more, to help you and your family take care of your whole selves.
Other benefits for eligible team members include 401(k), employee discount, short term disability, long term disability, paid sick leave, paid national holidays, and paid vacation.
Find competitive benefits from financial and education to well-being and beyond at https://corporate.target.com/careers/benefits.

Stand Out From the Crowd

Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.

Upload and Match Resume