Lead Automation Integration Engineer (OT Specialist) (Minneapolis)

Target • Minneapolis, MN

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

Working at Target means helping all families discover the joy of everyday life. Target Global Supply Chain and Logistics is evolving at an incredible pace, constantly reimagining how to deliver items to guests better, faster, and more cost-effectively through intelligent, automated, and algorithmic decision-making. The goal is to provide a seamless and superior guest service experience. The HQ Engineering & Asset Management group is the think tank and laboratory for innovative ideas within the Supply Chain, influencing processes, engineering robotics and automation, activating sustainable solutions, and managing assets. The Operational Technology Engineering Team is responsible for defining automation system technologies deployed in Target facilities, supporting all automation-related activities including implementation, sustainability, and process integration. This role is part of a team focused on automated material flow system integrations and implementations, collaborating with internal and external technology partners to integrate middleware systems for flexible, scalable, and reliable automated systems, utilizing simulation and emulation solutions. Target is seeking a driven professional to join their new Operational Technology (OT) engineering team. This Integration Engineer role offers the opportunity to design, implement, and maintain automation solutions, including robust OT security frameworks. The successful candidate 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

• Degree in engineering related field or equivalent 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
• 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
• 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
• Participate in OT-specific incident response plans and procedures
• 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
• 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
• 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
• Ability to travel up to 25%

Nice To Haves

• Experience in manufacturing, distribution, and logistics is desirable

Responsibilities

• 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
• 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.)
• 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
• 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

• comprehensive health benefits and programs, which may include medical, vision, dental, life insurance and more
• 401(k)
• employee discount
• short term disability
• long term disability
• paid sick leave
• paid national holidays
• paid vacation
• competitive benefits from financial and education to well-being and beyond

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees