Lead Project Engineer – Activation, Global Supply Chain and Logistics (Hybrid)

Target • Minneapolis, MN

3d • $92,000 - $166,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Lead Project Engineer will drive the successful activation of complex supply chain projects. This role ensures material handling systems are delivered on time, meet performance standards, and are ready for operational handoff. The position reports to the Director of Activation and collaborates closely with Engineering, Operations, and Vendor teams. As a Lead Project Engineer on the Activation team, you will lead the execution of world-class material handling and automated system installations. From early design concept development through system acceptance and operational turnover, you will direct internal and external engineering resources, oversee testing, commissioning, and validation activities, and ensure strong cross-functional alignment across Activation, Engineering, Operations, and vendor partners.

Requirements

• 7 or more years of combined experience in material handling, automation, manufacturing, supply chain and/or distribution and logistics industries.
• Four-year degree in electrical, controls, or industrial engineering, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Proven project management experience implementing complex capital equipment & systems.
• Subject matter expert in automated material handling systems such as conveyors, sortation systems, and robotics.
• Subject matter expert in electrical safety, power distribution, industrial controls, and SCADA supporting material handling systems.
• Exceptional analytical and organizational skills with demonstrated ability to manage several complex projects at the same time.
• Ability to work independently with considerable latitude in decision making.
• Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills across all organizational levels.
• Excellent judgment and decision-making skills under uncertainty.
• Proficiency with standard project planning software applications.
• Ability to travel up to 40% (varies by project phase).

Nice To Haves

• Familiarity with material flow methodologies.
• Experience with facility layouts and construction.
• Experience with distribution and/or logistics process flows and operations.
• Experience with lean, six sigma, and other continuous improvement methodologies.
• Project management professional (PMP) training.

Responsibilities

• Participate in contract negotiations with MHE suppliers to ensure Target’s installation requirements and performance KPIs are clearly defined and contractually aligned.
• Provide technical oversight of design/build drawings and schematics, ensuring alignment with Target’s electrical safety, controls, and engineering standards.
• Develop and execute integration plans for brownfield and retrofit installations, minimizing disruption to ongoing operations.
• Source, on-board, and lead third-party vendors to deliver specialized mechanical, electrical, and controls validations in support of successful system commissioning and acceptance.
• Manage project schedule, costs, and resources to meet critical milestones.
• Provide end-to-end ownership of mechanical, electrical, controls, and performance validation and final acceptance of new MHE systems.
• Work cross-functionally with internal and external safety specialists to validate that systems meet regulatory compliance and Target requirements.
• Lead defect triage in collaboration with technical leads establishing an MHE punch list to prioritize and validate defect resolution through project close out.
• Support transition of newly accepted MHE systems to long-term owners.
• Identify, document, and prioritize MHE optimization opportunities to support day-two enhancements and inform future solution designs.
• Collaborate across internal and external stakeholders including vendors, engineering, operations, and facilities.
• Support benchmarking activities, factory acceptance testing (FAT), and proof-of-concept initiatives, providing detailed analysis to inform engineering and operation decisions.
• Develop and implement internal processes, tools, and templates that improve execution efficiency, reduce project costs, and ensure delivered MHE systems enable exceptional operational performance.

Benefits

• 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
• 401(k)
• employee discount
• short term disability
• long term disability
• paid sick leave
• paid national holidays
• paid vacation

What This Job Offers

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