Sr Engineer, Automation

KeHE Distributors, LLC•Naperville, IL

About The Position

The Senior Automation Engineer leads the design, development, and deployment of advanced automation solutions across KeHE’s distribution network. The role drives multi-site automation strategies, manages complex capital projects, and delivers scalable, high-performing solutions aligned with network optimization goals. It partners with Operations, IT, Engineering, and vendors on enterprise-wide initiatives while establishing engineering standards and best practices. The position also serves as a technical leader and mentor across the organization. The role includes leading complex warehouse automation design and integration, managing projects from concept and vendor selection through commissioning and validation, and ensuring technology and system interfaces meet operator needs. It also involves throughput modeling, capacity analysis, system performance analytics, warehouse slotting and storage strategy, WMS/WCS/WES architecture and integration, controls testing, root cause analysis, CAPEX planning, ROI analysis, vendor reviews, and multi-site standardization. The position is full-time, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with a stated pay range of $87,000 to $125,000 per year.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
At least 5 years of relevant experience in automation engineering.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office, including Excel, Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint.
Advanced warehouse automation expertise.
Strong analytics skills, including SQL, Python, and Power BI or Tableau.
Strong knowledge of warehouse design and layout optimization.
Project management and CAPEX execution experience or skills.
Knowledge of WMS, WCS, and controls integration.
Financial modeling and ROI analysis skills.
Ability to align engineering solutions with Operations, IT, and business teams.
Ability to communicate complex designs effectively to diverse stakeholders.
Ability to set technical direction and mentor engineering teams.
Ability to partner with senior stakeholders, vendors, and cross-functional teams.
Ability to frequently move through large warehouse facilities, including walking long distances across operational zones.
Ability to occasionally lift, push, pull, or carry up to 25–50 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation.
Comfort working around automated equipment, including conveyors, robotics, and powered industrial vehicles.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
Multi-site automation project leadership experience.

Responsibilities

Lead the design, integration, and optimization of complex warehouse automation systems, including robotics, automation, sortation, and high-throughput distribution technologies.
Drive automation projects from concept and vendor selection through deployment, commissioning, and performance validation.
Design and govern processes and system interfaces that align automation technology with operator needs, reduce complexity, improve adoption, and support operational performance.
Lead throughput modeling, capacity analysis, and simulation studies.
Analyze system performance data using SQL, Excel, BI tools, or other analytical and AI tools to identify bottlenecks, latency, and throughput constraints.
Engineer warehouse slotting strategies and storage solutions aligned to automation.
Partner with vendors and internal teams to define WMS/WCS/WES system architecture and integration.
Oversee controls integration testing (FAT/SAT) and commissioning execution.
Perform root cause analysis using structured methodologies such as DMAIC and 5 Whys.
Lead CAPEX planning, cost modeling, and ROI analysis.
Drive vendor technical reviews and performance validation.
Ensure multi-site standardization and scalability of automation designs.
Assist in creating automation dashboards and reports to track operational performance.
Partner with senior stakeholders, vendors, and cross-functional teams to align automation strategy with business objectives and long-term network scalability.
Mentor engineering teams and set technical direction.
Perform other duties and projects as assigned.