Senior Manager, Automation Engineering

Walmart•Bentonville, AR

1d•$110,000 - $220,000

About The Position

The Senior Manager, Supply Chain Automation leads the strategy, design, deployment, and optimization of advanced robotic systems across Walmart’s Supply Chain including the distribution and fulfillment networks. This role is responsible for scaling automation solutions that improve throughput, accuracy, safety, and cost efficiency while supporting Walmart’s high-volume omnichannel operations. The position bridges engineering, operations, and business strategy driving end-to-end robotics initiatives from concept through implementation and continuous improvement.

Requirements

Deep expertise in robotics and automation systems (AMRs, goods-to-person systems, robotic arms, AS/RS, vision systems)
Strong understanding of control systems, PLCs, WCS/WES, and robotics software integration
Experience with robotics vendors and large-scale automation deployments in supply chain environments
Knowledge of data analytics
Evaluate robotics system performance against operational goals and facility constraints
Identify and resolve automation-related bottlenecks impacting throughput and uptime
Ensure adherence to One Best Way and SOPs for robotics operations and maintenance
Proactively identify safety risks in robotic environments and implement mitigation strategies
Leverage robotics and operational data (e.g., uptime, cycle time, pick rates) to drive improvements
Utilize dashboards and visualization tools to communicate automation performance insights
Apply data-driven decision-making to optimize robotics deployments and workflows
Support digital transformation through adoption of advanced automation technologies
Partner with robotics vendors, internal engineering teams, and operations leaders to deploy solutions
Influence cross-functional stakeholders on robotics strategy and implementation priorities
Align automation initiatives with workforce planning and operational needs
Foster a culture of innovation, inclusion, and continuous learning within teams
Build and present business cases for robotics investments, including ROI and cost-benefit analysis
Translate operational challenges into scalable robotics solutions
Align robotics strategy with Walmart’s broader supply chain and omnichannel goals
Identify new opportunities for automation to drive efficiency and cost savings
Present complex robotics concepts and performance insights to senior leadership
Develop clear, data-backed narratives to support automation decisions
Influence adoption of robotics solutions across facilities and teams
Demonstrate working knowledge of robotic hardware, sensors, actuators, and control systems
Interpret and guide updates to CAD layouts for automation integration
Understand electrical and mechanical systems within distribution and fulfillment centers
Troubleshoot robotics and automation system issues at a systems level
Identify high-impact use cases for robotics in supply chain operations
Evaluate and select appropriate robotics technologies for specific workflows
Support design of scalable, flexible automation architectures
Analyze and optimize end-to-end workflows incorporating robotics systems
Use simulation and process mapping tools to improve system performance
Identify constraints and recommend process redesigns enabled by robotics
Lead large-scale robotics deployment projects from concept through execution
Manage timelines, budgets, risks, and cross-functional resources
Develop automation roadmaps aligned with long-term strategy
Oversee integration of robotics systems with WMS, WES, and facility infrastructure
Ensure successful system testing, commissioning, and performance validation
Manage vendor coordination and system interoperability challenges
Drive ongoing optimization of robotics systems using performance data and feedback loops
Implement structured problem-solving and continuous improvement methodologies
Promote systems thinking and innovation across automation initiatives
Conduct financial analysis of robotics investments and operational performance
Ensure automation solutions meet ROI targets and cost efficiency goals
Evaluate trade-offs between labor, automation, and capital expenditures
Apply statistical modeling and machine learning to improve robotics performance
Utilize programming tools (e.g., Python) for data analysis and optimization
Support predictive maintenance and intelligent automation initiatives
Lead and develop high-performing automation and robotics teams
Identify skill gaps and support upskilling in robotics and advanced technologies
Drive talent strategies aligned with future automation needs
Bachelor's degree in Engineering or a related field and 4 years’ experience in Engineering, supply chain, or a related area.
6 years’ experience in Engineering, supply chain, or a related area.
2 years’ supervisory experience.

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with machine learning, computer vision, and AI applications in robotics (preferred)
PMP certification (preferred)
Masters: Computer Engineering

Responsibilities

Lead the development and execution of robotics automation strategy across distribution centers and fulfillment facilities
Identify opportunities to deploy robotics (e.g., AMRs, AS/RS, robotic picking, palletizing systems) to improve operational efficiency
Partner with engineering, operations, and technology teams to design and implement scalable automation solutions
Oversee vendor selection, integration, and performance management for robotics systems
Drive pilot programs and proof-of-concept testing for emerging robotics technologies
Translate business requirements into technical automation solutions
Monitor and analyze key performance indicators; including throughput, uptime, entitlement, cost per unit, and labor productivity and drive targeted improvement initiatives to optimize system performance
Lead cross-functional teams to ensure successful system deployment and adoption
Manage capital investment planning and ROI analysis for robotics initiatives
Ensure compliance with safety, regulatory, and operational standards
Continuously evaluate and optimize robotics systems using data-driven insights

Benefits

At Walmart, we offer competitive pay as well as performance-based bonus awards and other great benefits for a happier mind, body, and wallet.
Health benefits include medical, vision and dental coverage.
Financial benefits include 401(k), stock purchase and company-paid life insurance.
Paid time off benefits include PTO (including sick leave), parental leave, family care leave, bereavement, jury duty, and voting.
Other benefits include short-term and long-term disability, company discounts, Military Leave Pay, adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement, and more.
You will also receive PTO and/or PPTO that can be used for vacation, sick leave, holidays, or other purposes.
Live Better U is a Walmart-paid education benefit program for full-time and part-time associates in Walmart and Sam's Club facilities.
Programs range from high school completion to bachelor's degrees, including English Language Learning and short-form certificates.
Tuition, books, and fees are completely paid for by Walmart.
The annual salary range for this position is $110,000.00 - $220,000.00
Additional compensation includes annual or quarterly performance bonuses.
Additional compensation for certain positions may also include : - Stock