Senior Manager, Automation Engineering

Walmart•Bentonville, AR

1d•$110,000 - $220,000•Onsite

About The Position

Position Summary... Are you ready to shape the way we bring next level technology into the workforce? Walmart is looking for a Senior Manager, Supply Chain Automation to help shape what automation looks like across our fulfillment and distribution network. This is a high-visibility opportunity to identify, test, and scale emerging robotics and automation technologies that can materially improve how work gets done across the business. In this role, you’ll sit at the intersection of advanced engineering, operations, supplier strategy, and business transformation, helping define where automation can create the biggest impact and what it will take to scale it successfully. You’ll evaluate leading-edge technologies across areas like autonomous vehicle movement, pallet tracking, robotic workflows, AI/ML-enabled systems, and warehouse controls, then partner across teams to move the right solutions from pilot into real operational deployment. This role is ideal for someone who is deeply technical, commercially minded, and energized by discovering what’s next. You’ll have the opportunity to influence strategy at scale, work on highly visible initiatives backed by senior leadership, and help build the future of supply chain automation at one of the world’s largest retailers. This is an onsite role based in Bentonville, Arkansas. Full relocation is available. Visa sponsorship is not available. This role also requires travel to distribution centers, fulfillment sites, and partner locations as needed. Travel will vary based on business priorities and pilot activity, with some peak periods requiring up to 2–3 weeks of travel in a month, and lighter travel at other times of the year. What you'll do...

Requirements

A track record of delivering meaningful results in robotics, automation, or advanced engineering, ideally in supply chain, logistics, manufacturing, automotive, or other complex operational environments.
Strong technical depth in areas such as robotics systems integration, control systems, PLC logic, WCS/WES, software-enabled automation, LiDAR, and AI/ML applications.
The ability to assess technology not only for technical merit, but also for operational fit, business value, and scalability.
Experience working with external vendors, startups, or strategic suppliers to evaluate capabilities, influence roadmaps, and drive execution.
Strong collaboration skills and the ability to lead through influence across engineering, operations, implementation, and business teams.
A strong blend of technical credibility, strategic thinking, and business judgment.
A change leadership mindset, with the ability to move teams from idea to action and from pilot to scaled deployment.
Curiosity about emerging technology and a genuine passion for understanding where the market is heading and how innovation can be applied in practical ways.
Comfort operating in a field-based innovation environment with an inconsistent travel schedule, including heavier travel during pilot, testing, and rollout periods.
A bachelor’s degree in mechanical, electrical, industrial, or a related engineering field.
Option 1: Bachelor's degree in Engineering or a related field and 4 years’ experience in Engineering, supply chain, or a related area.
Option 2: 6 years’ experience in Engineering, supply chain, or a related area.
2 years’ supervisory experience.

Nice To Haves

Experience rolling out robotics or automation solutions in supply chain or warehouse environments.
Exposure to physical AI or advanced intelligent automation systems.
Experience building robotics products or working in a robotics startup environment.
Background from organizations known for advanced automation, such as major logistics operators, large-scale retailers, innovative industrial companies, or leading robotics organizations.
This role is likely best suited for someone with strong technical depth in modern robotics and emerging automation systems, rather than someone whose background is primarily in legacy conveyor automation or pure project management without hands-on technical understanding.
Masters: Computer Engineering

Responsibilities

Build a deep understanding of Walmart supply chain operations, fulfillment workflows, and automation priorities to identify where emerging technologies can drive measurable business value.
Assess new automation opportunities across the network, including robotics, intelligent material movement, pallet tracking, and AI/ML-enabled systems that can improve throughput, safety, accuracy, and scalability.
Identify, evaluate, and influence external suppliers and technology partners, bringing clarity to which solutions are ready for pilot, which are scalable, and which are not.
Lead pilots and real-world trials in distribution centers and fulfillment environments, translating technical possibilities into operational results.
Partner closely with implementation, engineering, and operations teams to move successful solutions beyond proof of concept and into scalable deployment across the network.
Define success metrics for each initiative and use data, field insights, and operational feedback to evaluate pilot performance, business impact, and readiness to scale.
Ensure the team does not get stuck in pilots by driving decisions, surfacing tradeoffs, and creating practical paths to rollout.
Influence cross-functional stakeholders and senior leaders by connecting technical recommendations to business priorities, investment logic, and long-term strategy.
Stay close to the market by researching robotics startups, major operators, and adjacent industries to help Walmart stay on the leading edge of automation and innovation.
Spend time in the field visiting distribution centers, fulfillment centers, and partner sites to observe operations firsthand, run trials, and support implementation efforts.

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.
The amount you receive depends on your job classification and length of employment.
It will meet or exceed the requirements of paid sick leave laws, where applicable.
For information about PTO, see https://one.walmart.com/notices.
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.
Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment.
Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to a specific plan or program terms.
For information about benefits and eligibility, see One.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