Solution Design Project Engineer

KION • Grand Rapids, MI

3d

About The Position

Dematic is seeking a Solution Development Project Engineer to develop large-scale material handling systems. The role translates customer requirements into executable system concepts, leads multidisciplinary teams through design and quotation activities, and supports the handoff of projects to execution teams. The engineer is accountable for technical, cost, and contractual aspects of assigned projects and serves as a liaison for internal teams and vendors. The position includes collaboration across departments and with customers, sales partners, vendors, and execution teams. Travel is up to 10%, with additional travel potentially required during the first 6–12 months for training.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or equivalent experience.
• At least 5 years of experience in material handling, automation, or complex system engineering.
• Background in one or more of the following: construction estimating, project management, mechatronics, systems, controls, application, or industrial engineering.
• Strong cross-disciplinary team leadership and excellent communication skills.
• Solid understanding of mechanical systems, controls architecture, and operational workflows.
• Proven problem-solving ability focused on risk, cost, and value optimization.
• Up to 10% travel; additional travel may be required during the first 6–12 months for training.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with conveyor and sortation systems, including case, pallet, and linear/crossbelt systems.
• Experience with bulk handling, ASRS/unit load systems, monorail, and structural systems.
• Experience with PLC controls, WMS/WCS software, simulation, and modeling tools.

Responsibilities

• Review customer and sales requirements and collaborate with key partners to develop executable system concepts.
• Lead team members in building 3D models and proposal drawings, driving the design to concept freeze.
• Generate material lists and clear scope-of-work summaries.
• Issue quote requests and validate vendor proposals.
• Identify and apply standard subsystems and modules.
• Identify and assess project risks and mitigate financial, technical, and schedule risks.
• Set priorities and develop cross-departmental collaboration.
• Lead technical and pricing reviews for assigned projects.
• Own engineering activities and deliverables throughout the project quotation phase.
• Apply value-engineering principles to improve system performance or reduce cost when required.
• Ensure smooth project turnover to execution teams and provide scope clarification as needed.
• Provide accountability for technical, cost, and contractual aspects of assigned projects and serve as a key liaison for internal teams and vendors.
• Produce and maintain appropriate documentation for estimating deliverables.
• Interpret, evaluate, and respond to customer RFPs and specifications.
• Ensure deliverables meet quality standards and align with SDNA processes.

Benefits

• Career development
• Competitive compensation and benefits
• Global opportunities

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior