Solution Engineer – IT Automation

First Quality

17h • Hybrid

About The Position

Founded over 35 years ago, First Quality is a family-owned company that has grown into a group of companies, employing over 5,000 team members. They produce high-quality personal care and household products for large retailers and healthcare organizations, including baby diapers, wipes, feminine pads, paper towels, bath tissue, adult incontinence products, laundry detergents, fabric finishers, and dishwash solutions. They also manufacture raw materials and components. Guided by values of humility, unity, and integrity, First Quality leverages advanced technology and innovation, fostering a collaborative environment focused on continuous learning, professional development, and their mission to Make Things Better®. First Quality is seeking a Solution Engineer – IT Automation for First Quality Enterprises. This position requires 40-70% travel to manufacturing sites in OH, GA, PA, and SC, but can be worked remotely in between trips. The preferred location is near McElhattan, PA, but candidates in OH, GA, SC, UT, or PA will also be considered. The IT Automation team provides strategic direction, technical/functional expertise, and product management for First Quality’s Automation solutions, including Warehouse Automation, AS/RS solutions, and Automated-Guided Vehicles. The Solution Engineer, as a key member of the IT Automation Team, provides functional and technical leadership for the definition, design, and delivery of First Quality’s automation systems. Solution Engineers are assigned one or more specialization area(s) such as Self-Guided Vehicle systems, automated storage and retrieval systems, and other material handling solutions. This role involves partnering with site engineering and operations teams to ensure successful project deployment. The person will interact with team members within First Quality plant locations to define business requirements, scope solutions, develop specifications, and oversee solution delivery. This position serves as the primary engineering contact and 3rd level support escalation point for their assigned system(s) of specialization. They are also responsible for training and educating operations team members on automation systems, specifically related to their assigned site’s warehouse control systems, warehouse automation, AS/RS, and automated-guided vehicles, to fully utilize system capabilities. The role requires close collaboration with leaders and Solution Engineers in various IT areas to maintain a complete end-to-end systems lifecycle (Architecture to Support), emphasizing the importance of being a team player.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering or related field, in lieu of degree a combination of education and additional experience will be considered.
• Automation / Material handling Systems experience with a focus on warehouse management systems or material handling equipment automation.
• 5 plus years of progressive IT/OT experience with at least 3 years in Automation Systems, warehouse control software implementation and integration or factory automation systems.
• Strong problem solving and decision-making skills with excellent written and verbal communications skills.
• Experience/exposure to Programming Languages: C/C++/VC++, JAVA, JavaScript, VB/VBA, ABAP, C#, ASP, SQL, XML, HTML, PLC.
• Ability and desire to engage with assigned business functions of the Enterprise to understand and articulate the business requirements as well as the IT capabilities and requirements.
• Experience in system testing and system testing methodology.
• Experience implementing software used in 24X7 environments.
• Experience with the main functions and responsibilities within Supply Chain including Warehousing, Inventory Management, Logistics, and automation including Automated-Guided Vehicles, RF, etc.
• Experience with robotics and IOT devices.
• Domestic travel 40% - 70% depending on location.

Responsibilities

• Provides input into overall direction, development and integration of warehouse control systems, warehouse automation (AS/RS), and automated guided vehicles.
• Focuses on strategic initiatives and plans; is proactive, anticipatory, and driving in nature to provide significant value to divisions/functions.
• Plays a lead role in enabling the business to achieve their objectives through the effective use of technology and continuous improvement.
• Work with business leadership to document a clear vision of a business opportunities and how they support the business plan.
• Works with the Campus/Divisions to understand business strategy and define system requirements.
• Ensures sound integration of processes for assigned systems across FQ.
• Serves as Subject Matter Expert for assigned systems in the areas of: Integration, Warehouse Control Systems, Material Handling Equipment, AS/RS, and Automated-Guided Vehicle integration to Business Systems (SAP, SAP-EWM).
• Ensures relevant Automation systems data is available in First Quality Analytics platform.
• Leads the delivery of assigned Automation Systems projects on time, within budget and meeting business requirements.
• Ensures adherence to IT enterprise architecture principles and guidelines.
• Ensures all assigned solutions are designed, built, and deployed to meet or exceed application performance and maintainability requirements thus enabling scalability and continuous updates from software vendors.
• Stays current on emerging Automation Solution technologies.

Benefits

• Competitive base salary and bonus opportunities
• Paid time off (three-week minimum)
• Medical, dental and vision starting day one
• 401(k) with employer match
• Paid parental leave
• Child and family care assistance (dependent care FSA with employer match up to $2500)
• Bundle of joy benefit (year's worth of free diapers to all team members with a new baby)
• Tuition assistance
• Wellness program with savings of up to $4,000 per year on insurance premiums
• Continuous learning
• Professional development

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees