Senior Automation Engineer

Reporting to the Engineering Manager, the Automation & Engineering Lead is responsible for identifying, developing, and implementing automation solutions that modernize warehouse and logistics operations. This role will lead automation initiatives from concept through implementation, improving efficiency, productivity, quality, and safety while supporting the organization's operational and strategic objectives.

The successful candidate will evaluate emerging automation technologies, develop business cases, manage capital projects, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to successfully integrate automated systems into warehouse operations. This position is ideal for an engineering professional with experience in warehouse automation, robotics, material handling systems, and automotive logistics.

Key Responsibilities

• Evaluate existing warehouse operations, workflows, and material handling processes to identify automation opportunities.
• Research and assess emerging technologies including robotics, AI-driven picking systems, machine vision, warehouse control systems (WCS), Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), and other automation solutions.
• Develop scalable automation strategies that improve productivity, safety, inventory accuracy, and operational performance.
• Challenge existing processes and recommend innovative solutions that support continuous improvement initiatives.
• Lead automation projects from concept development through business case preparation, engineering design, installation, commissioning, validation, and project handover.
• Develop project scopes, timelines, budgets, and return-on-investment (ROI) analyses for automation investments.
• Ensure projects are completed safely, on schedule, and within approved capital budgets.
• Support startup activities, system debugging, throughput validation, and operational stabilization.

Warehouse Automation

• Design and implement automation solutions including:
• Conveyor and sortation systems
• Automated Storage & Retrieval Systems (AS/RS)
• Shuttle systems
• Robotic palletizing and depalletizing
• Robotic piece-picking
• Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) and Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs)
• Automated scanning and inspection systems
• Develop automation solutions that support automotive logistics environments, including mixed SKU handling, irregular packaging, sequence-sensitive material flow, and high inventory accuracy.
• Support Just-in-Time (JIT) and Just-in-Sequence (JIS) material delivery operations.

Systems Integration

• Collaborate with Operations, IT, OT, Maintenance, and Quality teams to integrate automation systems with Warehouse Management Systems (WMS), Warehouse Control Systems (WCS), ERP platforms, and PLC-controlled equipment.
• Ensure automation solutions meet operational, quality, safety, and customer-specific requirements.
• Participate in system testing, validation, and continuous optimization.
• Work closely with automation vendors, OEMs, consultants, and system integrators.
• Review engineering proposals, layouts, simulations, and technical specifications.
• Evaluate equipment performance and recommend optimal solutions based on operational needs.
• Build strong relationships with internal stakeholders to ensure successful project execution and user adoption.

Training & Documentation

• Develop standard operating procedures (SOPs), work instructions, preventive maintenance documentation, and training materials.
• Train warehouse operators and maintenance personnel on newly implemented automation systems.
• Provide ongoing technical support during operational transition and stabilization.

Performance Improvement

• Improve key operational metrics including:
• Dock-to-stock time
• Order cycle time
• Picking accuracy
• Throughput
• Inventory accuracy
• Monitor automation performance and recommend enhancements to maximize efficiency and reliability.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.

Experience

• Demonstrated experience implementing automation solutions within warehouse, logistics, or distribution environments.
• Experience leading automation projects from concept through commissioning.
• Strong understanding of warehouse operations, material handling systems, and logistics processes.
• Experience within automotive OEM, Tier 1 manufacturing, or third-party logistics (3PL) environments is considered a strong asset.
• Experience preparing business cases and ROI analyses for capital automation investments.

Technical Knowledge

Experience with one or more of the following:

• Warehouse automation systems
• Conveyor and sortation systems
• Automated Storage & Retrieval Systems (AS/RS)
• Robotics and robotic material handling
• Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs)
• Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs)
• PLC-controlled automation
• Warehouse Management Systems (WMS)
• Warehouse Control Systems (WCS)ERP integration
• Machine vision systems
• Strong project management and organizational skills.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to influence and collaborate across multiple departments.
• Strong leadership and decision-making capabilities.
• Comfortable working in both office and industrial warehouse environments.
• Self-motivated with a passion for innovation and continuous improvement.

Working Conditions

• Combination of office and warehouse environments.
• Frequent standing, walking, bending, reaching, twisting, and lifting.
• May be required to sit for extended periods.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs unassisted.
• Ability to lift 50–75 lbs with assistance.
• Travel to customer locations and warehouse facilities may be required.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

The successful candidate must comply with all company health and safety policies and wear required PPE, including:

• CSA-approved safety footwear
• High-visibility safety vest
• Additional PPE as required by company policies or customer sites

Additional Requirements

• Ability to travel as required.
• Successful criminal background check.
• Commitment to workplace safety, quality, and continuous improvement.

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