Automation Engineer - DistributionAbout the PositionPower Design Inc. is a $1.4B national design-build multi-trade contractor operating across 28 states. We self-perform design, prefabrication, installation, and delivery. Our DC, warehouse, and logistics operations are scaling faster than manual operations can support. Automation removes that ceiling.
Our manufacturing and distribution infrastructure is approximately 3 years old and already profitable. This is a ground-floor build - the function did not exist before 2025.
About the OpportunityYou own the distribution domain within PDI's new Robotics & Automation function. That means the DC, warehouse, and logistics and trucking operations. Year 1 is AMR deployment in the DC and greenfield automation design for a new warehouse coming online. You are embedded during those deployments - not managing from a distance. This is not a role for someone who needs time to ramp up; you will be evaluating vendors and leading deployments in the first 90 days.
Position Responsibilities- Own automation deployment in the DC and warehouse environments - AMR systems, conveyor and sortation, and related material handling technologies.
- Serve as the embedded technical lead during all distribution domain deployments. You are on-site, working alongside operations and vendor teams, from commissioning through go-live.
- Lead greenfield automation design for PDI's new warehouse, including layout planning, AMR fleet sizing, and workflow integration with WMS.
- Partner with the Integration Engineer to connect all distribution automation systems to Oracle Fusion WMS and the Operational Technology (OT) data layer.
- Evaluate AMR and warehouse automation vendors. Know the difference between a strong product and a strong sales pitch.
- Support capital investment cases with distribution-specific scope, cost, and timeline inputs.
- Build relationships with DC and logistics operations leadership - you are their technical partner, not an outside consultant.
Here's What We're Looking For- 5+ years in warehouse or distribution automation engineering, with live deployment experience.
- Hands-on experience with AMR systems - Locus, Fetch, MiR, or equivalent. You have commissioned AMR fleets, not just designed them on paper.
- Familiarity with conveyor/sortation systems and DC material flow design.
- Working knowledge of WMS platforms and how automation systems integrate with warehouse management workflows.
- Comfortable operating in active DCs during deployments - this is a floor-level role during go-lives, not a desk role.
- Ability to communicate technical requirements and deployment status clearly to operations leadership.
- Experience in electrical distribution, construction supply chain, or multi-site DC environments is a plus.
- Demonstrate and uphold Power Design's core values, which include integrity, accountability, teamwork, innovation, and growth.
At Power Design, we are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and teammates without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, age, physical and mental disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, military and veteran status, and any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Power Design believes that diversity and inclusion among our teammates is paramount to our success as a national company, and we seek to recruit, develop and retain the most talented people from a diverse candidate pool nationwide
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