Automation Engineer - DistributionAbout the PositionOur 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.
