As the Principal Engineer - Automation, you will be responsible for leading the architecture and development of automation solutions for warehouse material management. You will provide expert level guidance to engineers and lead complex integration, development and deployment of commercially available fulfillment automation systems that are designed to interact with other automation, such as robotics, and people that help facilitate material movement and handling. You will be a key contributor to the creation and communication of the Global Automation Roadmap and lead the execution of automation and robotic designs and implementation. Responsibilities: In collaboration with an interdisciplinary team, executes product designs from concept to production including specification, design, validation and testing Ensure a smooth product launch in collaboration with the Operations, Lean, Safety and Quality organizations. as well as vendors and integrators to deliver automation solutions Benchmark performance of third party and internally derived automation systems against specifications and choose pragmatic solutions with long development and predictable timelines to implement on future efforts Create guidelines for and collaborate with engineering and operations teams to set the bar for design for automation for warehouse material handling processes; define scope of work and description of operation Review and interpret customers’ project specifications manage budget, schedule, and scope of design Participate in simulation/emulation as needed; design and implement automation systems in operational environments Collaborate with the Financial Analyst to evaluate automation systems through cost analysis and capital expenditure requests to justify automation projects Educate members of technology deployment and plant floor operation on the most complex automation system architecture, usability, and functionality Exhibit role model behaviors of thorough engineering analysis and cradle to grave ownership; provide expert level guidance to other automation engineers Lead the design and adaptation of holistic hardware solutions for ambiguous problems with fluid requirements Qualifications: Bachelors Degree – Electronic Engineering, Mechatronic Engineering, Robotics Engineering or similar field required; Masters Degree preferred Licenses/Certificates/Designations – Certified Automation Professional (CAP) or Project Management Professional (PMP), Certified Lean Six Sigma 10 years experience developing, integrating and deploying mechatronic and robotic systems; and exposure in Distribution Centers’ Automation and Digitization 5 years CAD/CAM experience and understanding of best practices for part design, advanced assemblies, complex configuration management 5 years hands on experience crafting proof-of-concept models and prototypes Expert level organizational skills and the ability to work well with teams Ability to effectively communicate concepts and write technical documents Desire and energy to work in a fast-paced agile environment Project management experience with full lifecycle and proficiency at completing tasks to meet associated milestones Experience evaluating design, performance and logistical tradeoffs for hardware systems Ability to travel 25% - 50%