Automation Engineer

The Home Depot; Atlanta (GA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

The Home Depot is seeking an Automation Engineer to support Goods-to-Person (GTP) automation in our warehouse network. You will work with robotic systems, AS/RS, conveyors, and warehouse software to maximize performance, reduce downtime, and improve throughputs.

You will analyze data, collaborate with Operations, Maintenance, Technology, and vendors, and help deploy new site rollouts while ensuring safety and compliance across the network.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or related field required.
• 3+ years of automation engineering in distribution/warehouse environment preferred.
• Experience with robotic arms, vision systems, AMR/AGV, sensors, cameras is desirable.
• Proficiency with CAD tools and automation software for control systems.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement automation solutions for warehouse equipment including robotics, conveyors, AS/RS.
• Lead automation projects, manage timelines, budget, and specifications.
• Analyze performance data to identify trends and optimize system throughput and safety.
• Collaborate with operations, maintenance, software and vendor teams to deploy GTP solutions.
• Provide training and develop standards, playbooks, and best practices.

Skills

Robotics systems

PLC/SCADA/HMI programming

CAD

WMS/WCS/WES familiarity

Data analysis & troubleshooting

Project management

Cross-functional communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical / Electrical / Mechatronics / Industrial Engineering or Robotics

Master’s degree in related field

Tools

AutoCAD

SolidWorks

PLC programming software

SCADA/HMI debugging tools

Job description

Position Purpose:

We are seeking a skilled and detail-oriented Automation Engineer to support The Home Depot's Goods-to-Person (GTP) solution within our supply chain network. This role is responsible for supporting, optimizing, and troubleshooting automated warehouse systems to ensure safe, reliable, and efficient operations.

The Automation Engineer will work with robotic systems, automated storage and retrieval systems (ASRS), conveyor systems, and warehouse software platforms to maximize system performance, improve throughput, and minimize downtime. The role partners closely with operations, maintenance, technology teams, and vendors to drive continuous improvement and support the successful deployment and operation of GTP solutions across the network.

Goods-to-Person (GTP) Solutions Support Engineer

• Drive the performance, reliability, and continuous improvement of Goods-to-Person (GTP) automation solutions across The Home Depot's supply chain network.
• Analyze operational and system data to identify trends, improve throughput, enhance inventory accuracy, and optimize the user experience.
• Partner with Operations, Technology, Maintenance, and vendor teams to resolve issues and implement process improvements.
• Support new site deployments, system testing, process enhancements, and solution rollouts.
• Develop and maintain operational standards, training materials, playbooks, and best practices for GTP operations.
• Monitor the health and performance of robotic systems, inventory storage solutions, software applications, and supporting processes.
• Troubleshoot operational and system issues, coordinate resolution efforts, and minimize impacts to site performance.
• Conduct root cause analysis and implement corrective actions to improve system reliability and long-term performance.
• Ensure all systems and processes meet safety, operational, and business requirements.
• Serve as a key technical and operational resource to support the successful adoption and scaling of automation technologies throughout the supply chain network.

Key Responsibilities

• 70% - Design and Implementation - Develop and design automation solutions for the warehouse, including robotic systems, conveyors, automated storage and retrieval systems (AS/RS), and other automated material handling systems. Project Management: Lead or assist in automation projects, ensuring that they are completed on time, within budget, and according to specifications. Data Analysis: Analyze performance data from automated systems to identify trends and optimize system performance. Continuous Improvement: Identify opportunities for improvement in warehouse automation processes to enhance productivity, reduce costs, and improve safety. Collaboration: Work closely with warehouse managers, industrial engineers, software engineers, and maintenance personnel to integrate automation systems with warehouse processes and ensure seamless operation. Training: Provide training to warehouse personnel on the use and operation of automation systems and equipment. Compliance and Safety: Ensure all automation systems and operations comply with safety regulations and industry standards.
• 30% - System Maintenance - Monitor and maintain the performance of automated systems, ensuring that all equipment is functioning optimally to meet warehouse operations goals. Troubleshooting: Identify and resolve issues with automation systems, diagnosing problems and implementing corrective actions to minimize downtime and ensure smooth operations.

Direct Manager/Direct Reports:

• This Position typically reports tothe Manager or Sr. Manager
• This Position has up to 0 Direct Reports

Travel Requirements:

• Typically requires overnight travel up to 75% of the time.

Physical Requirements:

• Most of the time is spent sitting or standing in the same location or there may be a need to stoop regularly or move/lift light material or equipment (typically less than 8 pounds).

Working Conditions:

• Located in a comfortable indoor area. Any unpleasant conditions would be infrequent and not objectionable.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Must be 18 years of age or older
• Must be legally permitted to work in the United States
• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Robotics, or a related field.
• At least 3 years of experience in automation engineering, preferably in a distribution or warehouse environment.
• Knowledge of robotic systems, material handling equipment, and automation technologies. Specifically Robotic Arms, Vision Systems, Lidar, AMR, AGV , Sensors, Cameras among other technologies
• Proficiency using CAD software such as AutoCAD and SolidWorks to create 3D technical drawings to be used for fabrication and assembly.
• Integrate sensors, actuators, motors, and gear systems into functional automation designs.
• Proficient with programming and debugging automation software and control systems (e.g., PLC, SCADA, HMI).
• Familiarity with warehouse management systems (WMS), warehouse controls systems (WCS), and warehouse execution systems (WES)
• Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills, with the ability to quickly identify and solve technical issues.
• Ability to manage multiple projects, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills to effectively collaborate with cross-functional teams.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite
• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Robotics, or a related field.
• Working knowledge of presentation software (e.g., Microsoft PowerPoint)
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate and work effectively with cross-functional teams
• Demonstrated project management skills
• Ability to convey complex or technical ideas and processes in easy-to-understand terms to diverse audiences
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Proficiency using messaging services and analyzing payloads through tools such as Kafka and Google Pub/Sub

Minimum Education:

• The knowledge, skills and abilities typically acquired through the completion of a bachelor's degree program or equivalent degree in a field of study related to the job.

Preferred Education:

• The knowledge, skills and abilities typically acquired through the completion of a master's degree program or equivalent degree in a field of study related to the job.

Minimum Years of Work Experience:

• 3 + years of previous related work experience

Preferred Years of Work Experience:

• 4 + years of previous related work experience

Minimum Leadership Experience:

• 5 + years of previous related work experience

Preferred Leadership Experience:

• No previous leadership experience

Certifications:

• Certifications in automation systems (e.g., Siemens, Allen-Bradley), robotics, or project management.

Competencies:

• Action Oriented
• Tech Savvy
• Collaborates
• Cultivates Innovation
• Manages Complexity
• Optimizes Work Processes
• Balances Stakeholders
• Communicates Effectively
• Drives Results