Automation Engineer

Power Design; Saint Petersburg (FL); On-site; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Power Design Inc. is actively building its Robotics & Automation function to own and deploy automation across distribution centers, warehouses, and logistics.

The role is hands-on from day one, embedding with operations and vendor teams to drive AMR deployments, layout planning, and integration with WMS and OT data layers. A focus on practical execution and rapid go-lives defines success in this ground-floor build.

Qualifications

• 5+ years in warehouse or distribution automation engineering with live deployments.

Responsibilities

• Own automation deployment in the DC and warehouse environments — AMR systems, conveyor and sortation, and related material handling technologies.

Skills

AMR systems

Conveyor systems

WMS integration

DC distribution

On-site deployment

Technical communication

Job description

About The Position

Power 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.

Automation Engineer — Distribution

About The Position

Power 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 Opportunity

You 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.

About Us

Power Design is a National Design Build Contractor, focused on innovative construction across multiple trades: electrical, mechanical, plumbing, and systems technologies. Since 1989, we’ve disrupted the industry by putting next‑generation ideas to powerful, practical use because we care. We design breakthrough solutions that push the limits of what’s possible by harnessing the collaborative power of our teams to elevate experiences and empower the communities where we live and work. In an industry that tends to look back, we’re building better by staying grounded in our values, dedicated to our unique culture, and supportive of work‑life balance – making us built to last. By investing in our people and doing things differently, we’re designing what’s next.

To learn more, visit www.powerdesigninc.us.