Automation Engineering Lead

FTZ Fritz; United States; On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

UPS is seeking a Senior Lead Automation Engineer to drive automation strategy across ambient, cold chain, and regulated healthcare distribution. The role focuses on evaluating, designing, and implementing cutting-edge solutions while leading high-visibility, end-to-end projects with internal and external stakeholders.

The ideal candidate combines strong technical depth with project leadership and a passion for innovation, enabling scalable automation-driven systems across multiple environments.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a technical field.
• 5+ years leading automation, engineering, logistics, or distribution center implementation projects.
• Experience managing projects from design and business case development through implementation.
• Strong knowledge of industrial automation, material handling systems, equipment integration, and process improvement.
• Proficiency in project management, data analysis, Microsoft Office, and AutoCAD.
• Strong analytical, communication, and cross-functional stakeholder management skills.

Responsibilities

• Automation strategy: identify and roadmap emerging automation technologies.
• Design and implement automation solutions for distributed environments; define requirements and layouts.
• Lead IQ/OQ/PQ validation with QA; ensure regulatory and customer requirements.
• Facilitate cross-functional collaboration and manage project milestones and risks.
• Conduct data-driven analyses; develop capacity models and performance metrics.
• Mentor engineers and support training and continuous improvement.

Skills

Automation leadership

Project management

Data analysis

Cross-functional collaboration

Industrial automation knowledge

WMS/WES/WCS knowledge

AutoCAD

Process improvement

Stakeholder management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a technical field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Before you apply to a job, select your language preference from the options available at the top right of this page. Explore your next opportunity at a Fortune Global 500 organization. Envision innovative possibilities, experience our rewarding culture, and work with talented teams that help you become better every day. We know what it takes to lead UPS into tomorrow—people with a unique combination of skill + passion. If you have the qualities and drive to lead yourself or teams, there are roles ready to cultivate your skills and take you to the next level.

Job Description:

The Senior Lead Automation Engineer will play a key role in influencing the future of healthcare logistics operations through the evaluation, design, and implementation of cutting-edge automation solutions. This individual will lead high visibility end-to-end projects, collaborate with internal and external stakeholders, and develop scalable automation-driven systems that improve operational performance across ambient, cold chain, and regulated distribution environments. The ideal candidate combines strong technical expertise with project leadership and a passion for innovation.

Additional Information:

Must be currently located in the same geographic location as the job or willing to relocate yourself – Required Location: KYLSE, 2240 Outer Loop, Louisville, KY 40219 Job Level: Supervisor Internal Salary Grade: 20G Work Schedule: M-F, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Internal applicants must apply by end of day Friday, 9/18/26

Key Responsibilities:

• Automation Strategy & Innovation Identify, evaluate, and recommend emerging automation technologies that support business growth and operational excellence. Assess new applications for existing automation platforms and develop long-term automation roadmaps. Maintain industry expertise on automation trends, best practices, and technological advancements.

• Solution Design & Implementation Design and implement automation solutions for dedicated and multi-client distribution environments. Lead the development of business requirements, process flows, operational workflows, equipment specifications, and facility layouts. Support automation deployments through system configuration, testing, commissioning, and operational readiness activities. Develop repeatable deployment methodologies and implementation standards that enable scalable growth.

• Validation & Compliance Lead and support IQ/OQ/PQ validation efforts in partnership with Quality Assurance teams. Ensure solutions meet regulatory, operational, and customer-specific requirements. Develop validation documentation, standard operating procedures, and work instructions.

• Cross-Functional Leadership Facilitate collaboration among Operations, Engineering, IT, Quality, and external vendors to ensure successful project execution. Lead stakeholder discussions to evaluate automation feasibility and business impact. Manage project milestones, risks, dependencies, and resource requirements throughout the project lifecycle.

• Analytics & Continuous Improvement Conduct engineering studies, operational assessments, and data-driven analyses to support decision-making. Develop capacity models, equipment strategies, performance metrics, and optimization plans. Present recommendations, project updates, and business cases to senior leadership.

• Team Development Mentor and support engineering team members through coaching, knowledge sharing, and project collaboration. Assist with training initiatives and continuous improvement efforts across the organization.

Candidates must possess the following qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in a technical field (Engineering, Robotics, Industrial Engineering, Supply Chain Automation, or related).

• 5+ years leading automation, engineering, logistics, or distribution center implementation projects.

• Experience managing projects from design and business case development through implementation.

• Strong knowledge of industrial automation, material handling systems, equipment integration, and process improvement.

• Proficiency in project management, data analysis, Microsoft Office, and AutoCAD.

• Strong analytical, communication, and cross-functional stakeholder management skills.

The following qualifications are highly desirable and will help candidates stand out:

• Experience with warehouse automation technologies, including AMRs, AGVs, conveyor/sortation systems, robotic picking solutions, scanning/vision systems, put-wall technologies, and ASRS.

• Knowledge of healthcare logistics and distribution operations, including cold chain, controlled substances, dangerous goods, and regulated healthcare environments.

• Experience supporting healthcare-related customers such as pharmaceutical, medical device, nutraceutical, animal health, and vaccine manufacturers.

• Understanding of warehouse technology platforms, including WMS, WES, and WCS.

• Experience with equipment commissioning, validation, and quality assurance processes.

• Strong knowledge of financial analysis, capital planning, ROI modeling, and business case development.

• Lean, Six Sigma, or Continuous Improvement certification and/or experience.

• Experience leading or supporting automation deployments across multi-site distribution networks.

Employee Type:

Permanent UPS is committed to providing a workplace free of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation.

Other Criteria:

UPS is an equal opportunity employer. UPS does not discriminate on the basis of race/color/religion/sex/national origin/veteran/disability/age/sexual orientation/gender identity or any other characteristic protected by law.

Basic Qualifications:

Must be a U.S. Citizen or National of the U.S., an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence, or an alien authorized to work in the U.S. for this employer.

In 1907, two teenage entrepreneurs in a Seattle basement started with a $100 loan and created what would become the world’s largest package delivery service. Today, operating in more than 220 countries and territories, UPS is committed to moving our world forward by delivering what matters. UPS and its more than 500,000 UPSers around the globe are a transportation and logistics leader, offering innovative solutions to customers, big and small. UPS understands and appreciates its responsibility to help build safe, stronger and more resilient communities founded on justice and economic opportunity for all, supported by a healthy, sustainable global environment.