Automation & Warehouse Systems Specialist

Simon & Schuster; Kentucky; On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Simon & Schuster is seeking a Distribution Systems & Automation Specialist to support day-to-day automated distribution operations. You will work with Industrial Engineering, Operations, and IT to optimize workflows and troubleshoot WMS/WCS, conveyors, scanners, and related systems.

The role focuses on diagnosing issues, configuring system workflows, and coordinating with departments to improve distribution performance and throughput in a fast-paced warehouse environment.

Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree or equivalent in Industrial Technology, Information Systems, Engineering Technology, or related field.
• 5+ years supporting automated warehouse or distribution operations.
• Experience with Warehouse Management Systems (WMS).
• Experience troubleshooting Warehouse Control Systems (WCS) or similar automation platforms.
• Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills.
• Comfortable interpreting system data, logs, and workflow behavior.
• Strong communication and organizational skills.

Responsibilities

• Monitor the performance of warehouse automation systems including conveyors, scanners, sortation equipment, and material handling technologies.
• Troubleshoot WMS and WCS issues impacting distribution operations.
• Analyze system errors and determine root causes before escalating to engineering or IT partners.
• Configure, modify, and test operational workflows within warehouse control systems.
• Support programming changes for conveyor routing, workflow logic, and operational sequencing.
• Validate system changes through testing and operational verification.
• Coordinate system workflows between warehouse operations, automation equipment, and business applications.
• Monitor throughput and identify bottlenecks affecting productivity.
• Recommend workflow improvements that increase efficiency, accuracy, and system reliability.
• Partner with operations leadership during peak production periods to quickly resolve workflow interruptions.
• Serve as the first point of contact for technical issues impacting automated operations.
• Diagnosing problems involving WMS, WCS, RF scanners, labeling systems, conveyor controls, print-and-apply equipment, sortation systems, and inventory movement logic.
• Coordinate with Engineering, IT, vendors, and maintenance teams to resolve complex issues.
• Monitor KPIs and identify opportunities before they become operational issues (conveyor throughput, carton flow rates, downtime, SLA).
• Identify recurring operational issues and recommend permanent solutions.
• Assist with automation projects, equipment upgrades, and new system implementations.
• Document workflow logic, troubleshooting procedures, and system configurations.
• Support testing for software upgrades and warehouse system enhancements.
• Participate in Lean and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Train operations personnel on new workflows and system functionality.
• Provide technical support during new equipment launches and operational changes.

Skills

WMS

WCS

Conveyors

RF scanners

PLC basics

SQL

Education

Undergraduate degree or equivalent

Tools

SQL

Job description

Simon & Schuster is seeking a Distribution Systems & Automation Specialist to support day-to-day automated distribution operations. You will work with Industrial Engineering, Operations, and IT to optimize workflows and troubleshoot WMS/WCS, conveyors, scanners, and related systems.

The role focuses on diagnosing issues, configuring system workflows, and coordinating with departments to improve distribution performance and throughput in a fast-paced warehouse environment.