Director, DC Automation & Engineering

Nordstrom, Inc.; Seattle, Northern (WA, KY); Hybrid; USD 175,000 - 275,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical/Vision/Dental

Retirement program

Paid Time Away

Life Insurance & Disability

Merchandise Discount

Job summary

Nordstrom, Inc. seeks a Director of Distribution Center Engineering to shape the automation strategy across its DC network in Seattle. You will lead technology roadmaps, vendor partnerships, and ROI-driven investments to transform operations and customer experience.

You will build and mentor a high-performing team, drive end-to-end deployment from pilot to full rollout, and collaborate with Operations, Product, and Technology to ensure safety, quality, and efficiency gains.

Qualifications

• Undergraduate/graduate degree in engineering, supply chain, or related field.
• Experience leading automation, robotics, or supply chain tech initiatives at scale.
• Ability to build enterprise-grade technology roadmaps.
• Proven ROI models and business case development for capital investments.
• Strong cross-functional leadership and executive communication skills.
• Travel up to 25–50%.

Responsibilities

• Define automation strategy and technology roadmap for distribution center network.
• Lead evaluation, selection, and management of automation technologies and vendors.
• Build business cases and ROI models to prioritize investments.
• Drive continuous improvement across safety, quality, and productivity.
• Set governance, readiness criteria, and deployment processes.
• Mentor and develop a world-class team of technical leaders.

Skills

Automation leadership

Robotics integration

Vendor management

Tech roadmaps

Executive communication

Lean methods

Cross-functional leadership

Team development

Education

Engineering degree

Supply chain degree

Job description

Nordstrom, Inc. seeks a Director of Distribution Center Engineering to shape the automation strategy across its DC network in Seattle. You will lead technology roadmaps, vendor partnerships, and ROI-driven investments to transform operations and customer experience.

You will build and mentor a high-performing team, drive end-to-end deployment from pilot to full rollout, and collaborate with Operations, Product, and Technology to ensure safety, quality, and efficiency gains.