Distribution Systems & Automation Specialist (Engineering)

Simons; Kentucky; On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Simon & Schuster is seeking a Distribution Systems & Automation Specialist to support the day-to-day performance of automated distribution operations. This role will work closely with the Industrial Engineer, Operations leaders, and IT teams to serve as the primary technical resource for warehouse automation systems, workflow optimization, and operational troubleshooting.

The position combines operational expertise with technical problem-solving to ensure WMS, WCS, conveyance equipment,

Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree or equivalent in a 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.
• Ability to interpret 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.

Skills

WMS experience

WCS experience

Analytical skills

Troubleshooting

Communication

Education

Undergraduate degree or equivalent

Tools

WMS

WCS

PLC knowledge

Job description

Position Summary

Simon & Schuster is seeking a Distribution Systems & Automation Specialist to support the day-to-day performance of our automated distribution operations. Working closely with the Industrial Engineer, Operations leaders, and IT teams, this role serves as the primary technical resource for warehouse automation systems, workflow optimization, and operational troubleshooting.

This position combines operational expertise with technical problem-solving to ensure our Warehouse Management System (WMS), Warehouse Control System (WCS), conveyance equipment, scanners, and automated workflows operate efficiently. The ideal candidate enjoys diagnosing issues, improving processes, programming and configuring system workflows, and collaborating across departments to enhance distribution performance.

Key Responsibilities

Systems & Automation Support

• 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.

Workflow Coordination

• 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.

Operational Troubleshooting

• Serve as the first point of contact for technical issues impacting automated operations.
• Diagnosing problems involving:
  • Warehouse Management System (WMS)
  • Warehouse Control System (WCS)
  • RF scanners
  • Labeling systems
  • Conveyor controls
  • Print-and-apply equipment
  • Sortation systems
  • Inventory movement logic
• Coordinate with Engineering, IT, vendors, and maintenance teams to resolve complex issues.

Data and Analytics

Monitoring KPIs and identifying opportunities before they become operational issues, such as:

• Conveyor throughput and utilization
• Carton flow rates
• System downtime and recurring faults
• WMS/WCS exception reporting
• Pick path efficiency
• Inventory movement bottlenecks
• SLA and order processing performance
• Root cause trend analysis

Continuous Improvement

• 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.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with:
  • Distribution Engineering
  • Operations Management
  • IT
  • Maintenance
  • External automation vendors
• Train operations personnel on new workflows and system functionality.
• Provide technical support during new equipment launches and operational changes.

Qualifications

Required

• Undergraduate degree or equivalent experience in Industrial Technology, Information Systems, Engineering Technology, or a related field.
• 5 + years supporting automated warehouse or distribution operations.
• Experience working 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.

Preferred

• Experience supporting conveyor or sortation systems.
• Familiarity with PLC-controlled equipment (troubleshooting; programming experience is a plus).
• Experience configuring warehouse workflows.
• SQL or database query experience.
• Experience with automation vendors such as Honeywell, Dematic, Vanderlande, Intelligrated, or similar.
• Exposure to barcode scanning, RFID, or industrial networking.
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma principles.