Innovation Engineer — Automation & Tech Deployments

Saddle Creek Logistics Services; Lakeland (FL); On-site; USD 78,000 - 115,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision benefits

401(k) with match

Paid vacation and holidays

Annual bonus eligibility

Tuition reimbursement

Life insurance and short-term disabled

Job summary

Saddle Creek Logistics Services is seeking an Innovation Engineer to identify and implement new technologies across our network. You will bridge operations, IS, data analytics, and vendors to evaluate solutions and drive deployments in distribution centers.

The role requires strong analytical skills, project management, and the ability to work hands-on in warehouse environments. Travel 30–50% is expected.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Supply Chain, Operations Management, Information Systems, Computer Science, or a related field.
• 0-3 years of relevant engineering, operations, technology, or project management experience preferred.
• Internship or project experience involving technology implementation, operations improvement, automation, or supply chain solutions is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Research emerging technologies, automation solutions, software platforms, and industry best practices.
• Identify and evaluate innovative solutions that address operational challenges and strategic business objectives.
• Conduct market analysis, vendor evaluations, and competitive benchmarking to identify best-in-class technologies.
• Develop business cases, ROI analyses, and recommendation materials for leadership review.
• Support pilot projects and technology implementations within operating facilities.
• Assist with equipment installations, testing, validation, training, and go-live support.
• Work directly with operations teams to ensure solutions are integrated into daily workflows.
• Track implementation progress, risks, issues, and project milestones.
• Measure and report operational impacts and performance improvements following deployment.
• Coordinate activities among internal stakeholders, vendors, and project teams.
• Maintain project plans, timelines, budgets, documentation, and action-item tracking.
• Facilitate project meetings and provide status updates to stakeholders.
• Ensure project deliverables are completed on time and within scope.
• Support multiple innovation initiatives across facilities and business units.
• Spend time within distribution centers gathering requirements, observing processes, and supporting deployments.
• Build partnerships with site leadership and operational teams.
• Troubleshoot implementation challenges and coordinate corrective actions.
• Assist with change management activities to improve adoption and project success.
• Develop presentations, reports, and executive summaries for leadership teams.
• Communicate project status, risks, accomplishments, and key decisions to stakeholders.
• Document lessons learned and implementation results.

Skills

Strong research skills

Analytical mindset

Project management

Cross-functional collaboration

Excellent communication

WMS knowledge

Technical evaluation

Education

Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering or related field

Tools

Excel

PowerPoint

Teams

SharePoint

Job description

Saddle Creek Logistics Services is seeking an Innovation Engineer to identify and implement new technologies across our network. You will bridge operations, IS, data analytics, and vendors to evaluate solutions and drive deployments in distribution centers.

The role requires strong analytical skills, project management, and the ability to work hands-on in warehouse environments. Travel 30–50% is expected.