Specialist Project Automation Engineer

AbilityLinks; Salisbury (NC); On-site; USD 93,000 - 139,000; Full time

Job summary

ADUSA Distribution is seeking an experienced Specialist Automation Project Engineer to design, implement, and optimize automation solutions across our distribution network. You will lead cross-functional teams, collaborate with operations, technology, and vendors, and drive safety, quality, efficiency and cost improvements.

You will mentor junior engineers, support the automation roadmap, and manage multiple concurrent projects in a large-scale supply chain environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant engineering field and 5+ years in supply chain engineering.
• At least 3 years leading complex cross-functional projects.
• Experience with automation, robotics, and material handling systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead design, implementation, commissioning and maintenance of automation solutions.
• Develop business cases and cost-benefit analyses for automation investments.
• Collaborate with operations, technology, finance and vendors to deliver projects.
• Manage scope, budget, timelines and performance objectives across projects.
• Mentor junior engineers and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
• Collect and analyze data to measure project success and align with goals.
• Support network automation initiatives with minimal disruption.

Skills

Project leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Vendor management

Budgeting & business cases

Analytical problem solving

Communication stakeholder management

Change management

Independent decision making

Education

Bachelor's in Industrial/Mechanical/Mechatronics Engineering or related field

5+ years in Supply Chain Engineering

3+ years leading cross-functional projects

Tools

AutoCAD

Microsoft Excel

PowerPoint

Visio

WCS/WES/WMS concepts

Job description

• Conveyor systems

Category/Area of Expertise: Supply Chain

Job Requisition: 554869

Address: USA-NC-Salisbury-2110 Executive Drive

Store Code: ADUSA Dist L&D-Executive (5142177)

ADUSA Distribution is the distribution company of Ahold Delhaize USA, providing distribution services to one of the largest grocery retail supply chains in the nation. ADUSA Distribution fosters a culture that inspires and empowers our associates to always deliver exceptional service and value. Our team is supporting the supply chain network evolution to an integrated self-distribution model of the future, serving leading omnichannel grocery brands - Food Lion, Giant Food, The GIANT Company, Hannaford and Stop & Shop. To learn more about our company and the other supply chain companies of Ahold Delhaize USA, visit www.adusasc.com.

Position Summary

Are you passionate about transforming supply chain operations through cutting-edge automation and robotics? As a Specialist Automation Project Engineer, you will play a key role in advancing ADUSA's automation strategy by designing, implementing, and optimizing innovative solutions that drive operational excellence across our supply chain network.

In this highly visible role, you will lead the development and deployment of advanced automation technologies, including robotics, automated material handling systems, and distribution center automation. You will collaborate with cross-functional partners across Operations, Technology, Finance, and external vendors to deliver solutions that improve safety, quality, efficiency, service levels, and cost performance.

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced engineer and project leader who enjoys solving complex operational challenges, influencing strategic decisions, and driving meaningful business impact across a large-scale supply chain network. You will also help mentor junior engineers, support continuous improvement initiatives, and contribute to the long-term automation roadmap.

What You’ll Do

• Lead the design, implementation, commissioning, maintenance, and continuous improvement of automation, robotics, and mechanization solutions across the supply chain network.
• Identify opportunities to enhance distribution center performance through industry-leading automation technologies, equipment, and material handling solutions.
• Partner with operations teams to understand challenges, gather insights, and develop innovative solutions that improve service, quality, and cost performance.
• Collaborate with vendors, internal stakeholders, and leadership teams to evaluate technologies, develop concepts, and secure project approval.
• Develop business cases, capital justifications, financial analyses, and cost-benefit models to support project recommendations and investment decisions.
• Manage multiple complex, cross-functional projects from concept through implementation, ensuring scope, budget, timelines, and performance objectives are achieved.
• Collect and analyze operational and financial data to measure project success and ensure alignment with business goals.
• Lead network automation initiatives while minimizing operational disruption and maximizing value realization.
• Support all supply chain facilities, including company-operated and third-party locations.
• Partner with operations leadership to implement network changes that improve efficiency, service levels, and overall business performance.
• Work closely with external vendors on the design, support, maintenance, and performance of automation equipment and systems.
• Ensure vendor compliance with contractual agreements and assist in managing deliverables and support requirements.
• Research emerging technologies and industry trends to identify opportunities for innovation and competitive advantage.
• Share knowledge and mentor junior engineers by promoting engineering and project management best practices.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in Supply Chain Engineering roles.
• Minimum 3 years of experience leading complex, cross-functional projects in a project management capacity.

Technical Knowledge

• Strong experience designing, implementing, commissioning, supporting, and maintaining automation systems in distribution or warehouse environments.
• Experience with technologies such as:
  • Robotics
  • High-volume sortation systems
  • Conveyor systems
  • Pick-to-light solutions
  • Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems (ASRS)
  • Warehouse Control Systems (WCS)
  • Warehouse Execution Systems (WES)
  • Warehouse Management Systems (WMS)
• Advanced proficiency with AutoCAD (AutoCAD Electrical preferred), Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, Visio, and other Microsoft Office applications.
• Experience developing engineered labor standards, conducting time and motion studies, and building project plans and business cases.
• Understanding of vendor contracts and the ability to interpret scope, performance obligations, and service agreements.
• Knowledge of electrical, mechanical, PLC, and material handling maintenance systems.

Skills & Capabilities

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to develop practical, innovative solutions for complex operational challenges.
• Ability to interpret and present complex technical and financial information to various audiences.
• Excellent project management and organizational skills with experience managing multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills with the ability to influence stakeholders across all levels of the organization.
• Resourceful, results-oriented, and adaptable in fast-paced environments.
• Demonstrated ability to drive change and adopt emerging technologies within supply chain operations.
• Ability to work independently and make sound decisions under tight timelines.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare and understand technical documentation.
• Flexibility to support a 24/7 operation as business needs require.
• Ability to travel approximately 20-25%.

What Makes You Stand Out

• Experience leading large-scale automation initiatives within distribution, logistics, or supply chain environments.
• Demonstrated success building business cases and securing capital investments for automation projects.
• Experience with organizational change management and driving user adoption of new technologies.
• Strong budgeting and financial management experience.
• Proven ability to influence cross-functional partners and gain stakeholder alignment on strategic initiatives.
• Experience negotiating vendor deliverables and managing vendor performance.
• Passion for innovation and continuous improvement, with a track record of introducing new technologies and processes that deliver measurable business results.
• Experience coaching and developing junior engineers while fostering collaboration and technical excellence.

Why Join Us?

You’ll have the opportunity to shape the future of supply chain automation by working on high-impact projects that leverage advanced technologies and robotics at scale. If you're energized by solving complex challenges, leading innovation, and making a measurable difference across a large operational network, we'd love to hear from you.

Salary

• $92,640-138,960, depending on experience.

We are an organization that values diversity and encourages all qualified individuals to apply without regard to sex, race, color, ancestry, national origin, citizenship status, religion, age, marital status (including civil unions), military service, veteran status, pregnancy (including childbirth and related medical conditions), genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, legally recognized disability, domestic violence victim status or any other characteristic protected by law.

Our organization is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities, including applicants. If you have a disability and require assistance in the application process, please email [e-mail]