Sr Industrial Engineer, Design & MHE

Academy Sports and Outdoors; Katy (TX); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Academy Sports + Outdoors is seeking a distribution operations engineer to turn engineering analysis into practical improvements that reduce cost and improve profitability within our distribution center environment. You will develop business cases, ROI analyses, and support material handling and automation capital projects while collaborating across project design and execution.

The role involves drafting technical documentation, estimating material needs and timelines, and assisting in system

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or relevant field
• 7+ years of distribution operations and mechanical/industrial engineering experience
• 5+ years retail industry experience preferred
• 3+ years experience with MOST Robotics Warehousing Systems or DC automation preferred
• Six Sigma Green Belt preferred

Responsibilities

• Shape distribution operations by turning engineering analysis into practical improvements that reduce cost and improve profitability
• Develop business cases, ROI analyses, and support capital projects in material handling and automation
• Participate in system design reviews, design validation, and vendor evaluations
• Draft sketches, technical documentation, and user manuals; estimate material needs, costs, and timelines

Skills

Process Improvement

Project and Program Management

Strategic Analytics

Automated Processes

Engineering Expertise

Inventory Management and Warehousing

Analysis and Reporting

Education

Industrial/Mechanical Engineering degree

Tools

AutoCAD

MOST Robotics Warehousing Systems

Job description

Who We Are At Academy Sports + Outdoors our vision is to be the best sports + outdoors retailer in the country — but what truly sets us apart is our people. We’re a passionate, purpose-driven team that’s as committed to each other as we are to our customers. We’ve spent over 80 years building a culture that puts people first. We believe in creating opportunities for growth, fostering meaningful connections, and supporting every Team Member’s journey. What fuels us? Our belief in the power of fun. Here, you won’t just help customers gear up for their next adventure — you’ll launch one of your own. Whether you're starting out or leveling up, Academy is a place where fun can’t lose!

What You Will Work On

In this role, you help shape distribution operations by turning engineering analysis into practical improvements that reduce cost and improve profitability. Your work supports ASO strategy through business justification, capital investment analysis, and cross-functional projects that bring retail industry concepts into the distribution center environment. You evaluate material handling processes, MHE utilization, preventive maintenance programs, and automation opportunities so teams can make informed decisions about performance, cost, and operational flow. Working across project design and execution, you develop business cases and ROI analyses, support material handling and automation capital projects, and participate in system design reviews, design validation, and vendor evaluations. You draft sketches, samples, technical documentation, user manuals, and written analyses of proposed designs or improvements, then estimate material needs, costs, and timelines. Your work also includes facilitating installation, testing, debugging, commissioning, startup activities, and operational ramp-up while continuing to assess new processes and confirm desired results were achieved.

Who You Will Work With

You collaborate with vendors, engineers, DC leadership, DC maintenance, senior leaders, DC Directors, business leaders, and cross-functional team members. Through those partnerships, you help define material, conveyance, transport, handling, automation, and performance needs while translating data gathering, synthesis, modeling, problem solving, and recommendations into action. You also support the growth of others by mentoring entry level engineers and DC managers. The role calls for clear technical reporting, formal presentations, and communication that helps senior managers and operating teams understand proposed changes, project plans, baseline analyses, and operational improvement initiatives.

What You Bring

Bring your energy, your ideas, and your love for sports and the outdoors.

• Bachelor’s degree or Master’s degree in Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or relevant field of study required
• 7+ years of related distribution operations and mechanical or industrial engineering experience
• 5+ years of retail industry experience preferred
• 3+ years of experience with MOST Robotics Warehousing Systems or DC automation preferred
• Six Sigma Green Belt preferred
• Strategic thinker and leader with ability to understand business strategy provide consultative analysis and recommend insightful effective solutions
• Demonstrated strength in problem solving and analytics and capable of driving insights to actions
• Self motivated and eager to succeed with the ability to drive for results and influence senior managers DC Directors and business leaders
• Ability to proficiently utilize AutoCAD
• Strong interpersonal verbal and written communication skills with the ability to communicate effectively create technical reports and make formal presentations based on findings
• Change management skills
• A team-first attitude; while your core duties are your priority, you're happy to step in wherever you're needed
• Work Style & Physical Requirements Up to 15% travel
• Adhere to company work hours policies procedures and rules governing professional staff behavior
• Develops a thorough understanding of Academy policies procedures and safety rules
• Duties may change and Team Members may be required to perform other duties as assigned
• Regular in-office attendance is required
• Acceptable level of hearing and vision to perform job duties
• Ability to adhere to company policies and professional standards
• Key Skills Process Improvement, Project and Program Management, Strategic Analytics, Automated Processes, Engineering Expertise, Inventory Management and Warehousing, Analysis and Reporting

Equal Employment Opportunity

Equal Employment Opportunity Academy is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate with regard to employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, or any other category protected by law. Academy® Sports + Outdoors is one of the nation’s largest sporting goods and outdoor retailers. It’s no surprise that we not only know how to create experiences for our customers, but for our team members as well. Understanding our people and the things that matter to them the most has been at the core of the Academy® culture for over 80 years. With more than 22,000 team members, we take pride in creating a workplace environment that values hard work, commitment, and growth.