Sr Manager, Automation Deployment

Americold; Atlanta (GA); On-site; USD 135,000 - 169,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading logistics company in Atlanta is looking for a senior engineer to lead the commissioning and integration of automation in cold storage facilities. The ideal candidate has a Bachelor's Degree in a relevant engineering field and over 12 years of site experience. This role includes managing large-scale automation projects, ensuring successful launches, and requiring travel up to 85%. A comprehensive range of compensation from $135,000 to $169,000 is provided, reflecting regional considerations.

Qualifications

• 12+ years of site implementation leadership experience for complex automated sites.
• Experience with PLC/WES/WCS/WMS conversions and automation go-lives.
• Skills in leading integration and commissioning teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic planning and execution of commissioning activities.
• Oversee quality assurance reviews and project work plans.
• Ensure deadlines and performance metrics are met during site launches.

Skills

Leadership

Technical expertise in engineering and automation

Project Management

Data analysis and mining

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or Mechatronics

Tools

MS Office Professional

SQL

3D CAD software

Red Prairie/JDA/Blue Yonder WMS

Job description

What you’ll Do:

• Responsible for leading the strategic planning, execution, and governance of all commissioning, testing, and system integration activities across Americold’s new-build and retrofit automation programs.
• Work with automation and software suppliers, focusing on new or retrofitted automation, managing all facets of the interior installs of cold storage facilities.
  • Oversee Quality Assurance reviews with operations and supporting technical specification docs received from automation system providers concerning PLC/WES/WCS/WMS.
• Function as a subject matter expert across software systems (WES/WCS), controls, mechatronics, and hardware/devices, applying best practices to improve facility operations and business processes through sustained automation / mechanical reliability, and analytics/metrics development-reporting.
  • Lead all major PLC/WES/WCS/WMS and other system conversions to ensure defect-free launches for automated warehouses.
  • Understand and troubleshoot any problems in integration of mechanical, electrical, or controls systems to enable rate and cycle time.
• Lead enterprise integration and commissioning strategy for automated and semi-automated sites.
  • Own field installation, testing, and troubleshooting through go‑live and ramp‑up.
  • Lead integration of mechanical and software systems for new, or modify existing, automated machinery to enable automation of distribution processes for inbound, picking, and outbound operations.
  • Direct the development and execution project work plans, commissioning schedules, and transition plans in cooperation with the Americold PM & operations teams AND the Automation Supplier commissioning teams.
  • Provide oversight and expertise for mechanical, electrical, controls, and software integration.
• Ensure the active development, maintenance, and documentation of all PLC/WES/WCS/WMS processes and procedures, adhering to Americold Operating System standards and including Standard Operating Procedures and/or customer‑specific processes and procedures.
  • Review the design of electrical panels, controls interfaces, inline conveyor hardware designs (sensors, scanners, blade stops, photo eyes, etc.), maintenance tablet functionality, e‑stop circuitry, and safety protocols.
    Lead, advise, and train associates on the project team assigned during startup of an automated project.
  • Oversee installation to ensure all controls hardware is mounted properly, devices function in the manner intended, and devices are accessible easily by maintenance.
• Ensure Americold deadlines are met, KPI performance metrics are achieved and work with the program manager to adhere to budget and schedule.
• Ensure successful site launch working side by side with the Project Engineering Manager, Systems Engineer, Integration Manager, and the Commissioning Manager.
  • Work with the local and regional operations / maintenance teams to ensure smooth transition.
• Lead Operational Readiness Tests, working with site analysts, project managers, and super‑users internal and from external OEM vendors to run all simulations and scripts required to support successful launches and turnovers.
• Support Americold’s local and regional operations and maintenance teams pre‑ and post‑ go‑live to ensure training, acceptance, ownership, spare parts management, and preventive maintenance occurs for all automated systems.
• Lead, Mentor, Supervise and develop systems integration and commissioning managers, functioning as a working lead.

What Experience and Education You Need:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Mechatronics, and/or equivalent experience in Mechatronics/Automation.
• 12+ years of site implementation experience and leadership for automated, complex sites.
• Experience in managing large systems and physical programs including PLC/WES/WCS/WMS conversions, launch, automation go‑lives, and/or labor management implementations.
  • Knowledge of PLC/ladder logic troubleshooting, coding, and best practices.
• Experience in directly or indirectly leading a team of systems, integration, and/or commissioning field engineers.
• Proficient computer skills; experience in all MS Office Professional applications, AS400, Red Prairie/JDA/Blue Yonder WMS, WCS/WES applications, LMS, 3D CAD.
  • Knowledge of WES/WCS/WMS systems and controls communication hardware, protocols, integration standards, and documentation.
• Proficient with data mining; SQL/database query/extraction, Cobra, Excel, and Power BI.
• Technically advanced in managing warehouse management and execution systems, implementations, and PLC controls.
• Technical skills in engineering, management, quality assurance, and costing required.
• Must be able to travel at an estimated 75‑85% of the time to support projects.

What Could Set You Apart:

• 10+ years’ experience in Engineering and/or Automation Operations preferred.
• Systems Engineering and ongoing site support is a plus.
• Project Management certification a plus.
• Extended travel, including weekends, may be required during critical times such as facility launches.
• Ability to communicate professionally, both written and verbally with individuals at all levels of the organization, external contacts, customers, and potential customers.
• Demonstrates a results‑based leadership style with strong impact and influencing skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively to direct and motivate team and others, maintaining a persuasive and credible presentation style at all levels of the organization.
• Strong financial acumen and business savvy.
• Strong problem‑solving and resolution skills.
• Progressive, flexible, and team‑oriented approach desired.
• Possess a proactive approach with strong customer service orientation.
• Demonstrates uncompromising level of integrity and code of ethics and maintain a high degree of confidentiality.

Physical Requirements

• Requires the ability to sit for long periods of time, with frequent interruptions.
• Requires several hours per day of sitting, getting up and down from chairs, and reaching, or bending.
• Requires manual dexterity with normal hand and finger movements for typical office work.
• Talking, hearing, and seeing are important elements of completing assigned tasks.
• May require travel by automobile and airplane for business.
• May require visits to warehouse operations in temperatures at or below freezing.
• May require carrying loads related to travel and the occasional lifting, carrying, positioning, and/or moving of objects weighing up to 20 pounds.

• Requires the use of various electronic tools

The Company’s good‑faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting for this position is $135,000- $169,000 annually. Rate may vary based on work location.

Americold is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, genetic information, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected category under applicable federal, state, and local laws. EOE/AA M/F/D/V DFW.