Lead IT DC Robotics and Automation Engineer

Who You Are :

Experienced in supporting and configuring warehouse automation software systems, particularly Swisslog SynQ and related MHE platforms.

Strong understanding of material handling system (MHE) software, including WES / WCS integration, PLC controls, and real-time decision logic.

Skilled in designing, configuring, testing, and maintaining complex MHE software environments within distribution centers.

Adept at troubleshooting issues across multiple layers of automation software and hardware integration.

Effective at collaborating with operations, engineering, IT, and third-party vendors to ensure optimal system performance.

Demonstrated ability to own technical systems, drive system improvements, and provide thought leadership for automation software solutions.

Subject Matter Expert (SME) for Swisslog SynQ software within the MHE ecosystem.

Role Overview :

As the Technical Engineer for the MHE Software Systems, you will own the design, configuration, and testing of the MHE software platform across BJ's automated distribution centers. You will provide technical expertise for MHE software including integration with WMS and PLC-controlled equipment.

This role will ensure high system availability, efficient error handling, and seamless automation flows across the fulfillment network. You will collaborate closely with MHE Vendor, internal IT, engineering, and operations teams to drive long-term reliability and scalability of MHE software platforms.

Key Responsibilities :

Design and configure MHE software workflows, material routing logic, task orchestration rules, and exception handling protocols.

Collaborate with WMS, and controls teams to ensure seamless end-to-end automation flow and data alignment.

Act as the SME for MHE software platform configuration, change control, versioning, and real-time performance monitoring.

Troubleshoot MHE software issues related to logic faults, data mismatches, communication drops, and throughput delays.

Lead or participate in Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT), Site Acceptance Testing (SAT), and go-live validation for automation projects.

Maintain and enhance interface communication between MHE software and upstream / downstream systems including WMS and PLCs.

Partner with MHE vendor to identify software patches, configuration tuning opportunities, and version upgrade requirements.

Define system KPIs and develop dashboards or tools to monitor automation performance and responsiveness.

Contribute to documentation for integration specifications, error recovery procedures, and software configuration standards.

Support user training, escalation resolution, and post-go-live system stabilization activities.

Requirements :

Bachelor's degree in engineering, Computer Science, Automation, or related technical field.

3+ years of experience with Swisslog SynQ or comparable warehouse automation software systems.

Hands-on experience configuring, testing, and supporting MHE platforms within high-volume distribution centers.

Familiarity with WES / WCS systems, PLC / SCADA, and integration with WMS platforms (e.g., Blue Yonder).

Experience analyzing system logs, executing root cause analysis, and implementing performance improvements.

Understanding of automation network protocols (OPC UA, TCP / IP) and controls layer communication.

Agile delivery experience and familiarity with ticketing systems such as Jira or ServiceNow is a plus.

Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and effective time management in 24 / 7 operations.

Leadership Competencies :

Strategic thinker with a technical mindset, bringing value to automation initiatives across the network.

Operates as a technical influencer and SME, collaborating across Engineering, IT, and Operations teams.

Clear communicator with the ability to resolve complex system issues and guide teams through escalation.

Creates, documents, and continuously improves best practices for warehouse automation software platforms.

Serves as a key contributor to system reliability, automation scalability, and technology innovation at BJ's.