Automation & Engineering Manager

Description

Job Description

Job Title: Automation & Engineering Manager

Location: Oxnard, CA

Department: Engineering
FLSA Status: YesSafety Sensitive Position: Yes

We are a global leader in food & beverage ingredients. Pioneers at heart, we operate at the forefront of consumer trends to provide food & beverage manufacturers with products and ingredients that will delight their consumers. Making a positive impact on people and planet is all part of the delight. With a deep-rooted presence in the countries where our ingredients are grown, we are closer to farmers, enabling better quality, and more reliable, traceable and transparent supply. Supplying products and ingredients at scale is just the start. We add value through our unique, complementary portfolio of natural, delicious and nutritious products. With our fresh thinking, we help our customers unleash the sensory and functional attributes of cocoa, coffee, dairy, nuts and spices so they can create naturally good food & beverage products that meet consumer expectations. And whoever we’re with, whatever we’re doing, we always make it real.

Position Summary:

Reporting to the General Manager of Engineering, the Automation & Engineering Manager will help support the design, implementation, and optimization of engineering and automation systems within our warehousing and distribution center operations. This role requires a solid understanding of automation technologies, material handling equipment (MHE), and warehouse operational workflows, combined with strong project management and problem-solving skills.

Position Responsibilities:

Project Engineering & Execution

• Lead and support engineering projects across warehousing and distribution centers from concept to completion.
• Work with cross-functional teams (Operations, IT, Maintenance, Vendors) to define project scope, objectives, and deliverables.
• Develop project plans, schedules, budgets, and resource requirements.
• Manage contractors, vendors, and integrators during installation and commissioning phases.
• Ensure compliance with safety, quality, and industry standards.

Automation Systems & Technology

• Design, specify, and implement automation solutions including conveyors, sorters, automated storage and retrieval systems (ASRS), robotic systems, and warehouse control systems (WCS).
• Analyze existing warehouse processes and identify opportunities for automation and process improvement.
• Work closely with IT and software teams to integrate Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) and Warehouse Control Systems (WCS).
• Conduct testing, validation, and troubleshooting of automated systems.

Engineering Support & Optimization

• Provide engineering support to ongoing warehouse operations, including troubleshooting MHE and automation systems.
• Perform root-cause analysis of system failures and recommend corrective actions.
• Monitor system performance and recommend continuous improvement initiatives.
• Support layout design, equipment selection, and infrastructure planning for new and existing facilities.

Position Requirements:

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial, Mechatronics, or Systems Engineering (or related field) required.

Experience:

• 8–10 years of experience in project engineering roles within warehousing, distribution, logistics, or manufacturing.
• Hands-on experience with automation systems such as conveyors, robotics, ASRS, AGVs, or pick-to-light systems.
• Strong knowledge of MHE, industrial automation, and warehouse operations.
• Experience managing engineering projects, including vendor coordination and on-site implementation.

Preferred Tools & Systems:

• AutoCAD, SolidWorks (or other CAD software)
• PLC programming basics (Rockwell, Siemens, etc.) – a plus
• Familiarity with WMS/WCS/SCADA systems

MS Project, Excel, Power BI – for reporting and project tracking

Additional Information:

• Travel required up to 25% of the time

The pay for this role in the state of California ranges from $99,000 - $145,000 and is based on the position responsibilities and geographic location. Actual pay within this range may be determined based on candidate’s experience, qualifications and/or other determining factors.

Note: This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employee may perform other related duties as negotiated to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.

ofi provides equality of opportunity for all persons with respect to hiring without discrimination on the grounds of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, age, disability, veteran status, or sexual orientation. All employment will be decided on the basis of qualifications, merit and business need. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us for support at: US-Talent.Acquisition@ofi.com

At ofi, we celebrate our diversity. Olam Americas Inc. is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace.