Sr Engineer, Automation

• Health/Rx
• Dental
• Vision
• Flexible and health spending accounts (FSA/HSA)
• Supplemental life insurance
• 401(k)
• Paid time off
• Paid sick time
• Short term & long term disability coverage (STD/LTD)
• Employee stock ownership (ESOP)
• Holiday pay for company designated holidays

At KeHE, we’re obsessed with creating solutions, unboxing potential, and serving others – and it all starts with you. As an employee-owned distributor of natural and organic, specialty, and fresh products, we’re committed to making a positive impact and scaling our success together. With a culture that fosters development and opportunity, you’ll be embarking on a career that’s moving forward. When you join KeHE, you’re becoming part of a team that is a force for good

POSITION PURPOSE:

The Senior Automation Engineer leads the design, development, and deployment of advanced automation solutions across KeHE’s distribution network. This role drives multi-site automation strategies, manages complex capital projects, and ensures scalable, high-performing solutions aligned with network optimization goals. The role partners cross-functionally with Operations, IT, Engineering, and vendors to deliver enterprise-wide initiatives while establishing engineering standards and best practices. This individual serves as a technical leader and mentor across the organization. As with all positions at KeHE Distributors, we expect that all actions will be consistent with KeHE’s Mission, Vision, and Values.

DUTIES, TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead the design, integration, and optimization of complex warehouse automation systems, including large-scale robotics, automation, sortation, and high-throughput distribution technologies.
• Drive end-to-end automation projects, from concept and vendor selection through deployment, commissioning, and performance validation.
• Championing a people-first automation philosophy by designing and governing processes and system interfaces that align technology with operator needs, reducing complexity, improving adoption, and maximizing operational performance.
• Lead throughput modeling, capacity analysis, and simulation studies.
• Analyze system performance data using SQL, Excel, BI Tools or other analytical / AI tools to identify bottlenecks, latency, and throughput constraints.
• Engineer warehouse slotting strategies and storage solutions aligned to automation.
• Partners with vendors and with internal teams to define WMS/WCS/WES system architecture and integration.
• Oversee controls integration testing (FAT/SAT) and commissioning execution.
• Perform root cause analysis using structured methodologies (DMAIC, 5 Whys).
• Lead CAPEX planning, cost modeling, and ROI analysis.
• Drive vendor technical reviews and performance validation.
• Ensure multi-site standardization and scalability of automation designs.
• Assist in creating automation dashboards and reports to track operational performance.
• Other duties and projects as assigned.

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint).
• Advanced warehouse automation expertise.
• Strong analytics (SQL, Python, Power BI/Tableau).
• Strong knowledge of warehouse design and layout optimization.
• Project management and CAPEX execution.
• WMS, WCS, and controls integration knowledge.
• Financial modeling and ROI analysis.
• Ability to align engineering solutions with Operations, IT, and business teams.
• Effectively communicates complex designs to diverse stakeholders.
• Ability to set technical direction and mentors engineering teams.
• Partner with senior stakeholders, vendors, and cross-functional teams to align automation strategy with business objectives and long-term network scalability.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s degree in industrial, Mechanical Engineering or related fields required.
• Master’s degree in industrial, Mechanical Engineering or related fields preferred.
• 5+ years of relevant experience in automation engineering.
• Multi-site automation project leadership experience preferred.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to frequently move through large warehouse facilities, including walking long distances across operational zones.
• Must be able to occasionally lift, push, pull, or carry up to 25–50 pounds (with or without reasonable accommodation), particularly when supporting equipment troubleshooting or validation activities.
• Must be comfortable working around automated equipment, including conveyors, robotics, and powered industrial vehicles.