Automation Engineer

With a career at The Home Depot, you can be yourself and also be part of something bigger.

Position Purpose:

We are seeking a skilled and detail-oriented Automation Engineer to join our team in a distribution warehouse environment. The Automation Engineer will be responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining automation systems to improve the efficiency, productivity, and accuracy of warehouse operations. This role involves working with robotic systems, automated material handling systems, conveyor systems, and warehouse management software to ensure optimal operation and minimize downtime.

Key Responsibilities:

• 70%: Design and Implementation: Develop and design automation solutions for the warehouse, including robotic systems, conveyors, automated storage and retrieval systems (AS/RS), and other automated material handling systems.

  • Project Management: Lead or assist in automation projects, ensuring that they are completed on time, within budget, and according to specifications.

  • Data Analysis: Analyze performance data from automated systems to identify trends and optimize system performance.

  • Continuous Improvement: Identify opportunities for improvement in warehouse automation processes to enhance productivity, reduce costs, and improve safety.

  • Collaboration: Work closely with warehouse managers, industrial engineers, software engineers, and maintenance personnel to integrate automation systems with warehouse processes and ensure seamless operation.

  • Training: Provide training to warehouse personnel on the use and operation of automation systems and equipment.

  • Compliance and Safety: Ensure all automation systems and operations comply with safety regulations and industry standards.

• 30%: System Maintenance: Monitor and maintain the performance of automated systems, ensuring that all equipment is functioning optimally to meet warehouse operations goals.

  • Troubleshooting: Identify and resolve issues with automation systems, diagnosing problems and implementing corrective actions to minimize downtime and ensure smooth operations.

Direct Manager/Direct Reports:

• Reports to Sr Manager Logistics.

• This role has no direct reports.

Travel Requirements:

• Typically requires overnight travel 20% of the time.

Physical Requirements:

• Most of the time is spent sitting or standing in the same location or there may be a need to stoop regularly or move/lift light material or equipment (typically less than 8 pounds).

Working Conditions:

• Located in a comfortable indoor area. Any unpleasant conditions would be infrequent and not objectionable.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, Robotics, or a related field.

• Preferred Education: Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, Robotics, or a related field.

• Experience: At least 3 years of experience in automation engineering, preferably in a distribution or warehouse environment.

• Technical Skills:

  • Knowledge of robotic systems, material handling equipment, and automation technologies. Specifically Robotic Arms, Vision Systems, Lidar, AMR, AGV , Sensors, Cameras among other technologies

  • Proficiency using CAD software such as AutoCAD and SolidWorks to create 3D technical drawings to be used for fabrication and assembly.

  • Integrate sensors, actuators, motors, and gear systems into functional automation designs.

  • Proficient with programming and debugging automation software and control systems (e.g., PLC, SCADA, HMI).

  • Familiarity with warehouse management systems (WMS), warehouse controls systems (WCS), and warehouse execution systems (WES)

• Problem Solving: Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills, with the ability to quickly identify and solve technical issues.

• Project Management: Ability to manage multiple projects, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines.

• Communication Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills to effectively collaborate with cross-functional teams.

​Preferred Qualifications:

• Mandarin (written and spoken): Ability to communicate complex engineering concepts, design specifications, and technical details in Mandarin.

• Certifications: Certifications in automation systems (e.g., Siemens, Allen-Bradley), robotics, or project management.

Minimum Education:

• The knowledge, skills and abilities typically acquired through the completion of a bachelor's degree program or equivalent degree in a field of study related to the job.

Preferred Education:

• No additional education

Minimum Years of Work Experience:

• 3

Preferred Years of Work Experience:

• No additional years of experience

Minimum Leadership Experience:

• None

Preferred Leadership Experience:

• None

Certifications:

• None

Competencies:

• Business Analysis: Clarifies and resolves complex business issues by breaking them down into meaningful components to determine root cause and redesigning internal and external business processes.

• Business Communication: Writes, speaks, and presents clearly and succinctly across a variety of communication settings and adjusts communication style to the audience by translating and articulating technical concepts to non-technical groups.

• Creative Thinking: Demonstrates originality and imagination in thinking while developing a solution to a problem.

• Adaptability: Adapts to and embraces change with composure, resilience, and perseverance in the face of constraints, high pressure, and adverse situations.

• Cross-functional knowledge: Uses knowledge of functional areas, organizational structure, and key business drivers to support company initiatives and long-term growth strategies, understanding individual and functional impact on the whole organization.

• Delivers Results: Demonstrates a clear bias for action and a sense of urgency on priorities. Sets and communicates high standards for achievement.

• Process Improvement: Uses Six Sigma, or other process improvement methodology to develop and execute efficient and cost effective solutions to align with the business objectives within the Logistics organization. Formalize plans to achieve desired results in a timely manner, individually and in team environments.

• Acts Strategically: Knows the contribution of each business unit and function in Logistics to business and project success. Understands and uses financial indicators/metrics to measure the performance of projects.

• Drives Excellence: Approaches problems systematically; develops solutions with sustainable and scalable results. Uses sound judgement and makes good decisions in a timely manner.

• Excels in Customer Service: Thinks and Acts with a Customer Perspective.

• Inspires Achievement: Excites associates about change, by explaining its benefits and the business case.