We are seeking automated equipment control system engineering professionals to join our team to build the first software defined end-to-end, automated fulfillment system. In this visible role, you will be instrumental in the launch of our first Automation Lab which will showcase the next generation of material handling equipment.

HDS Global currently has an opening for a Lead Automation Engineer. The Lead Automation Engineer acts as a consultant to strategic HDS Global customers and is responsible for determining material flow process requirements, developing RoboFS module configurations, conveying technical subject matter expertise to the customers’ technical leadership, and generating proposals for prospective HDS Global customers. Performance success will depend on executing these responsibilities adequately, as well as defining best practices for uncovering material flow requirements, developing training materials, and leveraging program languages (i.e. Python scripts) to semi-automate customer data gathering and the RoboFS configuration process. This position supports the RoboFS commercial team by assessing customer sites, assisting with customer presentations, day-to-day interaction with HDS Global commercial management, sales, engineering, technical support, customer success, product management, partners, and customers.

About Us 

HDS offers consumers a single online store to shop for fresh groceries and general merchandise from the world's leading retail brands. In HDS fulfillment centers, multi-retailer orders are assembled as one lot, packaged in reusable totes, and delivered at no cost to customers via friendly HDS couriers, offering retail-level customer service, right at their doorstep.  

Our patented robotic fulfillment center, RoboFS, dramatically cuts fulfillment costs, and our retailer-friendly eCommerce platform turbocharges retailer supply chains, allowing them to add a revenue stream, while controlling and extending brand awareness on an all-category service platform. As a result, HDS will be able to offer a wider selection than currently available from any one mass merchant, along with a free, same-day delivery experience.  

Responsibilities

Drive automation opportunity identification and assessment to uncover the most valuable automation applications within the customer environments. Responsible for the following actions:

• pre-qualification and technical assessment of potential customer opportunities
• Leads various types of interviews, meetings or workshops to define and design automated material handling solutions
• Support sales staff with the determination of customer requirements using HDS Global products
• Develop a clear and concise proposed description of operations and contribute the statement of work for RoboFS implementations at customer sites
• Identify, quantify, and influence key decision-makers on proposed customer benefits
• Travel to customer sites as needed to study and gather information critical to the overall system
• Develop AutoCAD layout drawings of RoboFS system implementations
• Develop material flow process maps in Lucidchart
• Develop simulation digital twin of customer site and RoboFS configuration
• Determine external control requirements for proposed vision-guided vehicle systems (i.e. PLC, WMS, WCS, ERP, etc.)
• Work with internal and external partners to develop an end to end solution
• Drive long-term growth by focusing on sustainable usage of automated material handling solutions that align with customer objectives and business value
• Execute live product demonstrations both at HDS Global HQ as well as at customer facilities
• Act as subject matter expert for an assigned RoboFS module or system
• Responsible for updating training materials, processing field feedback, and improving tools associated with the assigned RoboFS module configuration
• Share your knowledge of our customer's industry trends, processes, and automation goals with your HDS Global colleagues including opportunities to develop internal collateral materials
• Build strong relationships with key stakeholders within customer organizations and become a trusted innovation advisor

Experience

• BS in Industrial, or Mechanical engineering or equivalent work experience as a material flow Automation Engineer in the Fulfillment and/or Distribution Industries
• Proficient in AutoCAD, MS Office, and Simulation experience a plus
• Working knowledge of material flow simulation tools (i.e. Flexsim) a plus
• 5 years of material handling experience in the fulfillment or distribution industries
• Experience in the design of end-to-end material flow processes within warehousing or fulfillment facilities a plus
• Excellent written and oral communication skills along with equally good listening skills; ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of top decision-makers within customer organizations
• Proven track record of designing and/or implementing process improvements to operational processes and methods to track progress
• Demonstrated ability to evaluate customer needs and problems and translate them into compelling solution proposal materials
• Excellent strategic and analytical thinking
• Strong project management skills to meet deadlines while dealing with multiple projects simultaneously
• Able to deal with complexity and change in projects and priorities
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to build effective relationships with all levels of the organization, customers, and partners
• Self-starter who works well in high-pressure situations Experience in executing continuous improvement of business processes and subsequent training of material
•  

Other Requirements:

• Able to travel > 50% of the time including internationally as needed.

Why work here? The big stuff 

• Founding team: Be a part of a smart founding team setting the standards and solving the big problems, with the special stock grants that this entails.  
• Autonomy, mastery, purpose: We provide a clear mission so that you can self-direct your work, exceptional challenges to hone your skills, and an opportunity to be a part of a vital retail service that saves people time and radically ups their quality of life. 

• Well-funded: HDS is well-funded and can offer above market comp, depending on desire for equity. 

And the usual stuff is carefully planned too 

• Top tier perks: 100% paid-for benefits, including medical, dental, and vision, plus a tax-advantaged monthly allowance toward personal enrichment benefits of your choice.  
• Flexibility: Have the freedom to work wherever. You will not be required to be in the office more than two days per week. 
• Empowered:  We will provide you the most advanced equipment and administrative services to support your productivity and remove hassles for you.