Welcome to Gordon Food Service! We are excited that you are thinking about opportunities with us, and we have an amazing story to share. See below for a quick glance of who we are and the impact you could have on the food service industry. There's a seat at our table for you...
Position Summary:
The Supply Chain Simulation Engineer is a highly technical, execution-focused role dedicated to building, calibrating, and executing discrete event simulation models of Gordon Food Service’s physical distribution network. Acting as the critical bridge between raw operational data and physical facility layout changes, this engineer transforms historical transactional logs, database queries, and CAD drawings into dynamic virtual operating environments.
This role is fully responsible for modeling, testing, and optimizing modular automation solutions (such as modular conveyor networks, automated sorting subsystems, and flexible robotic pick-and-place cells) alongside advanced Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems (AS/RS). Rather than relying strictly on pre-built software libraries, this engineer is expected to write custom scripting and build dynamic model logical pathways from scratch to reflect GFS’s unique operational flows.
What you will do:
Model Construction & Customization: Build, customize, and calibrate high-fidelity, stochastic 3D warehouse layouts in FlexSim, Simio, or equivalent discrete-event simulation platforms. Write custom object logic, parameters, and physical routing behaviors from scratch when standard software libraries do not match GFS's unique facility layouts or slotting rules.
Modular & Advanced Automation Validation: Construct simulation models to validate throughput, routing capacity, and operational impacts of modular automation systems (e.g., modular conveyor loops, automated sorting lines, and collaborative robotics) as well as automated storage systems.
Cross-Functional Validation & Change Management: Collaborate directly with corporate Engineering teams, Change Managers, and Divisional representatives to ensure baseline simulations accurately reflect actual, on-the-floor warehouse behaviors, establishing trust and ensuring smooth post-pilot adoption.
Data Preparation & Statistical Analysis: Partner with GTS and Data Analysts to write SQL and Alteryx queries to extract, clean, and analyze historical sales, transit, and inventory logs. Transform messy, raw datasets into clean statistical distributions (curve-fitting) to drive highly accurate simulation inputs.
Process-Logic & Algorithmic Validation: Load and test standardized and custom process-decision rules (such as dynamic slotting, travel-path optimization, replenishment logic, and task-interleaving schemes) within the simulation environment to evaluate throughput efficiency, potential travel bottlenecks, and resource allocation before physical deployment.
Scenario Testing & Sensitivity Analysis: Execute systematic "what-if" stress tests against proposed physical and logical changes under varying peak volume profiles, documenting system bottlenecks, congestion zones, and throughput limits.
CAD Layout Maintenance: Ingest, optimize, and maintain master 2D/3D AutoCAD layouts from facility teams to ensure the physical dimensions and coordinate systems of the digital twin footprints remain current.
When you will work:
Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm
Hybrid schedule, 4 days in office in Wyoming, MI with 1 day remote
What you’ll bring to the table:
Bachelor’s Degree in Industrial Engineering, Operations Research, Systems Engineering, Computer Science or related quantitative field required.
Masters Degree in Industrial Engineering preferred.
Five years related Supply Chain experience including at least two years building discrete-event simulation models in logistics, distribution, or manufacturing environment required.
Programming & Logic: Solid scripting capability within simulation software (e.g., custom logic scripting, FlexScript, C++, or Simio process steps) to program custom object interactions.
Data Tools: Hands-on proficiency in SQL, Alteryx, or Python for data extraction, manipulation, and cleansing.
Communication & Change Management: Exceptional interpersonal skills, with the ability to translate complex statistical outputs into clear, non-technical business recommendations and change-management strategies.
Operations Knowledge: Deep understanding of traditional warehouse operations, material flow principles, rack layouts, and labor dynamics.
Automation Exposure: Prior experience modeling modular automation solutions, conveyor systems, or AS/RS subsystems is highly preferred.
Equipment / Tools / Technology:
Simulation & Modeling Platforms: Discrete Event Simulation (DES) tools (such as FlexSim, Simio, AnyLogic, Arena, or equivalent).
Data Prep & Analytics Pipelines: SQL , Alteryx, Microsoft Excel (advanced functions), and Python (for data cleaning and parameter setting).
Drafting & Layout Software: 2D/3D AutoCAD (for ingesting, cleaning, and managing facility master drawings).
Business Intelligence (BI) Tools: Power BI or Tableau to design operational dashboards and share bottleneck visualizations with division leaders.
Warehouse Systems (Operational Context): Exposure and alignment with Warehouse Management Systems, Warehouse Control Systems (WCS), and automated material handling equipment (MHE) layout rules.
Gordon Food Service values our customers and understands that their success is largely dependent upon their workforce. To demonstrate our commitment to our partnership, we will require any candidate who works for a Gordon Food Service customer to provide a letter of support from their management if they are selected for the interview process.
Equal Employment Opportunity is a matter of policy at Gordon Food Service, Inc. and we are committed to a work environment in which all individuals are treated with respect and dignity.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, status as a protected veteran, or status as a qualified individual with disability. If you require reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process due to a disability, please submit your request to [email protected] and use the words “Accommodation Request” in your subject line.
All Gordon Food Service locations are tobacco-free.
Gordon Food Service is a drug-free workplace and conducts pre-employment drug tests.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Operations Research, Systems Engineering, Computer Science, or a related quantitative field
- Five years of related supply chain experience
- At least two years of experience building discrete-event simulation models in logistics, distribution, or manufacturing
- Scripting capability within simulation software, including custom logic scripting, FlexScript, C++, or Simio process steps
- Hands-on proficiency with SQL, Alteryx, or Python for data extraction, manipulation, and cleansing
- Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, including translating statistical outputs into business recommendations
- Deep understanding of warehouse operations, material flow, rack layouts, and labor dynamics
- Experience with discrete-event simulation platforms such as FlexSim, Simio, AnyLogic, or Arena
- Experience with modular automation, conveyor systems, or AS/RS subsystems
- Master's degree in Industrial Engineering
What We Do
We’ve grown to become the largest family-operated broadline food service distributor in North America by upholding the same business approach since 1897—being passionately committed to the people we serve. We believe in the power of good food—to bring people together and make moments special. Every product, every order, and every decision we make is inspired by the people on the other side of the plate. We distribute to foodservice operators throughout the Midwest, Northeast, Southeast and Southwest regions of the U.S. and coast to coast in Canada. Our company also operates more than 170 Gordon Food Service Stores, which are open to the public and provide the benefits of restaurant-quality products and friendly, knowledgeable service. Gordon Food Service Stores do not charge a membership fee. Gordon Food Service Stores are the primary supplier for many small foodservice operators, including: restaurants, churches, daycare providers, caterers, event planners, and other small businesses. We offer a broad range of employment opportunities throughout our corporate offices, distribution centers, and retail stores. We have a strong commitment to our employees and foster an environment that promotes internal growth, training, and career development opportunities. Gordon Food Service is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any person on the basis of age, sex, race, religion, national origin, disability, or veteran status.
