Inventory Optimization Engineer

About the role

The Inventory Optimization Engineer supports cross‑functional efforts to maximize the value of the company's inventory by analyzing excess and obsolete inventory (E&O), identifying opportunities for recovery, and helping prevent future inventory obsolescence. This role combines engineering, business analytics, and problem solving to improve inventory performance. Working closely with Engineering, Sales, Purchasing, Product Management, Cataloging, Operations, and Finance, you will learn the automotive aftermarket while developing practical solutions that improve inventory, reduce write‑offs, and support profitable growth. The position is onsite in Charleston, South Carolina.

Key Responsibilities

• Inventory Optimization
  • Analyze excess and obsolete inventory to identify opportunities for recovery.
  • Research inventory history, demand, and product information to understand why inventory became excess.
  • Prepare recommendations for inventory disposition based on available data.
  • Support recurring E&O review meetings with cross‑functional teams.
  • Track inventory aging and inventory health metrics.
  • Assist in developing standard processes for evaluating excess inventory.
• Product & Application Research
  • Work with Engineering and Product Management to understand product applications.
  • Research opportunities to sell inventory against existing or alternative SKUs.
  • Assist in identifying interchangeable or equivalent products.
  • Help identify opportunities for SKU consolidation.
  • Learn automotive product applications and catalog structure over time.
• Catalog & Product Data
  • Partner with Cataloging to improve product information.
  • Help identify missing applications and cross‑references.
  • Review product data for opportunities to improve inventory visibility.
  • Support projects that improve catalog accuracy and completeness.
• Business Analytics
  • Collect, organize, and analyze inventory data from ERP and reporting systems.
  • Build dashboards and reports using Excel and Power BI.
  • Monitor inventory aging, turns, E&O dollars, recovery rates, and write‑offs.
  • Present findings and recommendations to leadership.
• Continuous Improvement
  • Identify opportunities to improve inventory management processes.
  • Support Lean and Continuous Improvement initiatives.
  • Document standard work.
  • Help automate recurring reports and manual business processes.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Supply Chain, Business Analytics, Operations, or a related technical field.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Excellent Excel skills; Power BI or SQL exposure preferred.
• Strong communication and organizational skills.
• Curiosity and willingness to learn technical products and business processes.

Physical Requirements

• Work performed in various environments such as office, lab, and manufacturing.
• Potential exposure to dust, noise, heat, and cold; safety equipment required in designated areas.
• Majority of time spent walking, standing, and using hands to push/pull.