Manager, Automation Engineering

About the role

We’re looking for a highly organized, execution-driven Project Engineer to support the delivery of automated, temperature-controlled (perishable) buildings across multiple sites. This role sits within a team of automation engineers responsible for delivering large-scale automated facilities (~600K sq ft) to our operations partners.

What you'll do

• Lead and deliver projects
• Own program-level and site-specific initiatives that support automated building delivery
• Define scope, break down work, build detailed project plans, and execute from start to finish
• Structure and simplify complex work
• Take ambiguous problems and translate them into clear, executable plans
• Identify dependencies, risks, and critical paths, and drive alignment on the path forward
• Drive cross-functional execution
• Partner with site engineers, operations leaders, vendors, and internal teams to align priorities, remove blockers, and ensure projects are delivered on time
• Support automation integration efforts
• Aid in planning and coordination for system integrations, testing, and go-live readiness across multiple sites
• Communicate clearly and effectively
• Develop concise updates and executive-ready presentations
• Ensure stakeholders are informed, aligned, and able to make timely decisions
• Learn systems and processes quickly
• Build a strong understanding of workflows, system logic, and operational processes—especially within temperature-controlled, perishable environments

What You’ll Bring

• Experience: 2–5 years in project engineering, project/program management, automation/operations engineering, supply chain, or a related environment
• Strong project management capability (critical)
• Demonstrated ability to take ownership of work, break it down, build structured plans, and deliver results across multiple stakeholders and timelines
• Execution mindset / “gets things done”
• Self-starter who thrives in ambiguity, takes initiative, and consistently drives work through completion
• Hightly organized and detail-oriented
• Able to manage multiple projects simultaneously with clear structure, prioritization, and follow-up
• Relationship building & influence
• Proven ability to build trust, collaborate across functions, and drive alignment without direct authority
• Strong communication skills
• Able to simplify complex topics and create clear, effective presentations (PowerPoint) for a variety of audiences
• Technical curiosity and learning agility
• Ability to quickly learn systems, processes, and workflows; understand flow and logic within automated environments
• Basic CAD familiarity
• Comfortable reviewing drawings and extracting key information (e.g., layout, distances); this is not a design role
• Experience with Microsoft Project, Excel, PowerPoint, CAD (basic), and SharePoint
• Up to 50% travel
• Nice to have: PMP certification (strongly preferred), experience supporting large-scale, multi-site implementations, experience in temperature-controlled, cold chain, or perishable supply chain environments, exposure to automation systems, material handling, or warehouse operations, experience working in fast-paced, execution-focused environments

What Success Looks Like (First 6–12 Months)

• Independently owns and delivers multiple program-level projects across sites
• Buils strong working relationships with field engineers and site leaders
• Bridges ambiguous problems and drives measurable progress
• Consistently delivers projects on time with clear communication and minimal oversight

Minimum Qualifications

• Option 1: Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related field and 2 years’ experience in engineering, supply chain, or related area.
• Option 2: 4 years’ experience in engineering, supply chain, or related area.

Preferred Qualifications

• Masters: Computer Engineering

Primary Location

2837 SENATOR RALPH SCOTT PARKWAY, MEBANE, NC 27302-0000, United States of America