Senior Engineer, Warehouse Automation and Controls
Rent The Runway · Secaucus, NJ · 1 mo ago
Engineering$160k–$180k/yrFull-time
We need to output HTML fragment with sections: About the role, Responsibilities, Requirements, Qualifications, Skills, Benefits, Pay, Schedule. Only include sections that have real specific content. The posting includes "About The Job" which is about role description; we can map to "About the role". Then "What You’ll Do" is responsibilities. Then "About You" includes qualifications, skills, etc. We need to split into sections: Requirements, Qualifications, Skills maybe. The posting includes many bullet-like sentences; we need to use
- for any list of duties/requirements/benefits. We can treat each line as list item.
We must not repeat job title. No Job ID. Remove boilerplate: EEO, etc. Also remove "About Us" maybe? The instruction: "Prefer a few substantive sections over many thin ones." We can combine some.
We need to include Benefits section (they have benefits list). Pay section: they have anticipated base salary $160,000 - $180,000. So include Pay. Schedule: not mentioned explicitly; they mention travel 25% availability, flex shifts, hours, nights and weekends as business dictates. That's schedule info. So we can include Schedule section with that.
We must not include sections with filler like "commensurate with experience". Not present.
We need to preserve all substantive information; do not invent or summarize away detail. So we need to keep all details from About The Job, What You’ll Do, About You, Benefits, Pay, Schedule (travel/flex). Also maybe "About Us" is not needed as it's company description; but could be considered "About the role"? Actually "About Us" is company overview; not required. We can omit as not part of job posting sections? The instruction: "Use
for section headings (e.g. About the role, Responsibilities, Requirements, Qualifications, Skills, Benefits, Pay, Schedule)." So we should include those headings only if content exists. "About the role" could be the "About The Job" paragraph. We'll include that. Now we need to format. We'll produce something like:
About the role
... paragraph from About The Job ...
Responsibilities
- Own the delivery of multiple automation projects in parallel managing timelines, equipment vendors, and system integration contractors to the operation on time, in budget, and at the targeted performance
- Determine how automation lines are configured, evaluate and select automation technologies, and develop technical specifications for existing and new equipment ... etc for each bullet from What You’ll Do ...
We need to ensure we capture all bullet points from "What You’ll Do". Let's extract them:
- Own the delivery of multiple automation projects in parallel managing timelines, equipment vendors, and system integration contractors to the operation on time, in budget, and at the targeted performance
- Determine how automation lines are configured, evaluate and select automation technologies, and develop technical specifications for existing and new equipment
- Maintain a high level of communication with cross-functional teams and partners; influence stakeholders at all levels to prioritize project requirements
- Develop and execute comprehensive testing and commissioning plans (FAT, SAT), including site preparation, installation oversight, operator training, and performance validation ensuring functional specifications, design verification plans, and test procedures are written to maintain engineering rigor supporting GMP, HACCP, and SQF requirements
- Establish and enforce standards for PLC program version control, backup, and as-built documentation
- Manage vendor relationships, component procurement, and supply chain integration to support operational timelines
- Troubleshooting, analysis and problem resolution of Mechatronics systems and hardware (PLC, Io, Communications cards, etc.)
- Own, manage, and scale IoT Dashboard, Digital Twin, and monitoring across all equipment
- Bring subject matter expertise in material handling systems, automation equipment, conveyor systems, and large, complex integrated systems design and integration
- Ensuring development and debugging of embedded systems, sensors, and automation controllers for reliable system performance
- Overseeing simulation, evaluation, testing, and validation of robotic and electromechanical systems against performance and safety standards
- Provide frequent on-site oversight of installation, construction, and commissioning activities
- Investigate recurring faults and downtime events, determine root cause, and design corrective actions driving performance and process changes based on lean initiatives to drive operational efficiency and continuous improvement (FMEA, etc.)
- Develop and maintain standardized documentation for technical SOPs, and equipment best practice protocols
- Provide technical guidance on complex engineering issues using analytical techniques, simulation, ROI analysis, and cost/benefit analysis
- This role requires approximately 25% availability to travel as required
Note: The last bullet about travel could go to Schedule but it's in What You’ll Do. We'll keep it there or move to Schedule. Since Schedule section is separate, we could move travel to Schedule. But we must preserve all info; we can keep it in Responsibilities or Schedule. Better to put travel in Schedule. However the instruction: "include a section ONLY when the posting has real, specific content for it". Travel is specific content, so we can put in Schedule. We'll still keep other responsibilities.
Now "About You" section includes many items; we need to split into Requirements, Qualifications, Skills maybe. Let's parse:
- 4-year degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Controls or equivalent experience in a relevant technical or engineering field
- 8 plus years of experience working in manufacturing, warehouse, fulfillment, or industrial environments including oversight of large scale equipment and systems
- 5 plus years designing, programming, and troubleshooting industrial control systems
- Proficiency in ST and one or more of the following programming languages C, C++, Python, MATLAB/Simulink
- Proven track record managing complex capital projects, budgets, timelines, and demonstrated ability to influence without authority and lead cross functional technical and nontechnical teams; PMP or PRINCE2 certification preferred
- Experience leading equipment commissioning projects from specification to operational turnover, managing vendor performance and inspect work quality to ensure adherence to safety and engineering standards
- Proficiency with VFDs, servo systems, HMIs, and industrial networks
- Subject matter expertise in material handling systems, automation equipment, and large-scale integrated operational infrastructure
- Proficiency in design software (AutoCAD, SolidWorks, Bluebeam, or equivalent) and familiarity with simulation tools (FEA, motion analysis)
- Experience with TPM, Kaizen, and Lean Manufacturing techniques; certification preferred
- Experience building and managing project budgets, strong financial acumen and cost-benefit analysis skills
- Experience with developing standard operating procedures and equipment and systems design specifications
- Experience implementing automation, digitalization, or AI-enabled operational improvements
- Hands-on experience with ML/AI technologies
- Must operate with a sense of urgency, accountability, and have attention to detail
- Strong written and verbal communication; forward-thinkers with the ability to articulate point of view and improve processes
- Strong analytical and data-driven decision-making capabilities; provide strong statistical analysis and data storytelling skills across various levels
- Commitment to safety, quality, and employee wellbeing in all aspects of work
- Background in fulfillment center operations, warehouse automation, or reverse logistics a plus
- Ability to work flex shifts, hours, nights and weekends as business dictates
We can categorize: Requirements (education, years experience), Qualifications (certifications, specific experiences), Skills (technical proficiencies, soft skills). But we can also just put all under Requirements or Qualifications. The instruction: prefer few substantive sections over many thin ones. So we could combine Requirements and Qualifications into one section maybe "Requirements". But they asked to use headings like Requirements, Qualifications, Skills. We can include all three if they have content. Let's see if we can split meaningfully.
Requirements: education, years of experience (8+ years, 5+ years). Also maybe ability to work flex shifts (schedule). But we already have schedule.
Qualifications: certifications (PMP/PRINCE2 preferred), experience leading equipment commissioning, experience building budgets, experience with TPM/Kaizen/Lean, background in fulfillment center etc.
Skills: proficiency in ST, languages, VFDs, servo, HMIs, industrial networks, design software, simulation tools, ML/AI, strong communication, analytical, data-driven, etc.
We'll create three sections.
Now Benefits: list from Benefits paragraph. We'll extract each benefit as list item.
Pay: include the salary range.
Schedule: include travel 25% availability and flex shifts/hours/nights/weekends.
Now we need to ensure we don't include boilerplate like EEO, legal, etc. Remove "About Us" maybe not needed. Also remove "Rent the Runway is an equal opportunity employer..." etc.
Now produce HTML fragment.
Let's craft.
We'll need to escape any HTML special characters? Not needed.
We'll produce:
- Own the delivery of multiple automation projects in parallel managing timelines, equipment vendors, and system integration contractors to the operation on time, in budget, and at the targeted performance
- Determine how automation lines are configured, evaluate and select automation technologies, and develop technical specifications for existing and new equipment
- Maintain a high level of communication with cross-functional teams and partners; influence stakeholders at all levels to prioritize project requirements
- Develop and execute comprehensive testing and commissioning plans (FAT, SAT), including site preparation, installation oversight, operator training, and performance validation ensuring functional specifications, design verification plans, and test procedures are written to maintain engineering rigor supporting GMP, HACCP, and SQF requirements
- Establish and enforce standards for PLC program version control, backup, and as-built documentation
- Manage vendor relationships, component procurement, and supply chain integration to support operational timelines
- Troubleshooting, analysis and problem resolution of Mechatronics systems and hardware (PLC, Io, Communications cards, etc.)
- Own, manage, and scale IoT Dashboard, Digital Twin, and monitoring across all equipment
- Bring subject matter expertise in material handling systems, automation equipment, conveyor systems, and large, complex integrated systems design and integration
- Ensuring development and debugging of embedded systems, sensors, and automation controllers for reliable system performance
- Overseeing simulation, evaluation, testing, and validation of robotic and electromechanical systems against performance and safety standards
- Provide frequent on-site oversight of installation, construction, and commissioning activities
- Investigate recurring faults and downtime events, determine root cause, and design corrective actions driving performance and process changes based on lean initiatives to drive operational efficiency and continuous improvement (FME
About the role
The Sr. Engineer, Warehouse Automation and Controls is an engineering role with real decision-making authority. They will lead the design, development, and execution of multiple complex automation engineering projects and maintain their standards across Rent the Runway's fulfillment infrastructure. This role combines technical expertise with strategic project management, requiring subject matter knowledge of material handling systems, garment processing automation, conveyor systems, barcode scanning equipment, and other integrated operational infrastructure. The role drives technical excellence across multidisciplinary teams, providing engineering leadership and establishing best-in-class design, execution, and management standards. They will manage automation vendor partnerships, manage project budgets and operational expenditures, and ensure all projects and systems meet rigorous safety, quality, and timeline requirements. The role will drive continuous improvement initiatives, establish data-driven performance metrics, and maintain unwavering focus on operational excellence. This role will need to be equally comfortable diving deep into technical specifications and CAD design as they navigate stakeholder relationships and executive communications. They will need to communicate clearly and persuasively, thrive on solving complex technical problems, and collaborate naturally across organizational boundaries. They are energized by the thought of turning innovative ideas into scalable solutions, and do not shy away from a challenge. This Sr. Engineer has a bias for action and leads by example by demonstrating a willingness to dive in, roll up their sleeves and help in any situation.