Job Abstract

As an Automation Project Engineer within the Peet’s Distribution Team, you will be responsible for the execution of the company’s robotics and automation strategy through the design, implementation, and maintenance of best-in-class robotics and advanced automation to enable world class safety, quality, productivity, and service to our North American Customers.  In addition to the ownership of new systems, you will also be responsible for supporting, upgrading, and improving all existing automation and mechanization across the entire distribution network.  As an integral part of executing the company’s automation strategy, you will design and deliver agile, elegant, affordable, and reliable automated solutions.  These solutions will enable improved safety, improved order accuracy, reduced cost, and improved productivity. This individual will also collaborate with peer leadership groups (e.g. Planning, Operations, Finance, HR, Sales) within the organization as part of a cohesive strategy supporting the overall company goals and achieving stakeholder buy-in, performing cost-benefit analysis, developing business case and capital justifications, and be responsible for the management of each project’s budget and schedule. 

 
What You Will Do:

• Improve distribution center processes by applying industry leading automation technologies, equipment, and material handling solutions; partnering with key vendors to explore industry best practices; collaborating with site operations to gain project support and operational insight, and present project ideas and designs for leadership approval. 

• Develop and demonstrate engineering and project management skills to be effective at solving complex supply chain distribution problems through the implementation of automation and robotics solutions. 

• Develop business case analyses and financial models to support requirements and designs of project solutions by demonstrating an ability to gather and interpret complex data. 

• Execute engineering projects by implementing project scopes, plans and timelines; collecting data for project performance tracking to ensure projects are meeting financial goals; and engaging operations management to ensure operational needs are being met while minimizing operational impact. 

• Support all facilities within the supply chain network including, but not limited to, internal and third-party run locations. 

• Assist in the management of multiple cross functional project tasks while effectively influencing and communicating with internal and external business partners. 

• Work with operations management teams to lead implementation of network changes in the operations to reach desired cost reduction as well as safety, quality, and service improvements. 

• Collaborate with key stakeholders to understand their needs and requirements to incorporate into the design. 

• Build capability in the organization to execute capital projects 

• Lead the Initiative Management Pillar for the Distribution Team 

• Implement standard capital project management systems that deliver efficient and effective capital projects 

• Perform research into new technologies within the industry to determine feasibility and impact to the business. 

Who You Are: 

• Knowledge of AutoCAD, Excel, Word, Power Point, Project, Visio, Smartsheet, WMS, WES, Line Event Data Systems 

• Working knowledge of; engineered labor standards, time and motion studies, project management and project plan development, business case development, capital justification, change management processes, presenting complex data. 

• Root Cause Problem-Solving experience (6W-2H, Fishbone, Cause/Effect, Why-Why) 

• General understanding of the following concepts; high volume sortation, conveyor, pick-to-light, ASRS, AGV, Auto layer pick, Goods to person, box forming, RFID, scanning/labeling/product verification, and robotics in a distribution environment. 

• Willingness to learn technical skills in electrical, mechanical, PLC, WMS/WCS/WES systems and material handling maintenance. 

• Capable of solving complex problems through detailed analysis and the presentation of well-thought-out solutions. 

• Ability to effectively and quickly determine meaning from available data, be a quick study of the new and innovative solutions, add personal wisdom and experience to arrive at the best solution given the information available while using multiple problem-solving tools and techniques. 

• Ability to manage various scope projects, orchestrate multiple activities at once, and use resources efficiently across functional areas within the organization. 

• The ability to create and describe the concepts behind engineered solutions, implications of financial data, and defining key measures of success. 

• Willingness to learn the Peet’s Business and become a change agent. 

• Organized and have a proven track record in handling multiple projects simultaneously from conception to implementation. 

• Ability to adapt and integrate new technology in a supply chain setting while recognizing operational necessity. 

• Experience in innovating new processes and adapting new technology in a supply chain setting. 

• Resourceful and results-driven engineer in a highly dynamic environment. 

• Ability to work with cross-functional teams, influencing key stakeholders, and communicate effectively. 

• Servant leadership -Must be flexible with schedule and hours to oversee and respond to the needs of a 24/5 operation. 

• Adhere to all regulatory requirements. 

• Supervise or manage projects and vendors across multiple sites in a fast-paced environment. 

• Communicate and complete required record keeping functions. 

• Ability to think innovatively. 

• Requires travel (travel to network distribution centers, vendors, etc.) – typically 20% 
   

Education:

• Bachelor's Degree in Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering (or related field)  

• Experience with organizational change management 

• Demonstrated project management skills. 

• Experience with budgeting, supply chain operations, automation, and distribution. 

 
Experience 

• 2-5 years of experience in Supply Chain Engineering role  

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this position. Job responsibilities can change according to the operational needs of the business. 

What Benefits do Peetniks Receive?

At Peet's we hire the best people and are committed to supporting our employees and rewarding them for their work. That's one of the reasons we offer the following benefits:

• 401(k) plan, with generous matching 

• Full medical, dental and vision insurance

• Paid vacation

• Free coffee and fresh baked goods as well as an employee discount

• Opportunities for growth and advancement
   

The target annual base salary range for this position is $120,000-160,000. The actual base salary offered depends on a variety of factors, which may include, as applicable, the applicant’s qualifications for the position; years of relevant experience; specific and unique skills; level of education attained; certifications or other professional licenses held; other legitimate, non-discriminatory business factors specific to the position; and the geographic location in which the applicant lives and/or from which they will perform the job. Individuals employed in this position may also be eligible to earn bonuses. Peet’s offers a generous benefits package to full-time employees, which includes comprehensive health, dental and vision plans; a superior 401(k) plan, various paid time off programs; employee discount/perks; life insurance; disability insurance; flexible spending accounts; and an employee referral bonus program.