Automation Engineer

House of Shipping provides business consultancy and advisory services for Shipping & Logistics companies. House of Shipping's commitment to their customers begins with developing an understanding of their business fundamentals. We are hiring on behalf of one of our key US based client - a globally recognized service provider of flexible and scalable outsourced warehousing solutions, designed to adapt to the evolving demands of todays supply chains.

We are hiring for a globally recognized U.S. based service provider that delivers warehousing solutions designed to meet the dynamic needs of todays supply chains.

Job Title: Automation Design Engineer

Location: India Mumbai

Department: Automation Engineering

Seniority: Engineer / Senior Engineer

About the Role

We are seeking an Automation Engineer to support the design, evaluation, and implementation of warehouse automation solutions across multiple fulfilment channels and industry sectors. This role combines automation system design, technology and vendor evaluation, ROI and financial analysis, and implementation support as needed.

The role requires a strong engineering foundation with the ability to translate operational requirements into scalable automation designs, assess vendor solutions, and support deployments from concept through go live. The ideal candidate brings a balanced perspective across operations, engineering economics, and execution.

Key Responsibilities

Automation System Design & Engineering

• Design end-to-end warehouse automation solutions across inbound, storage, picking, packing, and outbound operations.
• Develop and validate facility layouts and material flow concepts incorporating conveyors, sortation, AS/RS, AMRs, goods-to-person systems, and associated manual workstreams.
• Create and define labor standards using MOST, MODAPTS, and time-motion studies.

Ensure designs optimize throughput, space utilization, ergonomics, safety, and scalability.

Automation Technology & Vendor Evaluation

• Evaluate and benchmark automation technologies and solution providers across robotics and material handling systems.
• Conduct technical due diligence on vendors, including capability assessment, system fit, integration risk, scalability, and lifecycle considerations.
• Support RFP development, vendor comparisons, and technology selection decisions using structured evaluation frameworks.

ROI & Business Case Development

• Analyze operational data to establish design baselines and identify automation opportunities.
• Build cost-per-unit (CPU), ROI, and payback models to quantify automation value.
• Translate system design choices into financial outcomes including labor savings, throughput improvements, and service-level impact.
• Support development of investment cases and customer proposals for automation initiatives.

Vendor Management & Implementation Support

• Act as the engineering interface between internal teams and automation vendors during design finalization and execution.
• Review vendor layouts, equipment specifications, assumptions, and constraints for alignment with site and operational requirements.
• Support implementation phases including design reviews, FAT, SAT, commissioning, and go-live stabilization.
• Assist operations teams during ramp-up and post-implementation performance validation.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with Operations, Controls, IT/WMS, Finance, Safety, and Project Management teams to ensure successful solution delivery.
• Develop standard documentation, design artifacts, and engineering assumptions to support repeatable automation deployments.

Required Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelors or Masters degree in Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Operations Research, or a related field.
• 38 years of experience in warehouse automation, material handling system design, industrial engineering, or automation analytics.
• Strong understanding of warehouse workflows and automation technologies (AMRs, conveyors, AS/RS, GTP, robotics).
• Proficiency in AutoCAD (2D required; 3D preferred) and process or layout modeling tools.
• Experience with labor standards, ergonomics, and process optimization methodologies.
• Strong analytical skills with Excel / Google Sheets; exposure to Power BI, SQL, or Python is a plus.
• Ability to work effectively in cross-functional, fast-paced environments.

Preferred Skills & Qualifications

• Experience supporting real-world automation implementations and vendor-led deployments.
• Exposure to controls, WMS/WCS integration concepts, and system commissioning activities.
• Strong business and financial acumen with experience linking engineering design to ROI outcomes.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, including vendor-facing interactions.