Solution Engineer - IT Automation

Overview Founded over 35 years ago, First Quality is a family‑owned company that has grown from a small business in McElhattan, Pennsylvania into a group of companies, employing over 5,000 team members, while maintaining our family values and entrepreneurial spirit. With corporate offices in New York and Pennsylvania and 8 manufacturing campuses across the U.S. and Canada, the companies within the First Quality group produce high‑quality personal care and household products for large retailers and healthcare organizations. Our portfolio includes baby diapers, wipes, feminine pads, paper towels, bath tissue, adult incontinence products, laundry detergents, fabric finishers, and dishwash solutions. In addition, we manufacture certain raw materials and components used in the manufacturing of these products, including flexible print and packaging solutions. Guided by our values of humility, unity, and integrity, we leverage advanced technology and innovation to drive growth and create new opportunities. At First Quality, you’ll find a collaborative environment focused on continuous learning, professional development, and our mission to Make Things Better. Role Summary We are seeking a Solution Engineer – IT Automation for First Quality Enterprises. This position requires 40–70% travel to our manufacturing sites in OH, GA, PA and SC, but can be worked remotely in between trips. Preferred location is near McElhattan, PA, but we will also consider candidates in OH, GA, SC, UT or PA. The IT Automation team provides strategic direction, technical and functional expertise, and product management for First Quality’s Automation solutions including Warehouse Automation, AS/RS solutions, and Automated‑Guided Vehicles. Responsibilities Provides input into overall direction, development and integration of warehouse control systems, warehouse automation (AS/RS), and automated guided vehicles. Focuses on strategic initiatives and plans; is proactive, anticipatory, and driving in nature to provide significant value to divisions/functions. Plays a lead role in enabling the business to achieve their objectives through the effective use of technology and continuous improvement. Work with business leadership to document a clear vision of business opportunities and how they support the business plan. Works with the Campus/Divisions to understand business strategy and define system requirements. Ensures sound integration of processes for assigned systems across FQ. Serves as Subject Matter Expert for assigned systems in the areas of Integration, Warehouse Control Systems, Material Handling Equipment, AS/RS, and Automated‑Guided Vehicle integration to Business Systems (SAP, SAP‑EWM). Ensures relevant Automation systems data is available in First Quality Analytics platform. Leads the delivery of assigned Automation Systems projects on time, within budget and meeting business requirements. Ensures adherence to IT enterprise architecture principles and guidelines. Ensures all assigned solutions are designed, built, and deployed to meet or exceed application performance and maintainability requirements thus enabling scalability and continuous updates from software vendors. Stays current on emerging Automation Solution technologies. Qualifications Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering or related field (or equivalent combination of education and experience). 5+ years of progressive IT/OT experience with at least 3 years in Automation Systems, warehouse control software implementation and integration or factory automation systems. Automation / Material handling Systems experience with a focus on warehouse management systems or material handling equipment automation. Strong problem‑solving and decision‑making skills with excellent written and verbal communication skills. Experience/exposure to Programming Languages: C/C++/VC++, JAVA, JavaScript, VB/VBA, ABAP, C#, ASP, SQL, XML, HTML, PLC. Ability and desire to engage with assigned business functions of the Enterprise to understand and articulate the business requirements as well as the IT capabilities and requirements. Experience in system testing and system testing methodology. Experience implementing software used in 24×7 environments. Experience with the main functions and responsibilities within Supply Chain including Warehousing, Inventory Management, Logistics, and automation including Automated‑Guided Vehicles, RF, etc. Experience with robotics and IOT devices. Domestic travel 40–70% depending on location. Work Environment Combination of office environment, warehouse environment, and manufacturing floor environment. Benefits Competitive base salary and bonus opportunities. Paid time off (three‑week minimum). Medical, dental and vision starting day one. 401(k) with employer match. Paid parental leave. Child and family care assistance (dependent care FSA with employer match up to $2500). Bundle of joy benefit (year's worth of free diapers to all team members with a new baby). Tuition assistance. Wellness program with savings of up to $4,000 per year on insurance premiums. Equal Opportunity Employment First Quality is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identification, or protected Veteran status. #J-18808-Ljbffr