Sr. Solutions & Automation Engineer

Location: Grand Rapids, MI or Remote (U.S.)

Department: Solutions Development

Position Type: Full-Time

This position as a Sr. Solutions & Automation Engineer will be the technical pillar supporting the sale of automated warehousing solutions. This role is responsible for translating customer requirements into technically sound, commercially competitive system concepts, estimates, and functional scopes. Working closely with Sales and cross-functional engineering teams, the position develops solutions leveraging AS/RS, AMRs/AGVs, robotics, conveyor systems, warehouse software, and other automation technologies. Success requires strong technical expertise, business acumen, and the ability to manage multiple opportunities within a fast-paced and evolving sales environment.

Key Responsibilities

Systems Estimation & Solutions Development

• Develop system concepts, operational flows, budgets, and BOM-level estimates aligned with the sales strategy, customer objectives, and DLN standards
• Review and interpret customer RFPs, specifications, and functional requirements
• Produce preliminary system flow charts, schedules, & description of operations
• Serve as the primary technical advisor throughout the sales cycle
• Perform in-person site audits & technical presentations
• Develop trusted advisor relationships with customers and key stakeholders

Technical Design Support

• Maintain familiarity with new automation technologies used in material handling (including AS/RS, robotics, AMRs) through continued research & vendor relationships
• Evaluate various technologies to support the best solutions for client challenges
• Identify & document risk factors, integration complexity, and resource assumptions

Project & Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Lead cross-functional solution development efforts to deliver accurate, competitive, and executable customer proposals
• Collaborate with mechanical engineering, project managers, and applications engineers to ensure alignment between project scope, schedule, throughput, and project costs
• Lead concept reviews, estimation reviews, and internal handoffs
• Participate in project handoff activities to ensure solution intent, assumptions, and customer expectations are accurately transferred to execution teams

Process & Standards Development

• Lead continuous improvement of internal estimation tools, design standards, and sizing calculators

Required Skills & Experience

• 5+ years of experience with material handling automation, pre-sales estimation, application engineering, controls engineering, or system integration.
• Bachelor’s Degree in Industrial, Mechanical, Controls, Software, or adjacent Engineering fields.
• Strong knowledge of warehouse automation technologies, including AS/RS, AMRs/AGVs, conveyors, sortation, robotics, and warehouse software systems
• Experience developing system estimates, concepts, & proposals for automation projects
• Ability to read, interpret, & generate CAD generated layout drawings Ability to clearly communicate technical concepts with audiences who have wide ranging skill sets including internal & external stakeholders
• Demonstrate ability to build strong interpersonal relationships

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with estimating or sales engineering in material handling automation
• Experience with AutoCAD, Demo3D, SketchUp, or other 2D & 3D drafting tools
• Ability to travel (up to ≈30%)