Automation & Solutions Engineer

Take your career further with McLane!

McLane teammates, the driving force behind our success, are diverse professionals who work together seamlessly to keep our operations running smoothly. As a teammate, you will pair your dedication, expertise, and collaborative spirit with your fellow teammates to serve America's most beloved brands. McLane leaders think long-term, act with purpose, and inspire high performance. They lead with accountability, communicate clearly, and drive results through collaboration, innovation, and continuous growth. They empower each teammate to learn from industry leaders, develop their skills, and build lasting connections nationwide.

McLane is seeking an Automation & Solutions Engineer to design and implement innovative automation solutions that enhance distribution center operations across our nationwide supply chain network. In this role, you'll help drive efficiency, scalability, and operational excellence through advanced material handling technologies, facility design, and process automation.

Join a team that's shaping the future of supply chain operations through automation, technology, and continuous improvement. Working alongside operations leaders, engineers, and technology partners, you'll help deliver solutions that make a meaningful impact across McLane's distribution network.

This is a fully remote position, but candidates must be willing and able to travel to support on-site assessments, project implementation, and collaboration across McLane's distribution network.

Benefits You Can Count On:

• Pay rate: $95,000 to $105,000 per year.
• This role is also eligible to participate in the annual incentive plan with a target incentive of 12.5% of your base annual salary.
• Day 1 Benefits: medical, dental, and vision insurance, FSA/HSA, and company-paid life insurance
• Paid time off begins day one.
• 401(k) Profit Sharing Plan after 90 days.
• Additional benefits: pet insurance, maternity/paternity leave, employee assistance programs, discount programs, tuition reimbursement program, and more!

What You'll Do:

• Design and develop automated material handling equipment (MHE) solutions that improve distribution center performance and efficiency.
• Analyze facility workflows and operational processes to identify automation opportunities and optimize system design.
• Create detailed facility layouts, schematics, and design documentation using AutoCAD and other engineering design tools.
• Evaluate and recommend automation technologies, including conveyors, sortation systems, robotics, and other advanced solutions.
• Conduct ROI analyses to assess emerging technologies and support strategic investment decisions.
• Partner with operations teams, engineers, vendors, and stakeholders to deliver automation projects from concept through implementation.
• Utilize simulation and modeling tools to validate designs and ensure throughput, safety, and operational objectives are achieved.
• Lead design reviews and provide technical oversight during installation and implementation activities.
• Develop presentations and visual materials to communicate project designs and recommendations.
• Research emerging automation trends and recommend innovative solutions that support long-term network growth and scalability.

What We're Looking For:

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related engineering discipline; equivalent relevant experience may be considered.
• Three or more years of experience developing and implementing automation projects within an industrial, manufacturing, logistics, or distribution environment.
• Experience working with automated material handling systems (MHE), process automation, or supply chain technologies.
• Experience with facility design, infrastructure planning, and capital equipment acquisition.
• Distribution center, warehouse automation, or automation integration experience preferred.

Technical Skills

• Advanced proficiency with AutoCAD; SolidWorks experience preferred.
• Knowledge of industrial automation systems, sensors, controls, and process engineering concepts.
• Familiarity with automation technologies, conveyors, sortation systems, robotics, and related MHE solutions.
• SQL experience preferred.
• Strong Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Office skills.

Professional Attributes

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to develop practical, scalable solutions.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to translate technical concepts for diverse audiences.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Curiosity and passion for emerging technologies, automation trends, and continuous improvement.
• Collaborative mindset with a desire to drive innovation and operational excellence.

This position requires the ability to read, write, and understand English at a level sufficient to perform job-related tasks effectively and safely. This includes understanding work instructions, safety protocols, and communications essential to the role. The requirement is directly related to the nature of the job and ensures compliance with workplace safety and operational standards.

Why Join Us?

At McLane, your work has a direct impact on a nationwide supply chain that serves thousands of customers and communities every day. You'll have the opportunity to work on high-visibility projects, implement innovative technologies, and help shape the future of distribution center operations. We offer a collaborative environment where engineering expertise is valued, new ideas are encouraged, and professional growth is supported. If you're looking for a role where you can combine technical innovation, operational strategy, and real-world impact, we'd love to hear from you. Join McLane and help build smarter, faster, and more connected supply chain solutions.

Our roadmap. Our story.

We've been forging our path as a leader in the distribution industry since 1894. Building an expansive nationwide network of team members for 130+ years has allowed us to stay agile for our clients across the restaurant, retail, and e-commerce industries. We look to the future and are ready to continue making industry-defining moves by embracing the newest technology into our practices, continuing team member training, and emphasizing our people-centered culture.

Candidates may be subject to a background check and drug screen, in accordance with applicable laws.

All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

For our complete EEO and Pay Transparency statement, please visit https://www.mclaneco.com/legal/employment/