Purpose of the Role

The Senior Electromechanical Design Engineer leads the design, development and implementation of integrated automation and material handling systems that improve customer supply chain efficiencies. This role works independently across multiple concurrent projects, driving technical decisions, mentoring engineers, and contributing to the strategic direction of the warehouse systems product category.

Areas of Responsibility

Product Design & Development

• Lead the conceptualization, design, prototyping, and testing of integrated automation and material handling solutions across multiple concurrent projects.
• Lead the design, development, and implementation of automated solutions and control stations at test center scale.
• Create automation and machine designs including 3D models, drawings, wiring diagrams, programming, safety features, and component sourcing.
• Lead comprehensive validation testing in preparation for customer site implementation.
• Deliver tooling-ready designs; partner with manufacturing, tooling, and quality to ensure manufacturability.
• Complete product revisions through the ECR process; proactively identify and resolve complex electrical and mechanical issues.

NPD Process & Validation

• Demonstrate deep command of Rehrig Pacific's phase gate process and drive adherence across project teams.
• Lead the development and execution of product validation plans and testing protocols.
• Identify gaps in existing NPD SOPs and drive improvements to phase gate practices, validation methods, or documentation.

Manufacturing & Supplier Development

• Lead supplier identification and evaluation alongside operations, procurement, and quality.
• Apply deep technical knowledge to assess manufacturing and integration capabilities of potential suppliers.
• Expand Rehrig Pacific's supplier and manufacturing network in the warehouse automation category.

Collaboration & Cross-Functional Leadership

• Lead cross-functional design reviews; represent the engineering perspective to leadership and stakeholders.
• Collaborate with the Technology and Material Handling teams to analyze and solve complex supply chain challenges.
• Influence project direction and drive accountability within the NPD project team.

Knowledge Development & Sharing

• Own one or more Domain Standards in warehouse automation; synthesize Project Knowledge entries into updated, actionable guidance.
• Actively mentor Electromechanical Design Engineers.
• Contribute to the engineering training curriculum.
• Follow and enforce document control procedures.

Customer & Industry Engagement

• Lead field investigations to assist in opportunity identification and clarify design requirements.
• Serve as one of RPC's subject matter experts in warehouse automation, material handling systems, warehouse implementation and change management.
• Build deep knowledge of the warehouse automation market including trends, competitors, customers, and applications.

Technical Domain

Warehouse — Electromechanical & Automation Systems

• Expert proficiency in 3D CAD modeling software (Solidworks) and electrical design tools.
• Thorough hands-on experience integrating sensors and electronics in both mobile and permanent structures, including RFID, camera, and related sensors along with communications systems such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and cellular.
• Expert knowledge of automation equipment systems including conveyors, stackers, destackers, turntables, and wrappers.
• Thorough understanding of sensors, robotics, complex mechanical designs, and various controls with experience specifying hardware and software for automation systems.
• Thorough understanding of mechanical and electrical safety requirements and regulations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Electromechanical, Mechatronics Engineering, or related technical discipline.
• Minimum 6 years of experience developing, testing, and integrating related products with proven results.
• High level of self-initiative with the demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Proven team leadership experience working collaboratively both vertically and horizontally throughout an organization.
• Strong written and oral communication skills with the ability to build rapport with others.
• Flexibility to travel to customer, supplier, and Rehrig Pacific facilities as needed up to 30% of the time.

Preferred Skills

• Experience with machine learning, vision object recognition, or related AI/technology integration.
• Deep knowledge of PLC programming, controls systems, or industrial communication protocols.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze complex supply chains and develop value-added solutions.