The Lead Automation Engineer role on the Design Engineering team at Target involves designing and managing high-impact supply chain automation projects aimed at enhancing efficiency and guest satisfaction. This senior position requires leading cross-functional teams in evaluating, testing, and deploying advanced technologies across distribution centers. Key responsibilities include ensuring safety standards, driving innovation through technology evaluations, creating detailed test plans, and collaborating with vendors to implement new systems. The ideal candidate has a background in industrial or mechanical engineering, extensive experience in material handling and automation, and strong project management skills for complex, multi-million dollar initiatives. Proficiency in CAD software, programming of automation systems, and safety standards is essential, along with the ability to mentor junior engineers and work effectively under tight deadlines.
Skills
CAD
PLC Programming
Robotics
Vision Systems
Project Management
Safety Standards
Risk Assessment
Automation Testing
Vendor Management
Material Handling
Manufacturing Lines
Cross-functional Collaboration
Factory Acceptance Test Plans
Site Acceptance Test Plans
Request for Proposal (RFP)
SOW Documentation
What you'll do
Ensure safety in design for all GSCL supply chain automation projects.
Evaluate technologies through cafeteria plans and methodical processes.
Create and execute Factory Acceptance Test Plans and Site Acceptance Test Plans.
Lead innovation proof of concepts to evaluate new technologies.
Develop technical Request for Proposal (RFP) documents and qualify proposals.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams to plan activation of engineering systems.
Mentor and coach junior engineers and peer team members.
What we're looking for
Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or equivalent experience.
7+ years of material handling, automation, manufacturing, supply chain, and logistics experience.
Proven project management experience with multi-million dollar complex projects.
Extensive programming, troubleshooting, and testing of automation systems.
Strong safety system knowledge and risk assessment skills.
Ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously under uncertainty.
Excellent leadership and cross-functional collaboration skills.
Market check
Salary context
This
$115,000–$206,000
range sits above
41%
of similar postings on FindRole.
Peer median band
$131,650–$203,750
Median floor and ceiling across peers.
Typical midpoint (25–75%)
$142,400–$205,000
Middle half of comparable postings.
Based on 240 comparable postings.*
* 240 is the maximum number of comparable postings sampled.
Employer
About Target
Target Corporation is a large-format general merchandise and grocery retailer offering a wide assortment of everyday essentials, apparel, home goods, and electronics through stores and online. Industry: General Merchandise Retail
Target currently has
43 open roles
on FindRole.
Listed pay typically runs
$98,000–$176,000
across 43 roles with salary data.
1000 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis,Mn 55403-2542, US22 days ago
$88,000–$158,000
Ignition
Jython
Python
PLCs
OPC UA
MQTT
SQL
Git
SCADA
Automation Systems
OT Security
Version Control
WCS/WES Integration
Ethernet/IP
Modbus
Perspective/Vision Development