Senior Warehouse Automation & Systems Engineer
AKIRAIn 2002, AKIRA opened the doors to its first women's clothing boutique in Chicago. Since then, the company has extended its reach to 40+ stores across the United States, as well as a thriving eCommerce business (shopAKIRA.com). AKIRA is extremely well-poised for sustained growth as we continue to build a nationally recognized brand. AKIRA's culture has one very large, distinct difference from other high fashion competitors: Other-Worldly Customer Service and Fanatical, Obsessive Attention to the consumer's needs and desires. The core principle for all employees at AKIRA is to Act and Think Like an Owner, and this belief can be reflected across all areas of the company. The Position: Senior Warehouse Automation & Systems Engineer Location: Bolingbrook, IL, with time at Chicago HQ (200 N Fairfield Ave) as needed. Reports to: Director of IT Position Type: Temp-to-Hire. This role starts as a temporary position with the intent to convert to full-time employment. The temporary term is typically 6 months, and conversion may happen sooner based on performance. Position Overview As the Senior Warehouse Automation & Systems Engineer, you will own robot uptime, warehouse automation, and warehouse IT at our Bolingbrook warehouse. This is a senior engineering role that also covers day-to-day helpdesk support for the warehouse. You will keep our Geekplus robots, warehouse systems, and floor technology running at a high level. You will find the root cause of failures and fix them for good. You will also build the maintenance plans, documentation, and automated workflows that prevent downtime before it happens. You will work closely with warehouse leadership, operations staff, the Director of IT, and Geekplus to keep operations efficient and productive. Our Bolingbrook warehouse supports production, packing, and retail operations. It runs Geekplus goods-to-person robots, TSC and Zebra label printers, RF scanners, and our warehouse management system (WMS). You will be the site owner for this equipment. You will diagnose and repair robot hardware, and manage the vendor relationship with Geekplus. Essential Functions Solution-Oriented Mindset: Focus not just on the problems but on the most efficient ways to solve. Embrace challenges as opportunities to innovate and improve. Hands-On Problem Solving: Approach technical challenges with practical, efficient solutions tailored to the warehouse environment. Proactiveness: Instead of merely reacting to issues, foresee potential challenges and strategize to mitigate them. This forward-thinking approach will significantly reduce escalations and improve overall system stability. Clear Communication: Effectively explain technical solutions to non-technical staff. Integrity & Transparency: Being open about challenges, mistakes, and victories creates a culture of trust. Uphold ethical standards and communicate transparently with all stakeholders. Calm Under Pressure: When unexpected issues arise, maintaining a calm demeanor, and leading the team effectively through the crisis will be a key determinant of success. Safety First: Follow all vendor and site safety procedures when working on or near robots and automated equipment. Put safety ahead of speed. Creative Problem Solving: Think outside the box. Find practical, low-cost fixes with what is on hand, build smart workarounds when parts or vendors are delayed, and question how things are done today. Independent Ownership: Work with a high degree of autonomy. Use sound judgment, set priorities, and be the go-to person for warehouse technology. Key Responsibilities Internal Customer Support: Provide hands-on helpdesk support for warehouse staff and leadership, including computers, accounts, printers, scanners, and Wi-Fi. Deliver unsurpassed support. Take ownership of complex and high-impact issues from start to finish. Expert Technical Troubleshooting: Own system stability for warehouse technology. Troubleshoot advanced hardware, software, and network problem…