Automation Solutions Engineer
Ranpak · Shelton, Connecticut, United States ·
- Employment
- Full time
- Category
- Solutions engineering
A senior customer-facing engineer who designs complex packaging and warehouse automation solutions during pre-sales — translating customer requirements into system architectures, building ROI business cases, and supporting delivery. Requires strong industrial automation, PLC/HMI controls, and material handling expertise, with 25–45% travel.
Key Responsibilities
Solution Design
- Lead the design of complex automation solutions, including packaging automation, material handling interfaces, and system integrations.
- Translate customer operational requirements into technical system architectures and solution concepts. Drive and guide solutions to effectively integrate with broader warehouse ecosystems, AS/RS, robot picking and other goods-to-person systems.
- Consult on box design and dimensions based on best practices, industry knowledge and data-driven Precube’it! (bin packing algorithm tool) consulting.
- Develop specifications, system descriptions, and performance assumptions.
- Evaluate feasibility, risks, and constraints for automation projects.
Sales & Customer Engagement
- Act as a senior technical partner during pre-sales and solution definition phases.
- Support customer meetings, site visits, and technical workshops.
- Present solution concepts, technical trade-offs, and value propositions to both technical and executive audiences.
- Utilize tools (bin-packing algorithms) to demonstrate solution performance and value.
- Present solution concepts, technical trade-offs, and value propositions to both technical and executive audiences.
- Build and present ROI/COI-driven business cases, clearly articulating financial and operational value to stakeholders.
Partner Engagement
- Educate strategic partners like consultants, integrators and 3PL on the portfolio and the added value within the overall solutions.
- Coordinate / manage the technical aspects of key-account management
Project Execution Support
- Collaborate with Project Managers and field teams to resolve technical issues.
- Ensure solutions align with Ranpak engineering standards and best practices.
- Support continuous improvement of solution templates and design methodologies.
Expertise
- Serve as a subject matter expert in automation and systems engineering.
- Stay current with automation technologies, controls, and industry trends.
- Contribute feedback to product management and R&D based on field experience.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s or master's degree in engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial, Mechatronics, or related field).
- Extensive experience in automation, material handling, or industrial systems engineering, highly preferably in intralogistical applications
- Proven experience designing and delivering complex automated systems.
- Strong understanding of:
- Industrial automation and system integration
- Controls architecture (PLC/HMI concepts)
- Mechanical and electrical system interfaces
- Curious, pro-active, collaborative and hands-on mentality
- Experience working in a customer-facing, solutions-oriented role.
- Ability to travel up to ~25–45%.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with packaging automation, warehouse automation, or intralogistics systems.
- Familiarity with high-volume distribution, manufacturing, or e-commerce environments.
- Experience supporting technical sales or capital equipment projects.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
- Ability to operate comfortably in ambiguous, fast-moving environments.
- Preferably experienced in CAD design (2D or 3D)