Senior Manager, Automation Engineering

Walmart Walmart · Retail · Bentonville, AR

Senior Manager role focused on identifying, testing, and scaling robotics and AI/ML-enabled automation technologies within Walmart's supply chain and distribution network. The role involves assessing emerging technologies, partnering with suppliers, leading pilots, and driving scalable deployment to improve operational efficiency, safety, and accuracy.

What you'd actually do

  1. Build a deep understanding of Walmart supply chain operations, fulfillment workflows, and automation priorities to identify where emerging technologies can drive measurable business value.
  2. Assess new automation opportunities across the network, including robotics, intelligent material movement, pallet tracking, and AI/ML-enabled systems that can improve throughput, safety, accuracy, and scalability.
  3. Identify, evaluate, and influence external suppliers and technology partners, bringing clarity to which solutions are ready for pilot, which are scalable, and which are not.
  4. Lead pilots and real-world trials in distribution centers and fulfillment environments, translating technical possibilities into operational results.
  5. Partner closely with implementation, engineering, and operations teams to move successful solutions beyond proof of concept into scalable deployment across the network.

Skills

Required

  • robotics, automation, or advanced engineering
  • robotics systems integration, control systems, PLC logic, WCS/WES, software-enabled automation, LiDAR, and AI/ML applications
  • assess technology not only for technical merit, but also for operational fit, business value, and scalability
  • working with external vendors, startups, or strategic suppliers
  • collaboration skills and the ability to lead through influence
  • technical credibility, strategic thinking, and business judgment
  • change leadership mindset
  • Curiosity about emerging technology
  • bachelor’s degree in mechanical, electrical, industrial, or a related engineering field

Nice to have

  • Experience rolling out robotics or automation solutions in supply chain or warehouse environments
  • Exposure to physical AI or advanced intelligent automation systems
  • Experience building robotics products or working in a robotics startup environment
  • Background from organizations known for advanced automation

What the JD emphasized

  • robotics, automation, or advanced engineering
  • robotics systems integration, control systems, PLC logic, WCS/WES, software-enabled automation, LiDAR, and AI/ML applications
  • technical credibility, strategic thinking, and business judgment

Other signals

  • AI/ML-enabled systems
  • robotics
  • automation technologies
  • pilot into real operational deployment
  • scale it successfully