Distribution Systems & Automation Specialist (Engineering)

Simon & Schuster was named to Forbes magazine list of America's Best Mid-Size Employers 2022. Simon & Schuster is a global leader in general interest publishing, dedicated to providing the best in fiction and nonfiction for readers of all ages, and in all printed, digital and audio formats. Its distinguished roster of authors includes many of the world's most popular and widely recognized writers, and winners of the most prestigious literary honors and awards. It is home to numerous well-known imprints and divisions such as Simon & Schuster, Scribner, Atria Books, Gallery Books, Pocket Books, Adams Media, Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing and Simon & Schuster Audio and international companies in Australia, Canada, India and the United Kingdom, and proudly brings the works of its authors to readers in more than 200 countries and territories. For more information visit our website at www.simonandschuster.com.


Position Summary
Simon & Schuster is seeking a Distribution Systems & Automation Specialist to support the day-to-day performance of our automated distribution operations. Working closely with the Industrial Engineer, Operations leaders, and IT teams, this role serves as the primary technical resource for warehouse automation systems, workflow optimization, and operational troubleshooting.
This position combines operational expertise with technical problem-solving to ensure our Warehouse Management System (WMS), Warehouse Control System (WCS), conveyance equipment, scanners, and automated workflows operate efficiently. The ideal candidate enjoys diagnosing issues, improving processes, programming and configuring system workflows, and collaborating across departments to enhance distribution performance.


Key Responsibilities
Systems & Automation Support
• Monitor the performance of warehouse automation systems including conveyors, scanners, sortation equipment, and material handling technologies.
• Troubleshoot WMS and WCS issues impacting distribution operations.
• Analyze system errors and determine root causes before escalating to engineering or IT partners.
• Configure, modify, and test operational workflows within warehouse control systems.
• Support programming changes for conveyor routing, workflow logic, and operational sequencing.
• Validate system changes through testing and operational verification.
Workflow Coordination
• Coordinate system workflows between warehouse operations, automation equipment, and business applications.
• Monitor throughput and identify bottlenecks affecting productivity.
• Recommend workflow improvements that increase efficiency, accuracy, and system reliability.
• Partner with operations leadership during peak production periods to quickly resolve workflow interruptions.
Operational Troubleshooting
• Serve as the first point of contact for technical issues impacting automated operations.
• Diagnosing problems involving:
◦ Warehouse Management System (WMS)
◦ Warehouse Control System (WCS)
◦ RF scanners
◦ Labeling systems
◦ Conveyor controls
◦ Print-and-apply equipment
◦ Sortation systems
◦ Inventory movement logic
• Coordinate with Engineering, IT, vendors, and maintenance teams to resolve complex issues.
Data and Analytics
Monitoring KPIs and identifying opportunities before they become operational issues, such as:
• Conveyor throughput and utilization
• Carton flow rates
• System downtime and recurring faults
• WMS/WCS exception reporting
• Pick path efficiency
• Inventory movement bottlenecks
• SLA and order processing performance
• Root cause trend analysis
Continuous Improvement
• Identify recurring operational issues and recommend permanent solutions.
• Assist with automation projects, equipment upgrades, and new system implementations.
• Document workflow logic, troubleshooting procedures, and system configurations.
• Support testing for software upgrades and warehouse system enhancements.
• Participate in Lean and continuous improvement initiatives.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
• Work closely with:
◦ Distribution Engineering
◦ Operations Management
◦ IT
◦ Maintenance
◦ External automation vendors
• Train operations personnel on new workflows and system functionality.
• Provide technical support during new equipment launches and operational changes.


Qualifications
Required
• Undergraduate degree or equivalent experience in Industrial Technology, Information Systems, Engineering Technology, or a related field.
• 5 + years supporting automated warehouse or distributi