Lead Mechanical Engineer

FORTNA partners with the world’s leading brands to transform omnichannel and parcel distribution operations. Known world-wide for enabling companies to keep pace with digital disruption and growth objectives, we design and deliver solutions, powered by intelligent software, to optimize fast, accurate and cost-effective order fulfillment and last mile delivery. Our people, innovative approach and proprietary algorithms and tools ensure optimal operations design and material and information flow. We deliver exceptional value every day to our customers with comprehensive services and products including network strategy, distribution center operational design and implementation, material handling automated equipment, robotics and a comprehensive suite of lifecycle services.

At FORTNA, we believe in fostering a workplace that isn't just a job but a movement – a collective effort to redefine success and transform challenges into opportunities. "Join the Movement" encapsulates our commitment to a workplace culture that thrives on collaboration, celebrates diversity, and empowers every individual to contribute to something greater than themselves. Our Team. Our Passion. Our Approach.

POSITION SUMMARY:

This Lead Engineering position will be responsible for leading design work of distribution center operations and material handling systems with Fortna’s Clients in conjunction with Fortna’s Operations Design team. This Engineering role is accountable for driving results around the quality and feasibility of design, ensuring operational and business requirements are met using judgment in the evaluation and application of engineering techniques, procedures, and criteria. This will be done utilizing extensive knowledge and experience of the conveyor and automation engineering field as related to material handling systems, equipment, processes, and facilities, to lead multiple project or program efforts for Fortna’s Clients. This position will also devise new approaches to problems and prepare or modify drawings, specifications, calculations, charts, and graphs, and monitor work for compliance to applicable codes and accepted engineering practices. This position is expected to serve as the Engineering lead during Integrated Detail Design (IDD) and Implementation phases of projects. It is considered a senior technical role within the organization, and expected to provide coaching, mentoring, and developing other members of the Engineering group. This position will also be required to coordinate the day-to-day activities within the project engineering and/or the advanced engineering group. This role may also migrate into becoming a singular program role for certain Clients. The associate will need excellent material handling design skills, the ability to develop technologies to complete system designs and become a subject matter expert within the engineering team and department.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:

• Provides direction to the Fortna design teams on distribution operations design efforts including:
• Being involved in concept design reviews to support and understand the design and be part of design reviews to support the client solution development.
• Refining the design to validate or invalidate the engineering aspects of the technologies selected for the solution meeting the Client requirements and recognizing potential risk areas requiring further training to be resolved.
• Development of a solution that meets all business and operational requirements
• Project capital budget estimation meetings for engineering hours to implement the design of the project solution
• Understanding the roles and responsibilities of all team members associated with Integrated Detail Design (IDD) and Implementation efforts, and ability to utilize each team member effectively, commensurate to role expectations and individual abilities.
• Developing and supporting concept design project budgets and schedules.
• Ownership development of a wide array of conceptual designs to meet various Client, business, and operational requirements. Concepts may range from manual to fully automated solutions.
• Work with the MSE Project Lead to schedule periodic, formal and informal reviews as the design moves through approval, order entry, and the review of supplier approval drawings.
• Reviews and approves designs, requirements, assumptions, designs, and budgets utilizing Fortna standard documentation.
• Leading and documenting final engineering efforts, weekly meetings, publishing regular status reports (consolidated from other engineering departments and technical services), tracking engineering schedule and budgets, and resource planning and scheduling.
• Provides direction and continuously evaluating project progress against plan.
• Documenting and managing project changes with Client and Fortna Design Teams.
• Evaluating and supporting tools development, continuous improvement, and use, such as Fortna DCconceptor™, DCdesigner®
• Managing the engineering scope, schedule, and budget pertaining to IDD and Implementation project phases.
• Providing estimates to complete (ETC) to Project Management (PM) for Engineering scope and effort
• TEAM COMPETENCIES:
• Team leadership competencies, collaboration abilities, and cross-functional awareness are required attributes of the Lead Engineer. The Lead Engineer is also expected to support development efforts for the Engineering department such as process improvements, tool development, supporting departmental goals, infrastructure, and standard improvement. Overall, the Lead Engineer is considered a primary stakeholder in ensuring the successful completion of projects for Fortna and Fortna’s Clients, as well as ensuring continuous improvement within the Engineering department.
• PROJECT BASED ACTIVITIES AND DELIVERABLES:
• Leading, developing and supporting material handling designs in AutoCAD and Fortna DCconceptor™, DCdesigner®.
• Supporting development of requirements documentation - business, operational, engineering and customer requirements.
• Leading the development of Request for Proposal (RFP) and requirement documentation for MHE Supplier scope (including high technology elements of a design, such as automated storage and retrieval systems - AS/RS).
• Supporting the development of the Description of Operations (DOO).
• Owner of supplier selection processes including high technology or high complexity supplier scopes.
• Supporting all aspects of Electrical and Controls Engineering development of technical aspects of Description of Operations (DOO), such as the machine control specification documentation.
• Maintaining and frequently updating on project actions, decisions, risks, and assumptions for all projects assigned.
• Meet with the solution development team at implementation kick off when the project will be handed off to the D&F Mechanical Engineering Department
• Overseeing and ensuring the quality and accuracy of common inputs to the Estimation department including: Fortna DCconceptor™ drawing and budget outputs, and budgetary quotes from suppliers for subsystems.
• Leading final drawing approval with the Client.
• Coordinating all prototype efforts (plans, signoff, budgets, etc.).
• Managing project close-out and final documentation including project review, risk assessments and lessons learned.
• Ensuring drawing quality control and quality assurance needed to provide a good implementation and supporting DQC Process (Mechanical & Electrical).
• Integral in collaborating with and offering guidance in Engineering project teams (Mechanical Engineering [ME], Electrical Engineering {EE], and Controls Engineering [CE]) during Integrated Detail Design (IDD) and Implementation project phases:
• Equipment supplier evaluation and RFP development and evaluation
• Internal (ME, EE, CE and SE) and Client design review meetings relating to equipment speeds, feeds, and control.
• Mechanical fabrication and installation drawings
• Supplier approval drawing process
• Electrical fabrication and installation drawings
• CONTINUING EDUCATION RESPONSIBILITIES
• Attending tradeshows as required and approved by Engineering Leadership.
• Attending supplier training and technology awareness hosted events as required and approved by Engineering Leadership.
• Evaluating new technologies and companies in the Material Handling and related industries.
• Evaluating potential new Suppliers and assist / lead technical qualification of Supplier.
• Staying abreast of material handling offerings, application of technology, and operational processes.
• Continually self-educating and evaluating current and future technology and operating methodologies for possible inclusions in current and future concept designs.
• OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES
• Partner with Sales and Operations Design Leads in presenting the Statement of Work (SOW) to perspective Clients, as required.
• Influencing pricing efforts through the design process.
• Leading or attending Client meetings as required
• Supporting recruiting and interviewing of potential Fortna candidates.
• Review Design Standards, Codes, and Procedures.
  

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical or Industrial Engineering from an accredited college with 8 years of relevant experience leading engineering responsibilities at project level or; Master’s degree and 5 years relevant experience or; 10 years in engineering leadership role.
• Proficiency in the use of AutoCAD with at least 7 years practical experience.
• Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office products, particularly Word, Excel, Visio and MS Project.
• Experience in meeting and design session leadership and facilitation.
• Ability to present in front of a large group including all stakeholders.
• Extensive experience in conveyor and sortation material handling equipment designs and applications.
• Knowledge of and ability to work with and manage multiple suppliers.
• Ability to manage schedules and budgets for projects.
• Ability to motivate others while working remotely.
• Ability to expand knowledge of industry best practices and latest innovations in the industry.
• Superior oral and written communication skills.
• Very strong leadership and collaboration skills.
• Ability to coach, lead, and manage others including remote resources in multiple time zones using conference calls, webcasts, webinars, video conferencing, or other forms of digital communication.
• Strong interpersonal, organizational, time management and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to travel domestically (10-20%) and internationally (possess active passport).
• Ability to perform essential functions of the job.
• Proven leadership skills with some leadership experience, strong business acumen.
• Adept at being resourceful, learning quickly, and innovative problem solving.
  
  

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master’s degree.
• Consulting, operations and/or distribution experience in supply chain logistics.
• Extensive experience in material handling equipment.
• AutoStore sizing/simulation or AS/RS experience.
• Experience supervising or managing departments, direct reports, project budgets.
  
  

WORKING CONDITIONS:

When duties are performed in a typical office environment, extended periods of sitting at a desk and viewing a computer screen will be required. Also required is the ability to talk and hear, in person and by telephone; use of hands to handle, feel, or operate standard office equipment; and ability to reach with hands and arms. Associates are frequently required to walk and stand. The noise level in this work environment is usually quiet. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

When travelling to Client sites, essential requirements of this position may require physical presence in various environments and locations. Physical stamina may be required for prolonged standing, bending, stooping, and/or working in cramped quarters. Exposure to potentially dangerous tools and equipment amidst a variety of building materials is probable, as is occasional exposure to moving mechanical parts. The noise level in the work environment can vary from being relatively quiet, to moderate, to excessive. Safety shoes or boots may be required in certain situations. Additional safety clothing including gloves, hardhats, and devices to protect eyes, mouth, or hearing, will be worn as necessary.

All Associates are entitled to work in environments where risks to their health and safety are properly controlled. Alongside Fortna taking the appropriate steps to provide information on the Health and Safety requirements of the country they are working in, it is the Associates’ responsibility to ensure they are aware of and follow these Health and Safety requirements, noting that regulations can vary significantly from one country to another.

Associates are reminded that they have a duty to take care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions at work. Associates must follow Fortna’s policies and guidelines and always cooperate with their co-workers to help everyone meet their legal requirements. If in doubt, Associates should speak with their Resource Manager or a Site Manager within the country they are visiting.

This position description should not be considered all-inclusive.



This job description describes the general nature and level of work expected of a person assigned to this position. All job requirements listed indicate the minimum level of knowledge, skills and/or ability deemed necessary to perform the job proficiently. Employees may be required to perform any other job-related duties as requested by their supervisor.


It is the policy of FORTNA and its affiliated companies to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, pregnancy or pregnancy-related condition, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, citizenship status (if authorized to work in the U.S.), or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. In addition, FORTNA will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities.