Manager, System Engineer

Manager, System Engineer

USA Joliet, IL

Time type: full time

Posted on: June 08, 2026

Job requisition : R7110

What we need

Symbotic is seeking a Manager, System Engineer to run our system control center to ensure critical issues are communicated to the proper cross‑functional teams to ensure system performance. The System Engineer team is responsible for the optimization and performance of the system. As the Manager, System Engineer you will perform reactionary and proactive project‑based tasks to achieve the contractual obligations of the customer.

You will lead in providing a critical explanation of system behavior and functionality to the customer and Symbotic support teams. This person will drive projects’ timelines and budgets and the performance criteria of the system. Development of operational work schedules in collaboration with customer operational requirements.

What we do

The System Engineer is part of the Customer Operations organization which is responsible for leading the day‑to‑day operations of Symbotic’s robotic material handling system. The Customer Operations organization drives operational excellence by engaging and partnering with our onsite customers to drive best‑in‑class quality, safety and system performance.

What you’ll do

• Lead the monitoring of the health of Symbotic’s automated adapters, vertical lifts, and automated robotic vehicles.
• Responsible for leading the troubleshooting of advanced system and operational issues.
• Lead communications on technical concepts clearly and concisely to site teams and customers.
• Accomplish troubleshooting and analysis of difficulties experienced in the field, while seeking long‑term corrective actions using a solutions‑based approach.
• Train and assist operators on overall system including automated adapters, vertical lifts, automated robotic vehicles, warehouse management systems, and other IT problems.
• Ability to step in and effectively backfill key Symbotic on‑site roles.
• Ownership of escalated issues and manage product/service outages through site go‑live.
• Participate in the initiatives for continuous improvement, standardization and improvement of the warehouse automation solution, in a context of change focused on production.
• Ensure that the safety commitments in compliance with OSHA, Symbotic, and our customers’ processes and procedures are met daily.
• Maintain a thorough understanding of company equipment/system capabilities, technical specifications, and product performance.
• Developing bench strength within the organizational structure.
• Additional duties assigned.

What you’ll need

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, business, supply chain, operations management, industrial engineering or related field; master’s degree preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience with automated systems.
• Minimum of 3 years' experience of direct people leadership.
• Minimum of 2 years experience with strong knowledge, and user experience in PLC (Allen Bradley, Siemens), Robot (ABB), and software languages such as SQL, Linux, Python.
• Experience with project management, continuous improvement and Six Sigma.
• Has hands‑on experience with assembling, operating and troubleshooting robotics and electro‑mechanical systems.
• Being able to work under pressure and in an environment of changing priorities.
• A desire to learn new equipment and assist team members as needed.
• A high sense of urgency.

Our Environment

• Approximately 75% of time will be spent on a construction site with PPE required (hard hat, safety vest, steel toes, eyeglasses, ear protection, fall protection such as safety harness).
• There will be steep stairs to climb into the structure. You may be required to routinely walk up and down stairs to navigate the automation structure.
• You will regularly be near railings that are high off the ground.
• Subject to environmental conditions, protection from weather conditions but not necessarily temperature changes. Must be capable of working in temperatures ranging from 105° to 32° Fahrenheit.
• Frequent ability to safely and efficiently lift items weighing up to 50 lbs and move items weighing up to 80 lbs.
• Stand/walk for up to 10‑12 hours and is frequently required to walk and reach with hands…