Demo

Principal Engineer - Automation (Industrial/Mechanical)

Wesco
Nashville, TN Full Time
POSTED ON 11/9/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 12/15/2026
Job Description

As the Principal Engineer - Automation, you will be responsible for leading the architecture and development of automation solutions for warehouse material management. You will provide expert level guidance to engineers and lead complex integration, development and deployment of commercially available fulfillment automation systems that are designed to interact with other automation, such as robotics, and people that help facilitate material movement and handling. You will be a key contributor to the creation and communication of the Global Automation Roadmap and lead the execution of automation and robotic designs and implementation.

Responsibilities

  • In collaboration with an interdisciplinary team, executes product designs from concept to production including specification, design, validation and testing
  • Ensure a smooth product launch in collaboration with the Operations, Lean, Safety and Quality organizations. as well as vendors and integrators to deliver automation solutions
  • Benchmark performance of third party and internally derived automation systems against specifications and choose pragmatic solutions with long development and predictable timelines to implement on future efforts
  • Create guidelines for and collaborate with engineering and operations teams to set the bar for design for automation for warehouse material handling processes; define scope of work and description of operation
  • Review and interpret customers’ project specifications manage budget, schedule, and scope of design
  • Participate in simulation/emulation as needed; design and implement automation systems in operational environments
  • Collaborate with the Financial Analyst to evaluate automation systems through cost analysis and capital expenditure requests to justify automation projects
  • Educate members of technology deployment and plant floor operation on the most complex automation system architecture, usability, and functionality
  • Exhibit role model behaviors of thorough engineering analysis and cradle to grave ownership; provide expert level guidance to other automation engineers
  • Lead the design and adaptation of holistic hardware solutions for ambiguous problems with fluid requirements

Qualifications

  • Bachelors Degree – Electronic Engineering, Mechatronic Engineering, Robotics Engineering or similar field required; Masters Degree preferred
  • Licenses/Certificates/Designations – Certified Automation Professional (CAP) or Project Management Professional (PMP), Certified Lean Six Sigma
  • 10 years experience developing, integrating and deploying mechatronic and robotic systems; and exposure in Distribution Centers’ Automation and Digitization
  • 5 years CAD/CAM experience and understanding of best practices for part design, advanced assemblies, complex configuration management
  • 5 years hands on experience crafting proof-of-concept models and prototypes
  • Expert level organizational skills and the ability to work well with teams
  • Ability to effectively communicate concepts and write technical documents
  • Desire and energy to work in a fast-paced agile environment
  • Project management experience with full lifecycle and proficiency at completing tasks to meet associated milestones
  • Experience evaluating design, performance and logistical tradeoffs for hardware systems
  • Ability to travel 25% - 50%

Compensation Details: $108,479 - $184,414 Annually

This amount is what we reasonably believe we will pay for the position; however, offer amounts may vary based on factors such as geographic location, relevant education, experience, qualifications, skills, shift, or any collective bargaining agreements.

For eligible positions, compensation may include participation in a bonus or sales incentive plan, subject to the terms and conditions of the applicable plan documents. For certain sales roles, Wesco also offers a commission structure that provides additional compensation based on sales results, as defined by the applicable commission plan.

In addition, Wesco offers a benefits program for eligible employees, which may include paid time off, medical, dental, and vision coverage, and retirement savings plans. Additional details about benefits are available here .

About The Team

At Wesco, we build, connect, power and protect the world. As a leading provider of business-to-business distribution, logistics services and supply chain solutions, we create a world that you can depend on.

Our Company’s greatest asset is our people. Wesco is committed to fostering a workplace where every individual is respected, valued, and empowered to succeed. We promote a culture that is grounded in teamwork and respect. With a workforce of over 20,000 people worldwide, we embrace the unique perspectives each person brings. Through comprehensive benefits and active community engagement, we create an environment where every team member has the opportunity to thrive.

Learn more about Working at Wesco here and apply online today!

Founded in 1922 and headquartered in Pittsburgh, Wesco is a publicly traded (NYSE: WCC) FORTUNE 500® company.

Wesco International, Inc., including its subsidiaries and affiliates (“Wesco”) provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, religion, color, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, or other characteristics protected by law. US applicants only, we are an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Los Angeles Unincorporated County Candidates Only: Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance and the California Fair Chance Act.

This posting is for a current, active vacancy intended for immediate hire.

Salary : $108,479 - $184,414

If your compensation planning software is too rigid to deploy winning incentive strategies, it’s time to find an adaptable solution. Compensation Planning
Enhance your organization's compensation strategy with salary data sets that HR and team managers can use to pay your staff right. Surveys & Data Sets

What is the career path for a Principal Engineer - Automation (Industrial/Mechanical)?

Sign up to receive alerts about other jobs on the Principal Engineer - Automation (Industrial/Mechanical) career path by checking the boxes next to the positions that interest you.
Income Estimation: 
$162,237 - $199,353
Income Estimation: 
$222,110 - $256,974
Income Estimation: 
$224,976 - $270,947
Income Estimation: 
$205,834 - $254,869
Income Estimation: 
$242,530 - $287,120
Income Estimation: 
$120,579 - $154,482
Income Estimation: 
$143,102 - $186,922
Employees: Get a Salary Increase
View Core, Job Family, and Industry Job Skills and Competency Data for more than 15,000 Job Titles Skills Library

Job openings at Wesco

  • Wesco Westlake, LA
  • Job Description As a Customer Service Representative, you will respond to customer inquiries by telephone, e-mail and/or walk-ins to provide inquiry or pro... more
  • 4 Days Ago

  • Wesco Shawnee, KS
  • Job Description The Customer Service Representative (CSR) serves as the primary operational support resource for customers and the Sales team. This role is... more
  • 4 Days Ago

  • Wesco Phoenix, AZ
  • Launch your career! We are hiring immediately for Warehouse workers! We will teach you about distribution and supply chain techniques valued by Fortune 250... more
  • 4 Days Ago

  • Wesco St. Louis, MO
  • As the Associate Administrator - Service Contracts, you will support the management of vendor relationships and service contracts for critical infrastructu... more
  • 4 Days Ago


Not the job you're looking for? Here are some other Principal Engineer - Automation (Industrial/Mechanical) jobs in the Nashville, TN area that may be a better fit.

  • Wesco Nashville, TN
  • As the Principal Engineer - Automation, you will be responsible for leading the architecture and development of automation solutions for warehouse material... more
  • 27 Days Ago

  • ATC Automation Cookeville, TN
  • Are you an engineer who enjoys figuring out how things should work, solving manufacturing problems, and turning ideas into practical equipment solutions? A... more
  • 21 Days Ago

AI Assistant is available now!

Feel free to start your new journey!