Senior Engineer, Warehouse Automation and Controls

About Us:

Rent the Runway (RTR)  is transforming the way we get dressed by pioneering the world’s first Closet in the Cloud. Founded in 2009, RTR has disrupted the $2.4 trillion fashion industry by inspiring women with a more joyful, sustainable and financially-savvy way to feel their best every day. As the ultimate destination for circular fashion, the brand now offers infinite points of access to its shared closet via a fully customizable subscription to fashion, one-time rental or ownership. RTR offers designer apparel and accessories from hundreds of brand partners and has built in-house proprietary technology and a one-of-a-kind reverse logistics operation. RTR has been named to CNBC’s “Disruptor 50” five times in ten years, and has been placed on Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies list multiple times.

About the Job:

The Sr. Engineer, Warehouse Automation and Controls is an engineering role with real decision-making authority. They will lead the design, development, and execution of multiple complex automation engineering projects and maintain their standards across Rent the Runway's fulfillment infrastructure. This role combines technical expertise with strategic project management, requiring subject matter knowledge of material handling systems, garment processing automation, conveyor systems, barcode scanning equipment, and other integrated operational infrastructure.

The role drives technical excellence across multidisciplinary teams, providing engineering leadership and establishing best-in-class design, execution, and management standards. They will manage automation vendor partnerships, manage project budgets and operational expenditures, and ensure all projects and systems meet rigorous safety, quality, and timeline requirements. The role will drive continuous improvement initiatives, establish data-driven performance metrics, and maintain unwavering focus on operational excellence. 

This role will need to be equally comfortable diving deep into technical specifications and CAD design as they navigate stakeholder relationships and executive communications. They will need to communicate clearly and persuasively, thrive on solving complex technical problems, and collaborate naturally across organizational boundaries. They are energized by the thought of turning innovative ideas into scalable solutions, and do not shy away from a challenge. This Sr. Engineer has a bias for action and leads by example by demonstrating a willingness to dive in, roll up their sleeves and help in any situation. 

What You’ll Do:

• Own the delivery of multiple automation projects in parallel managing timelines, equipment vendors, and system integration contractors to the operation on time, in budget, and at the targeted performance
• Determine how automation lines are configured, evaluate and select automation technologies, and develop technical specifications for existing and new equipment
• Maintain a high level of communication with cross-functional teams and partners; influence stakeholders at all levels to prioritize project requirements
• Develop and execute comprehensive testing and commissioning plans (FAT, SAT), including site preparation, installation oversight, operator training, and performance validation ensuring functional specifications, design verification plans, and test procedures are written to maintain engineering rigor supporting GMP, HACCP, and SQF requirements
• Establish and enforce standards for PLC program version control, backup, and as-built documentation
• Manage vendor relationships, component procurement, and supply chain integration to support operational timelines
• Troubleshooting, analysis and problem resolution of Mechatronics systems and hardware (PLC, Io, Communications cards, etc.)
• Own, manage, and scale IoT Dashboard, Digital Twin, and monitoring across all equipment
• Bring subject matter expertise in material handling systems, automation equipment, conveyor systems, and large, complex integrated systems design and integration
• Ensuring development and debugging of embedded systems, sensors, and automation controllers for reliable system performance
• Overseeing simulation, evaluation, testing, and validation of robotic and electromechanical systems against performance and safety standards
• Provide frequent on-site oversight of installation, construction, and commissioning activities 
• Investigate recurring faults and downtime events, determine root cause, and design corrective actions driving performance and process changes based on lean initiatives to drive operational efficiency and continuous improvement (FMEA, etc.)
• Develop and maintain standardized documentation for technical SOPs, and equipment best practice protocols
• Provide technical guidance on complex engineering issues using analytical techniques, simulation, ROI analysis, and cost/benefit analysis
• This role requires approximately 25% availability to travel as required

About You:

• 4-year degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Controls or equivalent experience in a relevant technical or engineering field
• 8 plus years of experience working in manufacturing, warehouse, fulfillment, or industrial environments including oversight of large scale equipment and systems
• 5 plus years designing, programming, and troubleshooting industrial control systems
• Proficiency in ST and one or more of the following programming languages C, C++, Python, MATLAB/Simulink
• Proven track record managing complex capital projects, budgets, timelines, and demonstrated ability to influence without authority and lead cross functional technical and nontechnical teams; PMP or PRINCE2 certification preferred
• Experience leading equipment commissioning projects from specification to operational turnover, managing vendor performance and inspect work quality to ensure adherence to safety and engineering standards
• Proficiency with VFDs, servo systems, HMIs, and industrial networks
• Subject matter expertise in material handling systems, automation equipment, and large-scale integrated operational infrastructure
• Proficiency in design software (AutoCAD, SolidWorks, Bluebeam, or equivalent) and familiarity with simulation tools (FEA, motion analysis)
• Experience with TPM, Kaizen, and Lean Manufacturing techniques; certification preferred
• Experience building and managing project budgets, strong financial acumen and cost-benefit analysis skills
• Experience with developing standard operating procedures and equipment and systems design specifications
• Experience implementing automation, digitalization, or AI-enabled operational improvements
• Hands-on experience with ML/AI technologies
• Must operate with a sense of urgency, accountability, and have attention to detail
• Strong written and verbal communication; forward-thinkers with the ability to articulate point of view and improve processes
• Strong analytical and data-driven decision-making capabilities; provide strong statistical analysis and data storytelling skills across various levels
• Commitment to safety, quality, and employee wellbeing in all aspects of work
• Background in fulfillment center operations, warehouse automation, or reverse logistics a plus
• Ability to work flex shifts, hours, nights and weekends as business dictates

Benefits:

At Rent the Runway, we’re committed to the wellbeing of our employees, and aim to create a workplace that fosters both personal and professional growth. Our inclusive benefits include, but are not limited to:

• Paid Time Off, including vacation, paid bereavement, and family sick leave - every employee needs time to take care of themselves and their family.
• Universal Paid Parental Leave for both parents + flexible return to work program  - because we know your newest family member(s) deserve your undivided attention.
• Paid Sabbatical after 5 years of continuous service - Unplug, recharge, and have some fun!
• Exclusive employee subscription and rental discounts -  to ensure you experience the magic of renting the runway (and give us valued feedback!).
• Comprehensive health, vision, dental, FSA and dependent care from day 1 of employment - Your health comes first, and we’ve got you covered.
• 401(k) match - an investment in your future.
• Company-wide events and outings - our team spirit is no joke - we know how to have fun!

Rent the Runway is an equal opportunity employer. In accordance with applicable law, we prohibit discrimination against any applicant or employee based on any legally-recognized basis, including, but not limited to: race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, lactation, childbirth or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, age (40 and over), national origin or ancestry, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, genetic information (including testing and characteristics), veteran status, uniformed service member status or any other status protected by federal, state or local law.

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The anticipated base salary for this position is $160,000 - $180,000.00. The actual base salary offered will depend on a variety of factors, including without limitation, the qualifications of the individual applicant for the position, years of relevant experience, level of education attained, certifications or other professional licenses held.