Innovation Engineer

Why Work for Saddle Creek?

Saddle Creek Logistics Services succeeds by promoting a diverse, friendly, and respectful teamwork environment. As a vital service provider, we not only make a difference in our community but offer our associates opportunities to enhance their skills, build meaningful careers and end each day with a sense of accomplishment. If you’re looking for a family-oriented company that lives by its values and offers competitive pay and benefits, join our team today.

Note that if you are viewing this posting on an external job board (such as Indeed, LinkedIn,  ZipRecruiter, etc.), unless specifically stated in the posting, the provided salary estimates may not be accurate as they are not provided by Saddle Creek. Our recruiters look forward to speaking with you about your background, skills, and compensation requirements.

Innovation Engineer

Position Description

The Innovation Engineer is responsible for identifying, evaluating, testing, and implementing emerging technologies that improve safety, productivity, quality, and operational performance across Saddle Creek's network. This role combines technical analysis, field implementation, project management, and industry research to support innovation initiatives from concept through deployment.

The Innovation Engineer works closely with Operations, Information Systems (IS), Solutions Engineering, Data Analytics, and vendors to ensure technology solutions are successfully evaluated, implemented, and supported. This position requires strong analytical and research skills, effective communication, Strong systems mindset, the ability to work hands-on within operational environments and can effectively bridge the gap between technology providers, technical teams, and operational stakeholders.

Primary Responsibilities

Technology Research & Evaluation

• Research emerging technologies, automation solutions, software platforms, and industry best practices.
• Identify and evaluate innovative solutions that address operational challenges and strategic business objectives.
• Conduct market analysis, vendor evaluations, and competitive benchmarking to identify best-in-class technologies.
• Develop business cases, ROI analyses, and recommendation materials for leadership review.

Pilot Programs & Technology Deployment

• Support pilot projects and technology implementations within operating facilities.
• Assist with equipment installations, testing, validation, training, and go-live support.
• Work directly with operations teams to ensure solutions are successfully integrated into daily workflows.
• Track implementation progress, risks, issues, and project milestones.
• Measure and report operational impacts and performance improvements following deployment.

Project Management & Coordination

• Coordinate activities among internal stakeholders, vendors, and project teams.
• Maintain project plans, timelines, budgets, documentation, and action-item tracking.
• Facilitate project meetings and provide regular status updates to key stakeholders.
• Ensure project deliverables are completed according to established timelines and objectives.
• Support multiple innovation initiatives simultaneously across various facilities and business units.

Operational & Field Support

• Spend time within distribution centers and operational environments gathering requirements, observing processes, and supporting deployments.
• Build strong partnerships with site leadership and operational teams.
• Troubleshoot implementation challenges and coordinate corrective actions when needed.
• Assist with change management activities to improve adoption and project success.

Communication & Reporting

• Develop presentations, reports, and executive summaries for leadership teams.
• Communicate project status, risks, accomplishments, and key decisions to stakeholders.
• Document lessons learned, implementation results, and best practices.
• Maintain accurate project records and innovation program documentation.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Supply Chain, Operations Management, Information Systems, Computer Science, or a related field.
• 0-3 years of relevant engineering, operations, technology, or project management experience preferred.
• Internship or project experience involving technology implementation, operations improvement, automation, or supply chain solutions is desirable.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong research, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to evaluate technical solutions and translate findings into business recommendations.
• Strong project management and organizational capabilities.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Comfortable presenting to operational leaders, vendors, and executive stakeholders.
• Ability to work effectively in cross-functional teams.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously.
• Strong attention to detail and follow-through.
• Experience using Microsoft Office applications including Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, and SharePoint.
• Ability to learn new technologies and software platforms quickly.
• Understanding of Warehouse Management Systems (WMS), Warehouse Execution Systems (WES), automation control systems, and supporting operational technologies.
• Ability to translate operational challenges into technology and system requirements for internal teams and external vendors.
• Comfortable participating in system testing, user acceptance testing (UAT), validation activities, and go-live support.
• Familiarity with data reporting, dashboards, and performance metrics used to measure technology adoption and operational effectiveness.
• Comfortable working in active warehouse and distribution center environments.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Operations, Information Systems, Data Analytics, Solutions Engineering, Engineering, customers, and third-party vendors.
• Build effective relationships across all levels of the organization.
• Serve as a liaison between business stakeholders and technology providers to ensure successful project execution.

Travel Requirements

• Ability to travel 30-50% of the time, project dependent.

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Benefits:

• Benefits package including medical, dental, vision, HSA, and medical reimbursement

• Annual bonus eligibility

• 401(k) match

• Vacation and holiday pay

• Employee assistance and identity theft protection

• Career development and opportunity for internal promotions

• Tuition reimbursement for further education

• Company paid life insurance and short term disability

Saddle Creek is an Equal Opportunity employer and an Affirmative Action employer, as required by law. We provide equal employment opportunities to applicants and existing associates and evaluate qualified candidates without regard to race, gender, national origin, ancestry, age, color, religious creed, marital status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, sex (including pregnancy, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), mental or physical disability, medical condition, military and veteran status or any other status or condition protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws, governmental regulations and executive orders. View the EEO poster here. View the E-Verify Posting here.

Saddle Creek is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation because of a disability to search and apply for a career opportunity, please send an e-mail to [email protected] and let us know your contact information and the nature of your request.