Solutions Engineer

WHO WE ARE

KNAPP brings new technology to warehouse automation.

The KNAPP Group is a global provider of intelligent automation solutions for intralogistics and manufacturing, specializing in the sectors healthcare, fashion/apparel, general retail, food retail, industry and service. We live and breathe automation. We – more than 8,000 employees of the KNAPP Group in over 60 locations worldwide, shaping the future-oriented industry of intralogistics are dedicated to making complexity simple.

One of the KNAPP’s primary goals is to use continuous innovation to drive warehouse automation forward, always with the specific needs of the customers in mind. KNAPP Group’s unrelenting development activity is evident in everything from automated order picking systems and continuing refinement of container handling technology to its state-of-the-art, industry leading software solutions.

WHAT YOU GET TO DO

This position requires excellent communication skills (both written and verbal), strong analytical skills, and a fundamental knowledge of warehousing/distribution logistics concepts and trade-offs.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal

• Develop clear, concise PowerPoint presentations
• Support sales personnel in walking clients through the proposed material handling and supply chain solutions
• Answer questions and explain concepts, processes, etc. related to analyses and solutions to customers, colleagues, etc. in a simple manner

Strong analytical skills

• Use mathematics to solve problems related to storage location mixtures, container flow mixtures, etc.
• Identify and communicate data-related issues, gaps, etc. to customers for rapid resolution and to drive the analysis forward.

High level of competence in managing spreadsheet analyses, database mining, etc.:

• Handle return on investment (ROI) calculations

+ Quick calculations to drive toward determination of feasible design

+ Detailed calculations to provide customers with cash flows and head counts Detailed understanding of commonly used financial metrics such as IRR, NPV, Simple Payback Period, MACRS/depreciation, etc.

• Examine order structures for advantages in processing
• Develop throughput projections for different material handling units such as pallets, cases, totes, outbound cartons, order lines, units, cube, etc.

+ Exponentially compounding model development

+ Linear regression model development with/without seasonality

• Conduct data mining of client databases for order structure and potential picking methods to take advantage of those order structures by profiling them to certain picking technologies and methodologies

+ Familiarity with all types of queries: select, update, crosstab, etc.

+ Experience in SQL is a definite plus as well as MySQL, Foxpro, Oracle, etc. Programming in Java, C\+\+, or development of macros in Visual Basic, etc. in order to aid in performing waving and batching scenario analysis and order completion analysis by SKU profiling

• Understand simulation techniques and able to explain statistical outputs of simulation results as well as able to help generate data for input to simulations
• Deciphering layouts is required
• Make minor modifications to layouts in AutoCAD and/or willing to learn the basics of VectorWorks for layout gaming purposes is a definite plus

Fundamental knowledge of warehousing/distribution logistics concepts and trade-offs, including an understanding of:

• Product identification, barcoding, and tracking throughout the warehouse
• Product conveyability, conveyor flow capabilities/dynamics, and typical use of conveyor technologies and applications
• Automated storage systems and related calculations for sizing and throughput capacity calculations
• Knowledge of picking technologies such as voice, PTL, goods-to-person, A-frames, unit sorters and the different methods of deployment of each technology
• Common picking strategies such as batch, cluster, discrete, etc., and associated pros and cons of each strategies
• Forklifting, order picking equipment, and performance rates is a plus but not required
• Operational strategies commonly deployed in warehousing
• Inventory strategies commonly deployed in warehousing

Other Duties and Responsibilities:

• Interface with the Systems Engineering group (Mechanical Engineers) to develop a working material handling solution for proposal generation and presentation to clients
• Interface with KNAPP Austria (Graz) resources (Mechanical and Software Engineers) to outline key deliverables and pinch points that are critical to projects from both the client’s perspective and from a material handling perspective
• Develop supporting documentation, charts, graphs, etc. for proposals and internal design purposes
• + Forecast of throughputs

+ Forecast of inventory

+ Flow diagrams

+ Process diagrams

+ Process descriptions

+ Functionality requirements specification

+ Build presentations outlining key points and areas of the proposed solutions Key design assumptions and parameters

WHAT YOU HAVE

• Required B.S. Industrial Engineering or Logistics Major, 3\.00 GPA or higher
• Desired M.S. Industrial Engineering or Logistics Major
• An MBA is also viewed as a plus and potential substitute for the MSIE or MSOR, but an MBA is not a requirement
• Required experience of 5\+ years in logistics and/or warehousing
• Certification and/or training in lean or six sigma is a plus
• Software deployed: IBM Lotus Notes, MS Office suite including Excel, Access, Word, Visio, PowerPoint; Adobe Acrobat, VectorWorks (basics), AutoCAD (basics), Mini-tab (desired/occasional), JCreator (desired/occasional), Oracle(desired)

Working Conditions and Environment:

• Overtime (occasional) as required by work. However, this is a salaried, exempt position, not subject to additional pay or benefits
• Occasional travel required, generally estimated at 40%
• Ability to travel by air both domestically (US) and internationally (primarily, Austria and other parts of Europe, as well as Canada)
• At times, travel to Europe may demand a 1 to 3-week trip, typically occurring 2 to 4 times per year
• Professional office etiquette is required at all times
• High ethical values and behaviors are required in performing all functions:

+ Be honest and open

+ Care for others’ well-being at all times

+ Be considerate and respectful of all colleagues and customers

• Be productive, efficient, self-motivated, a team player, and an achiever
• Physical requirements may include sitting for longer periods of time, walking, speaking, reading, reaching at arm’s length, occasional squatting, lifting of no more than 30 pounds

WHAT YOU WILL GET

• 2 remote days per week
• Half day Fridays
• A beautiful new, state-of-the-art, office complex in Kennesaw, GA
• Industry competitive compensation
• Great benefits with better than average employer contributions, including health, dental, vision, life insurance, Flexible Spending Accounts, Short \& Long Term Disability and more!
• 401k with a very generous employer match and no vesting!
• Paid Vacation \& Holidays
• Profit Sharing
• Paid Parental Leave
• Subsidized Daycare
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Pet Insurance
• Subsidized food delivery
• Monthly celebrations
• Quarterly employee events
• Corporate Social Responsibility including recycling, sustainability and volunteering

KNAPP is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to a work environment that supports, inspires, and respects all individuals without discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, veteran, disability status or any other basis protected by law.

Due to the safety-sensitive nature of this position, strict adherence to KNAPP’s drug-free workplace policy is required. All candidates will be subject to drug-screening in accordance with the policy and will be expected to remain drug-free during their employment. There will be no exception if recreational or medical use of marijuana is permitted in the location of employment and/or residence or if use of marijuana is only during “off-hours.”