Lead Automation Integration Engineer (OT Specialist) (Remote or Hybrid)

About us:

Working at Target means helping all families discover the joy of everyday life. We bring that vision to life through our values and culture. Learn more about Target here.

Target Global Supply Chain and Logistics is evolving at an incredible pace. We are constantly reimagining how we get the right items to the guest even better, faster and more cost effectively than before. We are becoming more intelligent, automated and algorithmic in our decision-making, so that no matter how guests’ shop—in stores or on Target.com—we deliver the convenience and immediate gratification they demand and deserve. We are on a mission to win decisively over any competitor, with a seamless and superior guest service experience unlike any they can offer. Our teams work with the agility our mission requires, and we constantly come together to implement new processes in record time. So, we’re looking for exceptional people who are proactive, creative, independent, innovative, risk-savvy and comfortable working in varying degrees of ambiguity. Are you a critical thinker who seeks the root cause and can analyze both qualitatively and quantitatively? Are you a creative problem-solver who simplifies problems, quickly identifies solutions, commits to a plan and then positively influences others to execute it? If so, you will have success on one of our dynamic teams.

A role in HQ Engineering & Asset Management means being at the heart of our perpetual reimagining.  This group is the think tank and laboratory for the innovative ideas that spark change throughout the Supply Chain. We are inventors, metrics masters, data geeks, testers, triers, course-correctors and askers of the all-important question “What if … ?”. This team influences processes, engineers the robotics and automation to support those processes, activates solutions sustainably across the network and manages those assets. Your specific expertise—whether it’s people, process, technology, or data—will be felt well beyond the boundaries of the Supply Chain organization, positively impacting Target team members and guests alike.

About Operational Technology Engineering Team

The team is responsible for defining the automation system technologies deployed in Target facilities. We support all automation-related activities, including implementation, sustainability, and other process integration activities to help grow Target's business. This role will be part of a team with high technical competency in automated material flow system integrations and implementations, working closely with internal and external technology partners to integrate middleware systems for flexible, scalable, and reliable automated systems. This includes using simulation and emulation solutions with partners to guide direction and opportunities.

Target is seeking a driven professional to join our new Operational Technology (OT) engineering team. This role, as an Integration Engineer, provides an opportunity to design, implement, and maintain automation solutions, including robust OT security frameworks. You will lead the strategy and implementation of automation integration, ensuring OT devices and systems are securely integrated into warehouse operations while maintaining functionality and performance. The ideal candidate will possess exceptional problem-solving skills, strong business judgment, and experience leading cross-functional projects.

What you will do:

Automation Systems Integration

• Design, implement, and support the integration of automation systems within a distribution warehouse environment, ensuring seamless interoperability between OT and IT systems, including material handling equipment and warehouse management systems

• Design, develop, implement, and support automation solutions for maintaining and improving material flows and long-term lifecycle planning

• Perform concept development, engineering design, prototype testing, and collaborate on controls solution system build and integration testing

Security and Risk Management

• Provide subject matter expertise on OT requirements and collaborate with cybersecurity partners to design and maintain OT security solutions

• Design and implement robust OT security practices, including network segmentation, asset discovery, threat monitoring, and mitigation strategies

• Oversee the configuration and deployment of OT systems to ensure they align with security and operational requirements

• Address vulnerabilities in OT systems to minimize operational disruptions caused by security incidents

• Conduct risk assessments and recommend mitigations to secure OT systems without compromising performance

• Stay updated on emerging OT security threats, technologies, and best practices

• Participate in OT-specific incident response plans and procedures

• Document integration designs, configurations, and security protocols

• Ensure security compliance by adhering to standards and routines (access reviews etc.)

Collaboration and Technical Guidance

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop solutions that align with business objectives, operational performance needs, and industry best practices

• Work closely with tech, engineering, and operational teams to integrate security measures seamlessly with existing/new systems

• Troubleshoot complex integration issues across automation, IT, and OT environments, diagnosing root causes and guiding resolution efforts

• Provide technical guidance on architecture strategies to optimize system design and implementation

• Proactively recommend and implement improvements to OT security and system integration processes

• Gather information, engage with stakeholders, and conduct in-depth analysis to identify opportunities for improvement

Standards and Best Practices

• Contribute to the overall system architecture by leveraging expertise in automation, identity access management, and IT governance principles to enhance security, scalability, and performance

• Ensure foundational programming principles are followed in developing the team’s products/models

• Establish new standards and best practices to monitor, test, automate, and maintain operational technology components or systems

About you:

Education

• Degree in engineering related field or equivalent experience

Experience

• 5+ years in OT systems integration, including OT security and network protocols

• Familiarity with SCADA/HMI solutions in industrial applications, ideally Ignition by Inductive Automation.

• Familiarity with Rockwell and Siemens PLCs and the associated development tools.

• Experience with data streaming, big data and databases (Kafka, MQTT, Splunk, Postgres, Node-Red, Apache Hive) and querying large databases with SQL and NoSQL

• Experience with applying DevOps and containerization technology (Docker, Kubernetes, CI/CD)

• Experience with designing common API patterns, ideally REST

• Experience with material flow strategies, material handling, dynamic manufacturing/supply chain systems, as well as automation systems and distribution warehousing processes

• Knowledge of industrial network protocols such as OPC UA, MQTT, Modbus, and Ethernet/IP

Technical Skills

• Proficient in Python, Jython, and JVM languages

• Proficiency in testing and simulation techniques, writing and executing test plans, and documenting results

• Expertise in integrating various OT systems, along with a strong foundation in IT systems and governance processes

• Ability to create system documentation for ongoing system management

• Ability to pick up new knowledge quickly and stay up to date with new technology

Security and Risk Management

• Strong understanding of OT security practices, including network segmentation, threat monitoring, and mitigation strategies

• Conducting risk assessments and recommending mitigations to secure OT systems without compromising performance

• Staying current with emerging OT security threats, technologies, and best practices

• Participating in OT-specific incident response plans and procedures

Interpersonal Skills

• Problem-solving mindset and the ability to troubleshoot issues across multiple domains

• Comfortable working in fast-paced environments, adapting to new challenges, and contributing to continuous improvement initiatives

• Self-motivated and self-educating, yet willing and able to work collaboratively with internal and external partners

• Strong analytical and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously

• Strong communication skills – written and verbal

Must Have

• Strong problem-solving skills

• Ability to lead cross-functional projects

• Experience in OT systems integration and security

• Proficiency in Python and other programming languages

• Strong communication and collaboration skills

Additional Requirements

• Experience in manufacturing, distribution, and logistics is desirable

• Proven ability to lead cross-functional work

• Demonstrated ability to influence peers, key stakeholders, and leaders

• Experience in technical leadership roles within IT or OT

• Ability to travel up to 25%