Research and Development Manager jobs in Des Plaines, IL

Grainger is a leading broad line distributor with operations primarily in North America, Japan and the United Kingdom. We achieve our purpose, We Keep the World Working®, by serving more than 4.5 million customers with a wide range of products that keep their operations running and their people safe. Grainger also delivers services and solutions, such as technical support and inventory management, to save customers time and money.

We're looking for passionate people who can move our company forward. As one of the 100 Best Companies to Work For, we have a welcoming workplace where you can build a career for yourself while fulfilling our purpose to keep the world working. We embrace new ways of thinking and recognize everyone is an individual. Find your way with Grainger today.

Responsible for the research and development of robotics and other automation opportunities for the DC Network. In the role they will be leading the continued evolution of our Strategic Automation Roadmap and defining the opportunities, collecting data, deducing the facts, and making recommendations for investments in automation. They will focus on existing automation and take the lead in understanding emerging technologies while partnering with vendors to support the needs of our current and future processes. In the evaluation of these technologies the role will provide the technical specifications, define the benefits, identify concerns, develop an ROI, and will lead the communications & socialization to leadership. The role will work closely with the design team to ensure our ability to utilize the technology in current designs as well as greenfield designs. You will report to the Director, DC Expansion.

This role is based in Lake Forest, IL or any of the US Distribution Centers.

The salary range for this position is $121,380 to $186,150 and this role is bonus eligible. **This range provided is a guideline and not a guarantee of compensation. Other factors that are involved in offer decisions include and not limited to: Candidate experience, qualification, geographical area and internal equity of the team.

• Research and develop mechanical devices, robotics systems, and other automation that are implemented to perform a variety of tasks in our DC operations.
• Develop partnerships with outside vendors/contractors to understand the existing and latest technologies.
• Lead pilots, and proof of concepts, in the network while developing the metrics to measure success.
• Create documentation related to automation projects, process mapping, functional and technical specifications, design testing plans, and partnering with design team for requirements.
• Provide ongoing project status updates with all levels of the organization throughout R&D, including portfolio management, GTG, Design and Optimization on end-to-end processes, WMS, network design, real estate, inventory planning, transportation, and others.
• Identify and define complex problems and opportunities and makes recommendations for solutions.
• Partner with Design and Process teams to define features and functional requirements.
• Perform functional level testing of solutions to ensure it meets the requirements before it is rolled out.
• Provide expertise and develop Industry connections.
  
  

• 5-7 years of experience in related field
• 5 years of relevant experience in implementing robotics and automation solutions.
• Experience in assessing, analyzing, designing, developing, testing, deploying, and supporting automation solutions.
• Degree in automation, mechanical, robotics, or electrical engineering.
• Proven ability to develop automation solutions.
• Ability to identify solutions, work arounds, and process redesign.
• Experience with Warehouse Management Systems in high volume distribution center, AutoCAD, MS Visio, and Smart Sheets.
  
  

With benefits starting day one, Grainger is committed to your safety, health and wellbeing. Our programs provide choice to meet our team members' individual needs. Check out some of the rewards available to you at Grainger.

• Benefits starting on day one, including medical, dental vision and life insurance
• 6% 401(k) company contribution each pay period with no personal contribution required
• Employee discounts, parental leave, tuition reimbursement, student loan refinancing, free access to financial counseling, education and more.
  
  

We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender, gender identity or expression, or veteran status. We are proud to be an equal opportunity workplace.

We are committed to fostering an inclusive, accessible environment that includes both providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities during the application and hiring process as well as throughout the course of one’s employment. With this in mind, should you need a reasonable accommodation during the application and selection process, please advise us so that we can provide appropriate assistance.

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