Shift Manager

Overview

Reporting to the Automation Manager, the Shift Manager is a key operational leader responsible for overseeing the performance, reliability, and safety of Symbotic’s highly automated robotic systems during assigned shifts. This role blends strong people leadership with technical oversight, including monitoring system health, troubleshooting automation issues, and ensuring the efficient operation of robotic vehicles, vertical lifts, automated adapters, and warehouse execution systems.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily shift operations and team performance across robotics, automated systems, and operational workflows.
• Partner with customer Operations Managers and internal cross‑functional teams (Maintenance, SRTE, Engineering) to resolve automation‑related and operational issues.
• Support and drive root‑cause analysis on recurring system faults and implement corrective actions to improve system stability and performance.
• Execute standard operating procedures and adjust workflows based on system behavior, shift conditions, and customer requirements.
• Monitor, troubleshoot, and optimize automation systems—including robotic vehicles, vertical lifts, automated adapters, and warehouse execution systems—to maximize uptime, throughput, and reliability.
• Interpret automation dashboards, system alerts, and performance data to identify issues, adjust workflow, and maintain system flow.
• Triage automation faults and provide detailed system observations to maintenance, engineering, and tier support for faster root‑cause resolution.
• Lead, train, coach, and develop shift team members, fostering engagement, accountability, and adherence to safety protocols.
• Ensure compliance with OSHA, Symbotic, and customer safety, quality, and regulatory standards, including LOTO and fall protection.
• Maintain accurate technical documentation, SOPs, escalation notes, and shift reports.
• Generate and share system health metrics, performance insights, and KPI reporting with leadership and customer teams.
• Staff each shift appropriately, assign roles, conduct training, and drive continuous skill development for team members.
• Communicate system status, operational updates, and technical concepts clearly to shift teams, maintenance, engineering, and customers.
• Support and backfill key operational or technical roles as needed to sustain shift continuity.
• Conduct incident investigations and document findings per company guidelines.
• Participate in initiatives for continuous improvement, standardization, and enhancement of warehouse automation solutions.

Qualifications

• Associate or Bachelor's degree in engineering, Operations, Supply Chain, Computer Science, Robotics, Industrial Automation, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• Minimum of 3 years working with automation, robotics, or electro‑mechanical systems in manufacturing, logistics, or warehouse environments.
• Minimum 2 years supervisory or leadership experience preferred.
• Skilled in troubleshooting and maintaining robotic and automated systems; experience with PLCs (Allen‑Bradley/Siemens), SQL, Linux, or Python preferred.
• Strong knowledge of warehouse operations, safety standards, and automation workflows.
• Experience using automation dashboards, system alerts, and performance data to make operational decisions and maintain workflow continuity.
• Demonstrated ability to triage automation issues, document system observations, and support maintenance and engineering teams with accurate escalation details.
• Excellent communication, problem‑solving, and leadership skills with the ability to guide teams through complex technical issues.
• Ability to coach and develop employees, manage performance, and foster a culture of safety and continuous improvement.
• High sense of urgency, adaptability, and ability to work independently in a fast‑paced, automated environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and ability to learn automation and system software tools quickly.

Physical & Working Conditions

• Ability to climb steep stairs, work at heights up to 45 feet, and navigate restrictive spaces as narrow as 24 inches.
• Must be capable of working in warehouse temperatures ranging from 32°F to 105°F.
• May require PPE in construction or installation areas (hard hat, vest, steel‑toe shoes, eye and hearing protection, harness).
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs frequently and move up to 80 lbs occasionally.
• Ability to stand and walk for 10–12 hours, performing bending, twisting, climbing, crawling, and repetitive movements.
• Must comply with all Symbotic safety protocols including Lockout/Tagout and fall protection requirements.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Symbotic is an equal‑opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on race, color, ethnicity, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship status, marital status, disability, gender identity, gender expression, veteran status, or genetic information.