Automation Direct Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

CREATIVITY IS OUR SUPERPOWER. It's our heritage and it's also our future. Because we don't just make toys. We create innovative products and experiences that inspire fans, entertain audiences and develop children through play. Mattel is at its best when every member of our team feels respected, included, and heard-when everyone can show up as themselves and do their best work every day. We value and share an infinite range of ideas and voices that evolve and broaden our perspectives with a reach that extends into all our brands, partners, and suppliers.

The Opportunity: 

This role leads the strategy, implementation, and optimization of automation technologies across Mattel's North American distribution center operations. This role is responsible for identifying, evaluating, and deploying automation solutions that improve safety, productivity, quality, capacity, and service levels while supporting long-term supply chain growth. The position works closely with DC Directors, DC Operations Teams, Engineering, IT, Supply Chain, Finance, and external partners to ensure successful execution of automation initiatives and continuous improvement of automated systems.

What Your Impact Will Be: 

Automation Strategy & Innovation

• Develop and maintain a 2 to 5-year distribution center automation roadmap aligned with business objectives and DC Directors' operational needs. Develop business cases, ROI analyses, and capital investment proposals.
• Identify opportunities to improve operational performance through automation and digital technologies.
• Evaluate emerging automation solutions including robotics, autonomous mobile robots (AMRs), automated storage and retrieval systems (ASRS), goods-to-person technologies, and AI-enabled warehouse solutions.

Project Leadership & Execution

• Lead automation projects from concept development through design, implementation, commissioning, and stabilization.
• Manage project budgets, timelines, resources, risks, and vendor relationships.
• Coordinate cross-functional teams to ensure successful deployment and adoption of automation solutions.
• Establish collaborative project control and executive reporting processes.

 Systems Integration & Performance

• Partner with IT and Engineering to integrate automation technologies with Warehouse Management Systems (WMS), Warehouse Execution Systems (WES), Warehouse Control Systems (WCS), ERP, and transportation systems.
• Monitor system performance, identify improvement opportunities, and drive corrective actions.
• Develop and track KPIs related to throughput, uptime, labor productivity, quality, and service levels.

Operational Excellence

• Drive continuous improvement initiatives using Lean, Six Sigma, and data-driven methodologies.
• Improve operational efficiency, inventory accuracy, order fulfillment performance, and workplace safety.
• Support network capacity planning and future distribution center design initiatives.
• Standardize automation processes, procedures, and best practices across all Mattel NA DC facilities.

Vendor & Stakeholder Management

• Manage relationships with automation vendors, system integrators, consultants, and equipment suppliers.
• Support RFP processes and vendor evaluations.
• Partner with the Procurement Team on vendor contract negotiations and performance reviews.
• Communicate project status, risks, and results to senior leadership and executive stakeholders.

 Team Leadership

• Build, develop, and lead a high-performing NI automation engineering team.
• Coach team members and foster a culture of innovation, accountability, and continuous learning; provide timely performance reviews.
• Support organizational change management efforts related to new technologies and operating models.

What We're Looking For:

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, Supply Chain, Operations Management, Industrial Engineering, or related field.
• 8-12+ years of experience in supply chain, warehouse operations, automation, engineering, or logistics.
• 5+ years of leadership experience managing complex automation projects and cross-functional teams.

Preferred skills: 

• Master's degree or MBA.
• PMP certification.
• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt.
• Experience with multi-site distribution networks and large-scale capital projects.
• Experience implementing warehouse automation technologies such as ASRS, sortation systems, robotics, conveyor systems, AMRs, and automated packaging solutions.
• Strong understanding of WMS, WCS, and WES platforms.
• Proven project management and vendor management experience.

*The pay range is indicative of projected hiring range, however base pay will be determined based on a candidate's work location, skills and experience. Mattel offers competitive total pay programs, comprehensive benefits, and resources to help empower a culture where every employee can reach their full potential. 

Don't meet every single requirement? At Mattel, we are dedicated to an inclusive workplace and a culture of belonging. If you're excited about this role but your past experience doesn't align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we still encourage you to apply. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles. Join Mattel's Talent Community and start receiving exciting updates about our company, our employees, and our culture. Also, interested in signing up for job alerts? Do so here!
How We Work:
We are a purpose driven company aiming to empower generations to explore the wonder of childhood and reach their full potential. We live up to our purpose employing the following behaviors:

• We collaborate: Being a part of Mattel means being part of one team with shared values and common goals. Every person counts and working closely together always brings better results. Partnership is our process and our collective capabilities is our superpower.
• We innovate: At Mattel we always aim to find new and better ways to create innovative products and experiences. No matter where you work in the organization, you can always make a difference and have real impact. We welcome new ideas and value new initiatives that challenge conventional thinking.
• We execute: We are a performance-driven company. We strive for excellence and are focused on pursuing best-in-class outcomes. We believe in accountability and ownership and know that our people are at their best when they are empowered to create and deliver results.

Who We Are:
Mattel is a leading global toy and family entertainment company and owner of one of the most iconic brand portfolios in the world. We engage consumers and fans through our franchise brands, including Barbie, Hot Wheels, Fisher-Price, American Girl, Thomas & Friends, UNO, Masters of the Universe, Matchbox, Monster High, MEGA and Polly Pocket, as well as other popular properties that we own or license in partnership with global entertainment companies. Our offerings include toys, content, consumer products, digital and live experiences. Our products are sold in collaboration with the world's leading retail and ecommerce companies. Since its founding in 1945, Mattel is proud to be a trusted partner in empowering generations to explore the wonder of childhood and reach their full potential.

Mattel's award-winning workplace culture has been recognized by Forbes, Fast Company, Newsweek, Great Place to Work, TIME, and more.

Visit us at https://jobs.mattel.com/ and www.instagram.com/MattelCareers.
Mattel is an Equal Opportunity Employer where we want you to bring your authentic self to work every day. We welcome all job seekers, and all applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, veteran and protected veteran status, disability status, and or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state or local law.

Pursuant to the Los Angeles Fair Chance Ordinance and the California Fair Chance Act, qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment.

Videos to watch:
The Culture at Mattel
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