WMS Architect – Warehouse Automation & Integration (Contract-to-Hire)

Seeking a WMS Architect to serve as a senior individual contributor responsible for designing and leading the architecture of complex warehouse automation implementations. Company: Leading Global Warehouse Automation Company (Confidential) Location: Remote (with travel requirements) Experience: 12+ Years Engagement Type: Contract-to-Hire (6–9 Month Conversion Timeline) About the Company Our client is a global leader in warehouse automation and fulfillment optimization, delivering advanced software and robotics solutions to large-scale distribution and fulfillment operations. At the core of their platform is an AI-driven orchestration system that coordinates robotics, human workflows, and warehouse execution processes to drive efficiency, accuracy, and throughput. Their solutions are deployed directly within customer warehouse environments and integrate deeply with existing Warehouse Management Systems (WMS), ERP platforms, and material handling systems. Clients include leading retailers, e-commerce companies, and third-party logistics providers (3PLs). Role Overview We are seeking a WMS Architect to serve as a senior individual contributor responsible for designing and leading the architecture of complex warehouse automation implementations. The ideal candidate is a visionary with deep technical roots in enterprise supply chain software. You will architect the complex integration layers between our AI-driven proprietary platform and the legacy stack at the customer's warehouse. You will ensure that robotic automation isn't just an "add-on," but a deeply integrated component of the client’s WMS ecosystem, ERP platforms, and material handling systems. This is a hands-on, client-facing role focused on architecting integration and implementation solutions within live warehouse environments. You will act as the technical authority on-site and during delivery, bridging business requirements, warehouse operations, and system architecture. This role is structured as a contract-to-hire opportunity with a defined 6–9 month evaluation-to-conversion timeline, providing the opportunity to work on high-impact implementations with a clear path to full-time employment. Key Responsibilities Solution Architecture & Integration Design • Architect end-to-end integration between our industry leading AI automation platform and Tier-1 WMS systems (Manhattan, Blue Yonder/JDA 3, SAP EWM, Oracle WMS). • Design system architecture for real-world warehouse deployments, integrating robotics, WMS, and enterprise systems. • Define APIs and middleware strategies (REST, SOAP, Kafka, MQTT) to ensure real-time data flow and system reliability. • Re-engineer warehouse workflows (picking, putaway, replenishment, sortation) to optimize for automation. • Design scalable systems capable of handling high transaction volumes (1M+ daily). Implementation Architecture (On-Site Delivery) • Lead architectural design for deployments within client warehouse environments • Translate business and operational needs into detailed technical designs • Partner with implementation and engineering teams to ensure accurate execution • Provide technical leadership during system deployment and go-live phases Enterprise Consulting & Technical Leadership • Serve as a trusted advisor to customer IT and supply chain leadership • Conduct gap assessments of legacy WMS environments and define integration strategies. • Design system extensions and orchestration logic as needed • Collaborate with product teams to influence future product roadmap based on client needs. Architecture Governance & Quality • Review and approve integration designs from implementation engineers • Define standards for performance, scalability, and security • Lead stress-testing architecture and provide technical escalation support during Go-Live Required Qualifications WMS & Supply Chain Expertise • Experience with at least two: Manhattan, Blue Yonder, SAP EWM, Oracle WMS • Strong knowledge of warehouse operations: inventory, wave planning, slotting, labor, automation, MHE integration Integration & Architecture • Experience with middleware and integration platforms (MuleSoft, Dell Boomi, TIBCO, etc.) • Strong expertise in API architecture and event-driven systems • Advanced SQL with performance tuning experience • Experience integrating WMS with WCS/WES or automation systems Cloud & Modern Tech Stack • Experience with cloud environments (GCP or Azure preferred) • Containerization (Docker / Kubernetes) • Familiarity with SaaS platforms and distributed systems Leadership & Soft Skills • Strong architectural judgment balancing standardization vs customization • Strong executive communication skills; ability to work directly with senior stakeholders • Proven ability to operate as a senior IC in complex, multi-vendor environments • Comfortable working in onsite warehouse environments during deployments Education • Bachelor's in Computer Science or a related field • Comfortable working in onsite warehouse environments during deployments Travel Requirement • ~50% travel to customer warehouse sites across the U.S. as well as company’s innovation centers The Opportunity: • High-impact, real-world systems: Your work directly powers live warehouse operations • Complex architecture challenges: Integration across robotics, WMS, ERP, and real-time systems • Modern tech stack: Event-driven systems, APIs, cloud-native deployments • Client-facing influence: Work directly with CIOs and supply chain leadership • Variety & scale: Multiple large-scale implementations across industries • Strong career positioning: Path toward Principal / Enterprise Architecture roles