Favorite Parts of Being an Automation Engineering Manager at Walmart
Alexander, a Manager of Automation Engineering at Walmart, finds the most rewarding aspect of the role to be working on "emerging technology products" such as autonomous yard trucks and drone delivery systems. This allows Alexander to contribute to projects offering "a lot of value" by increasing safety and efficiency, while also gaining experience at the "forefront of things that could potentially...be a lot more safe in the future."
Emerging Technologies, Automation, Robotics, Supply Chain, Logistics
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Alexander Claiborne
Manager, Automation Engineering
Walmart
University of California, Santa Barbara
N/A
Environmental & Related Sciences
Automotive & Auto Parts, Technology
Operations and Project Management
Video Highlights
1. Working on emerging technologies with a focus on real-world benefits, such as improving safety and efficiency in areas like autonomous vehicles and drone delivery.
2. Contributing to projects that have a positive impact on society, including delivering essential medical supplies to remote areas via drones.
3. Gaining valuable experience in a fast-paced environment and building a strong resume by working on innovative projects that demonstrate cost savings and efficiency improvements for a large company like Walmart.
Transcript
What do you enjoy most about being in your current role?
I really enjoy working on emerging technology products. Some people are reluctant to accept new technology, and there's always an ethical argument.
The exciting part for me is that I seek out projects where I see a clear benefit. I know many tech companies are focused on funding or stock payouts, but I like to think I'm passionate about all my projects.
I've worked extensively with autonomous vehicles on the road. Currently, I'm working on autonomous yard trucks that will move trailers around distribution centers, like those used by Walmart and other inventory centers.
It's really cool to be at the forefront of technologies that could potentially be a lot safer in the future and also save companies money. While I'm not as financially driven as some people, especially in San Francisco, there's a lot of value you can bring to new companies and opportunities. Putting on your resume that you saved the company money is impactful, though it's not my personal end goal.
There's a sense of satisfaction when you know you're addressing safety or efficiency concerns. I've also gained experience, though not directly on this project, with Walmart's heavy investment in last-mile delivery for drones.
They load a product onto a drone and launch it to a customer's yard. This is beneficial for situations where someone needs an item, like birthday candles, within 30 minutes.
There's a lot of opportunity here. The company that started Walmart's drone program was in South Africa, launching products to remote areas to help hospitals get needed medications.
Sending a truck on unpaved roads could take a long time, whereas a drone can deliver the same items in 20 to 30 minutes. It's cool to be involved in these advancements that could have a large impact on the human population.
Being at the stepping stones of these innovations is really rewarding. That's definitely something I very much enjoy.