Sr. Engineer, Distribution & OPEX

About Phenomenex

Phenomenex isn’t your typical scientific company. Founded nearly 40 years ago, Phenomenex is a global technology leader committed to developing novel analytical chemistry solutions that solve the separation and purification challenges of researchers, advancing the future of scientific analysis and investigation, ensuring the quality of essentials like your food, water, shampoo, and even cold medication. Be part of our global success and together, we accelerate the discovery, development and delivery of solutions that safeguard and improve human health.

Learn about the Danaher Business System which makes everything possible.

Job Summary

The _Sr. Engineer, Distribution & OPEX (P3) _is a senior individual contributor accountable for improving operational performance across Distribution, Logistics, and Operations. This role focuses on flow, inventory management, logistics execution, and operational excellence (OPEX) through the application of Lean/DBS principles to design and implement system-level improvements across safety, quality, delivery, inventory, productivity, and cost.

This role serves as a subject matter resource in logistics, distribution operations, and operational excellence principles while partnering with Trade Compliance to support operational alignment with regulatory requirements. The role translates business needs into structured action plans and drives execution through collaboration with Operations, Supply Chain, and frontline teams.

Working in close partnership with the Sr. Manager, Operations DBSL & Distribution, the Sr. Engineer supports operational improvements and drives execution across functions. This role operates with a high degree of autonomy within scope to evaluate processes, identify opportunities, and lead improvement initiatives. The role also provides broad exposure across Distribution, Logistics, and Operational Excellence, with opportunities to build expertise across multiple functions and lead cross-functional initiatives.

This position reports to the _Sr. Manager, Operations DBSL & Distribution _and is part of the _Distribution team located at the US Distribution Center (USDC) in Torrance, CA and will be an on-site role._

In this role, you will have the opportunity to:

• Lead identification and resolution of gaps in operational flow across receiving, inventory, picking, packing, shipping, and manufacturing processes to improve execution and support frontline operations; implement improvements that increase throughput, reduce lead time, improve quality, and stabilize execution through application of Lean/DBS principles.
• Serve as a key logistics and transportation resource within USDC operations; drive improvements in carrier performance, routing strategies, Incoterms, trade compliance alignment, and freight cost optimization through cross-functional partnership and execution.
• Drive improvements in inventory management, slotting strategy, and warehouse layout to support efficient flow and space utilization; improve inventory accuracy, FIFO adherence, location strategy, and reduction of unnecessary movement and congestion.
• Execute cross-functional operational improvement initiatives by defining problems, developing action plans, coordinating implementation, and delivering measurable operational results; apply structured problem-solving methodologies (e.g., PSP, Kaizen) to address root causes and sustain improvements through standard work & standard operating procedures.
• Analyze operational data across distribution, logistics, and operations using tools such as Power BI, D365, and Excel; translate data into actionable insights and reporting to support decision-making.

The essential requirements of the job include:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Supply Chain, Operations, Industrial Engineering, or a related field required.
• 5 or more years of hands-on experience in distribution, logistics, warehouse, or manufacturing operations.
• Hands-on experience leading or executing operational improvement initiatives using Lean/DBS or similar structured methodologies (e.g., PSP, Kaizen, value stream mapping); strong planning, coordination, and execution management skills.
• Working knowledge of logistics operations including carrier management, Incoterms, and freight cost management; experience working within regulated environments and partnering cross-functionally to support operational requirements.
• Advanced proficiency in data analysis tools including Excel and Power BI; demonstrated ability to independently work with unstructured data to identify gaps, build structured analyses, and drive action.

Travel, Motor Vehicle Record & Physical/Environment Requirements:

• Ability to lift, move, or carry equipment up to 50 lbs.
• Must be able to stand, walk, and perform tasks on the warehouse or manufacturing floor for extended periods as needed.

It would be a plus if you also possess previous experience in:

• Experience with ERP and distribution systems such as D365, AESDirect, XCarrier.
• Experience with inventory control practices including slotting, FIFO, location management, and space optimization.
• Related certification or formal training in Lean (e.g., Kaizen facilitation, value stream mapping) or supply chain and inventory management (e.g., APICS CPIM, CSCP, CLTD); hands-on experience preferred over credentials.