Software Design Engineer Jobs in Rhode Island
Software Design Engineer jobs in Rhode Island are concentrated in Providence, Woonsocket, and the Narragansett Bay tech corridor, with steady demand in embedded systems, firmware development, and hardware-software integration. Raytheon Technologies, GTECH (IGT), and Amica Mutual are among the established employers in the state with lasting engineering footprints. The market supports candidates from associate-level contributors through senior architects, with the strongest activity in defense electronics and enterprise software. See the openings below and apply to the ones that match your experience.
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Showing 5 of 20+ Software Design Engineer jobs
Job Description:
Develop solutions, across functional disciplines such as: network design, facility design, WMS & emerging technologies.
Develop people, procedures, and training to ensure efficient and effective warehouse operations to achieve significant P&L contributions across UNFI business units.
Develop competitive solutions for customers to increase service levels and reduce OPEX. Lead solution development and drives the end-to-end development and solutioning of UNFI capacity projects through warehouse sizing, warehouse design, assessing network capacity, network supply chain design and developing an optimal design to meet all stakeholder demands.
Own delivery and financial performance of assigned solutions design projects. Effectively lead and organize other cross-functional teams in support of project development and execution, including but not limited to IT, automation, local sites, regional operations, transportation, warehouse slotting, finance and others as needed. Evaluate operational, service, and capital trade-offs.
Provide financial oversight for assigned initiatives. Identify cross-project risks and evaluate major trade-off decisions to reporting manager with recommended resolution paths.
Ensure project execution aligns with enterprise design standards, methodologies and design direction established by senior leadership. Lead continuous improvement and re-engineering initiatives such as, but no limited to process re-design and improvements, warehouse layout design, slotting, varying levels of automation.
Deliver improvements to UNFI’s supply chain through various types of projects including facility design and automation business case development. Lead and develop Solutions Design Managers and Analysts. Foster team growth and inspire high performance.
Lead talent identification, recruitment, and development to build a strong, future ready team. Provide advanced analytical support on reengineering and continuous improvement projects. Incorporate appropriate business skills into design work (e.g. statistics, operations research, organizational behavior, finance, accounting, information technology etc.).
Develop and present capital investment recommendations and financial analysis for review by Senior Director and Vice President.
Design new tools and supports the development of national Facility Design standards and playbook.
Ensure Direct Reports are well trained, effective, and optimally used. Coach Managers regarding policy, procedure, and program changes. Conduct performance appraisals as required.
Formulates and implements corrective actions as needed. Recommends promotions, transfers, and salary adjustments as appropriate. Assume responsibility for ensuring professional business relationships are established and maintained with customers, vendors, the business community, and trade organizations.
Exhibit a commitment to excellence and to superior customer service – both external and internal – in every aspect of the warehousing function.
Work with warehouse leadership to analyze trends, implement new technologies and drive overall performance to maximize customer satisfaction, reduce costs, improve efficiencies and implement corrective actions to resolve any issues. Performs other duties as assigned.
Supervises 3 subordinates - Managers, Solutions Design and Managers Project Slotting Optimization
Minimum Education & Experience Requirements:
Master’s degree in Industrial Engineering, Supply Chain, Business Logistics Engineering, a related field, or a foreign equivalent plus 3 years of post-baccalaureate experience in job offered or any supply chain/logistics related job titles.
-
Applicants must have 3 years of experience in the following:
(1) supply chain design, network optimization or operations transformation;
(2) developing and defending capital investment business cases;
(3) AutoCAD and Ability to analyze data sets with Analytical Tools including MS Power BI, Access, Alteryx;
(4) Implementing new warehouse distribution centers and warehouse automation;
(5) Working in the wholesale food distribution systems and third party logistics providers;
(6) optimizing warehouse performance, reducing operational costs, and enhancing warehouse efficiency;
(7) Implementing new warehouse distribution centers and warehouse automation; and
-
(8) Warehouse design including layouts, elevations, rack systems, sizing, capacity, and wms system capabilities as well as warehouse budgeting (labor, opex, capex). 0-10%
Domestic travel required to visit company offices, distribution centers, or other locations for specific meetings or other business reasons. 100% telecommuting required.
Compensation: $189,767/year
UNFI is an Equal Opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive and respectful environment for all. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or other protected ground. Accommodation is available upon request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the job selection process. - M/F/Veteran/Disability. VEVRAA Federal Contractor.
Compensation:
UNFI anticipates paying the above-referenced pay rate (or within the above-referenced pay range) for this position. Actual Pay, where applicable, will depend on a number of factors, including, but not limited to, education, experience, training, and any requirements under applicable collective bargaining agreements. UNFI is committed to transparency in pay in compliance with applicable state and local laws.
Benefits:
For Washington positions (or positions that may be performed remotely from Washington), https://www.unfi.com/jobs-more-info-wa.html for Washington-specific paid time off details.
Candidates hired into this position will also be eligible to participate in the following benefits programs: Paid Time Off; Sick Time; paid holidays and parental leave; 401K Program; medical, dental, vision, life, and accidental death/dismemberment insurance; short-term and long-term disability insurance program, Flexible Spending Account and/or Health Savings Account, subject to meeting the eligibility requirements and the terms and conditions of these programs, and subject to any requirements under applicable collective bargaining agreements.
UNFI’s compensation, benefits, and paid time off policies are subject to change in the Company’s sole discretion, consistent with applicable law. This job posting should not be construed as an offer of employment with certain terms, nor should it be construed as a guaranteed minimum.
Qualified applications with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance and the California Fair Chance Act.
Job Description:
Develop solutions, across functional disciplines such as: network design, facility design, WMS & emerging technologies.
Develop people, procedures, and training to ensure efficient and effective warehouse operations to achieve significant P&L contributions across UNFI business units.
Develop competitive solutions for customers to increase service levels and reduce OPEX. Lead solution development and drives the end-to-end development and solutioning of UNFI capacity projects through warehouse sizing, warehouse design, assessing network capacity, network supply chain design and developing an optimal design to meet all stakeholder demands.
Own delivery and financial performance of assigned solutions design projects. Effectively lead and organize other cross-functional teams in support of project development and execution, including but not limited to IT, automation, local sites, regional operations, transportation, warehouse slotting, finance and others as needed. Evaluate operational, service, and capital trade-offs.
Provide financial oversight for assigned initiatives. Identify cross-project risks and evaluate major trade-off decisions to reporting manager with recommended resolution paths.
Ensure project execution aligns with enterprise design standards, methodologies and design direction established by senior leadership. Lead continuous improvement and re-engineering initiatives such as, but no limited to process re-design and improvements, warehouse layout design, slotting, varying levels of automation.
Deliver improvements to UNFI’s supply chain through various types of projects including facility design and automation business case development. Lead and develop Solutions Design Managers and Analysts. Foster team growth and inspire high performance.
Lead talent identification, recruitment, and development to build a strong, future ready team. Provide advanced analytical support on reengineering and continuous improvement projects. Incorporate appropriate business skills into design work (e.g. statistics, operations research, organizational behavior, finance, accounting, information technology etc.).
Develop and present capital investment recommendations and financial analysis for review by Senior Director and Vice President.
Design new tools and supports the development of national Facility Design standards and playbook.
Ensure Direct Reports are well trained, effective, and optimally used. Coach Managers regarding policy, procedure, and program changes. Conduct performance appraisals as required.
Formulates and implements corrective actions as needed. Recommends promotions, transfers, and salary adjustments as appropriate. Assume responsibility for ensuring professional business relationships are established and maintained with customers, vendors, the business community, and trade organizations.
Exhibit a commitment to excellence and to superior customer service – both external and internal – in every aspect of the warehousing function.
Work with warehouse leadership to analyze trends, implement new technologies and drive overall performance to maximize customer satisfaction, reduce costs, improve efficiencies and implement corrective actions to resolve any issues. Performs other duties as assigned.
Supervises 3 subordinates - Managers, Solutions Design and Managers Project Slotting Optimization
Minimum Education & Experience Requirements:
Master’s degree in Industrial Engineering, Supply Chain, Business Logistics Engineering, a related field, or a foreign equivalent plus 3 years of post-baccalaureate experience in job offered or any supply chain/logistics related job titles.
-
Applicants must have 3 years of experience in the following:
(1) supply chain design, network optimization or operations transformation;
(2) developing and defending capital investment business cases;
(3) AutoCAD and Ability to analyze data sets with Analytical Tools including MS Power BI, Access, Alteryx;
(4) Implementing new warehouse distribution centers and warehouse automation;
(5) Working in the wholesale food distribution systems and third party logistics providers;
(6) optimizing warehouse performance, reducing operational costs, and enhancing warehouse efficiency;
(7) Implementing new warehouse distribution centers and warehouse automation; and
-
(8) Warehouse design including layouts, elevations, rack systems, sizing, capacity, and wms system capabilities as well as warehouse budgeting (labor, opex, capex). 0-10%
Domestic travel required to visit company offices, distribution centers, or other locations for specific meetings or other business reasons. 100% telecommuting required.
Compensation: $189,767/year
UNFI is an Equal Opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive and respectful environment for all. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or other protected ground. Accommodation is available upon request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the job selection process. - M/F/Veteran/Disability. VEVRAA Federal Contractor.
Compensation:
UNFI anticipates paying the above-referenced pay rate (or within the above-referenced pay range) for this position. Actual Pay, where applicable, will depend on a number of factors, including, but not limited to, education, experience, training, and any requirements under applicable collective bargaining agreements. UNFI is committed to transparency in pay in compliance with applicable state and local laws.
Benefits:
For Washington positions (or positions that may be performed remotely from Washington), https://www.unfi.com/jobs-more-info-wa.html for Washington-specific paid time off details.
Candidates hired into this position will also be eligible to participate in the following benefits programs: Paid Time Off; Sick Time; paid holidays and parental leave; 401K Program; medical, dental, vision, life, and accidental death/dismemberment insurance; short-term and long-term disability insurance program, Flexible Spending Account and/or Health Savings Account, subject to meeting the eligibility requirements and the terms and conditions of these programs, and subject to any requirements under applicable collective bargaining agreements.
UNFI’s compensation, benefits, and paid time off policies are subject to change in the Company’s sole discretion, consistent with applicable law. This job posting should not be construed as an offer of employment with certain terms, nor should it be construed as a guaranteed minimum.
Qualified applications with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance and the California Fair Chance Act.
See All 20 Software Design Engineer Jobs in Rhode Island
Find roles in Rhode Island that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Software Design Engineer JobsSoftware Design Engineer Jobs by City in Rhode Island
Where Rhode Island roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Software Design Engineer Job Market in Rhode Island
A snapshot from current Rhode Island openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- Raytheon3
- UNFI1
- AMETEK1
- Cohera1C
- SEACORP1
Top Industries Hiring
- Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals2
- Electronics & Hardware1
- Consulting & Professional Services1
What Rhode Island Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in software design engineer jobs across Rhode Island.
- Bachelor's degree in computer science, electrical engineering, or a closely related field
- Proficiency in C, C++, Python, or Java for embedded and application-level development
- Experience with system design methodologies, UML, or model-based design tools
- Familiarity with Agile or Scrum development processes and version control systems
- Ability to obtain or hold a federal security clearance for defense-sector roles
- Strong written communication skills for design documentation and cross-functional collaboration
Software Design Engineer Jobs in Rhode Island: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a software design engineer in Rhode Island?
Most software design engineer roles in Rhode Island require a bachelor's degree in computer science, software engineering, or electrical engineering from an accredited program. Rhode Island does not mandate a state-issued license for software design engineers in most commercial settings, but engineers contributing to defense contracts often pursue a federal security clearance through their employer. Graduates from the University of Rhode Island or Brown University's engineering programs frequently enter the field directly through campus recruiting with major Rhode Island employers.
How much do software design engineers make in Rhode Island?
Software design engineers in Rhode Island earn a median of about $130,590 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $83,540 for the lowest 10% to over $168,630 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire software design engineers in Rhode Island?
Employers hiring software design engineers in Rhode Island right now include Raytheon, UNFI, and AMETEK, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of July 2026. Rhode Island's defense and insurance technology sectors drive consistent demand, with large employers in Woonsocket and East Greenwich maintaining dedicated engineering teams year-round.
Which Rhode Island cities have the most software design engineer jobs?
The cities with the most software design engineer openings in Rhode Island are Portsmouth, Providence, and Bristol. Providence anchors the market as the state's commercial and university hub, while suburban communities like Woonsocket and North Kingstown attract demand from defense contractors and financial technology firms that have headquartered engineering operations outside the capital.
Are there remote software design engineer jobs in Rhode Island?
Yes, and more than most fields, since software design engineering is largely a desk and screen-based discipline that lends itself well to distributed work. About 50% of software design engineer openings tied to Rhode Island are remote or hybrid as of July 2026, reflecting the broader flexibility of the tech sector. Architecture, code review, and documentation work are most commonly performed remotely, while hardware integration and lab validation roles still require an on-site presence.
How can I get hired as a software design engineer in Rhode Island with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is a junior or associate software engineer role at a mid-size Rhode Island technology firm or defense contractor, where early-career candidates contribute to well-defined modules under senior oversight. Employers like Raytheon and IGT recruit new graduates through university partnerships with the University of Rhode Island and Brown, often through co-op or internship pipelines that convert to full-time offers. Building a portfolio of personal or capstone projects in embedded systems or object-oriented design strengthens a candidate's case when formal experience is limited.
Where can I find and apply to software design engineer jobs in Rhode Island?
You can find and apply to software design engineer jobs in Rhode Island on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings across the state. Search the available roles, find the ones that match your background and location preferences, and apply directly to the positions that fit.
See All 20 Software Design Engineer Jobs in Rhode Island
Find roles in Rhode Island that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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