Full-Time
Lead Estimator
FORTNA
1,001-5,000 employees
Warehouse optimization software and automation solutions
Compensation Overview
$100.7k - $151.1k/yr
Remote in USA
Remote
Bachelor's
 Software Engineering (1) |
|---|
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- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Supply Chain, Project Management, Software Engineering, or a related technical field or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Candidates without a degree should possess approximately 10+ years of progressive estimating experience supporting material handling, warehouse automation, logistics, distribution, or supply chain projects.
- 8+ years of estimating experience supporting material handling, warehouse automation, logistics, supply chain, or industrial automation projects.
- Experience estimating complex integrated systems involving technologies such as conveyors, ASRS, robotics, AMRs, AGVs, or AutoStore.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and Excel skills.
- Demonstrated ability to collaborate across technical and commercial teams.
- Experience influencing pricing strategy, managing ambiguity, and supporting high-value proposals.
- Excellent communication and organizational skills.
- Experience mentoring technical team members.
- Lead the development of capital budget and contract estimates for complex material handling and warehouse automation projects.
- Analyze project scope, technical requirements, and commercial objectives to develop accurate cost models.
- Collaborate with engineering, software, project management, procurement, sales, and other SMEs to develop comprehensive estimates.
- Maintain and enhance estimating tools, cost libraries, and databases.
- Analyze historical project data and develop metrics to improve estimating accuracy.
- Recommend pricing strategies and participate in executive cost and price reviews.
- Challenge project costs, schedules, and technical approaches to deliver competitive, standardized solutions.
- Mentor junior estimators and support estimating best practices across the team.
- Contribute to estimating process improvements, training initiatives, and tool development.
- Serve as the Estimation Manager's delegate when needed.
- Experience with warehouse automation systems integrators.
- Familiarity with cost modeling, estimating databases, and proposal development.
- Knowledge of warehouse operations, distribution centers, and automated material handling systems.
Fortna provides end-to-end distribution and fulfillment solutions by combining warehouse optimization software with material handling automation. Its products work by integrating software that optimizes storage, flow, labor, and inventory with physical automation such as conveyors, sorters, and robotics to design, build, and operate automated distribution centers. Fortna distinguishes itself through a unified, hands-on offering that spans systems design, software, and automation hardware and services under one brand, after the Fortna and MHS Global merger. This integrated approach helps clients across various industries increase throughput, accuracy, and efficiency in the complex flow of goods demanded by modern consumer markets. The company’s goal is to help organizations manage and automate their distribution networks more effectively, delivering scalable, repeatable results.
Company Size
1,001-5,000
Company Stage
N/A
Total Funding
N/A
Headquarters
Reading, Pennsylvania
Founded
1946
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Simplify's Take
What believers are saying
- August 20, 2026 recapitalization cuts $1.8 billion debt and saves $150 million interest.
- Ravi Ramanujam joined as CFO in January 2026, tightening cash-flow discipline.
- FORTNA's ssy.ai partnership adds generative AI features for warehouse data insights.
What critics are saying
- August 2026 lender control hands Ares and creditors majority ownership, wiping THL equity.
- The recapitalization admits balance-sheet distress; FORTNA needed $150 million cash and debt forgiveness.
- Revelio shows headcount fell to 2,897 in March 2026, signaling execution pressure.
What makes FORTNA unique
- FORTNA designs, software, and services across distribution networks, not isolated automation hardware.
- April 2025 Magid AutoStore win shows premium warehouse-retrofit capability.
- OptiSweep and robotic singulation target high-volume e-commerce sorting bottlenecks.
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Benefits
Professional Development Budget
Growth & Insights and Company News
6 month growth
↑ 31%1 year growth
↑ 31%2 year growth
↑ 33%FORTNA recapitalizes in debt-for-equity deal. Existing lenders will take ownership, restructure balance sheet. By MMH Staff · August 28, 2026 Logistics software and automation company FORTNA has entered into an agreement with holders of 74% of the company's funded debt and its sponsors to recapitalize in a debt-for-equity swap, which will transition the company's ownership to its existing lenders, including funds managed by Ares Management and some of the largest global asset managers, and position the business for long-term growth. Participation in the transaction will be offered to all of the company's existing lenders. The 80-year-old company will continue to operate as normal and the FORTNA team remains focused on delivering for customers and advancing projects on time. "Today's agreement marks an important milestone for our company," said Rob McKeel, Chief Executive Officer, FORTNA. "Following this transaction, we will have a stronger balance sheet and enhanced financial flexibility. Additionally, with the support of new ownership that shares our long-term vision, we will be well positioned to execute our strategy with discipline and confidence. Our focus remains unchanged - delivering exceptional value to our customers, investing in operational excellence and driving sustainable long-term growth." McKeel continued, "As we look ahead, our priorities remain clear. We will continue helping our customers optimize complex distribution and fulfillment operations with mission-critical solutions, expertise and innovative approaches. We are grateful for the continued trust and support of our customers and business partners and look forward to our continued collaboration. I also want to recognize and thank our employees for their hard work, dedication and commitment, which will continue to drive our success in the years ahead." Once the transaction contemplated by the agreement is completed, FORTNA will receive a fully committed equity cash infusion of approximately $150 million, which will be funded by existing lenders, including Ares. In addition, the transaction will deleverage the company's balance sheet by approximately $1.8 billion, reducing annual interest expense by more than $150 million. Majority ownership will transition through the recapitalization to the company's existing lenders. The company fully expects to consummate the recapitalization transaction in the coming weeks, subject to the satisfaction of standard closing conditions. The recapitalization transaction will have no impact or impairment on the company's vendors, suppliers, and business partners.
Atlanta-based systems integrator Fortna will be acquired by Los Angeles investment firm Ares Management in a deal that reduces the company's debt by $1.8 billion and raises $150 million in cash. The transaction will transfer majority ownership to existing lenders. Fortna was previously purchased by private equity firm Thomas H. Lee Partners in 2019 and merged with fellow systems integrator MHS Global in 2022. The recapitalization is expected to close in the coming weeks. CEO Rob McKeel said the deal provides a stronger balance sheet and enhanced financial flexibility. The transaction will not impact vendors, suppliers, or business partners. Fortna will continue normal operations during the transition, focusing on delivering distribution and fulfilment solutions to customers.
Fortna's Avila among Pros to Know. Fortna, an automation and software company for the full logistics value chain, has announced that Dan Avila, vice president, sales, has been recognized by Supply & Demand Chain Executive (SDCE) as a Leader in Excellence in the 2026 Pros to Know awards. Avila has over 30 years of experience in supply chain consulting and solutioning and is recognized for his work guiding Fortna customers on multi-year, multi-site supply chain transformation projects, leading them through strategic evaluation, concepting and the implementation of next-generation warehouse technologies and processes. Dan Avila, vice president, sales, has been recognized by Supply & Demand Chain Executive (SDCE) as a Leader in Excellence in the 2026 Pros to Know awards. "We're thrilled to see Dan recognized with this well-deserved honor," said Tom Rozema, CCO, Fortna. "Our customers consistently benefit from Dan's approach - he partners closely with them to navigate complex supply chain challenges and drive meaningful, long-term improvements in their operations. His deep industry expertise, ability to spot and communicate emerging trends, and dedication to strengthening customer outcomes make him an invaluable resource. Dan's success comes from understanding our system design capabilities and applying the right technologies in ways that deliver practical, measurable results for the customers we serve." "When it comes to overcoming supply chain disruption, this year's pack of supply chain leaders left no stone unturned," says Marina Mayer, editor-in-chief of Food Logistics and Supply & Demand Chain Executive and co-founder of the Women in Supply Chain Forum. "From AI implementation and warehouse automation to last-mile accuracy and returns management, they innovated, developed and executed on all cylinders, providing solutions, technologies and processes that move product from Point A to Point B in a way that almost seems seamless. And every year, I am honored to celebrate these supply chain professionals." The annual SDCE Pros to Know award honors the top 100 outstanding executives who have made significant contributions to improving the supply chain industry.
Ravi Ramanujam to join FORTNA as CFO. Ramanujam is a seasoned global finance executive with more than 25 years leading organizations through growth and transformation. By MMH Staff January 26, 2026 Ravi Ramanujam will be FORTNA's new CFO FORTNA, a leading warehouse automation, software and consulting company, today announced the appointment of Ravi Ramanujam as the new chief financial officer (CFO) for FORTNA. Ramanujam is a seasoned global finance executive with more than 25 years leading organizations through growth and transformation. He brings multi-industry experience and deep expertise supporting business strategy across capital markets, mergers and acquisitions, integrations and operational enablement. Throughout his career, Ravi has overseen capital allocation, treasury management, financial planning and analysis, and turnaround initiatives in large-scale, project-driven environments. He is known for strengthening operating discipline and improving performance, with a strong focus on cash flow, margin discipline and stakeholder accountability. His leadership approach emphasizes close partnership with operational and commercial leaders to align financial strategy with execution priorities. Ramanujam joins FORTNA from Enfinity Global, where he served as CFO for the Americas, supporting a 36 GW global portfolio of solar and energy storage projects. Ravi also has extensive experience leading finance teams with GE Renewable Energy, GE Power and GE Capital. Ravi started his career with the GE Financial Management program and then held successive leadership roles in FP&A, Capital Markets, JVs leadership, M&A and integration activities. He is is a Chartered Accountant from The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India and holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from Shri Ram College of Commerce. "The CFO role is critical to our strategy and growth, and Ravi brings strong financial discipline and operational insight that align with where FORTNA is headed," stated Rob McKeel, Chief Executive Officer, FORTNA. "I'm excited to welcome Ravi to the FORTNA executive leadership team and value the experience he brings as we continue to build for long-term growth." FORTNA is known for its comprehensive range of services and products including network strategy, distribution center operational design and implementation, material handling automated equipment, robotics, software, and a suite of lifecycle services.
ATLANTA (April 2, 2025) - FORTNA, a leading automation and software company for the full logistics value chain, has been selected by Magid Glove & Safety Manufacturing Company LLC (Magid), a fourth-generation family-owned personal protection equipment (PPE) manufacturer and distributor, to retrofit their Romeoville, IL, distribution center with a warehouse-ready, high-density AutoStore solution.