Automation Lead - Manufacturing Assembly Process
About The Position
At Jabil (NYSE: JBL), we are proud to be a trusted partner for the world's top brands, offering comprehensive engineering, supply chain, and manufacturing solutions. With 60 years of experience across industries and a vast network of over 100 sites worldwide, Jabil combines global reach with local expertise to deliver both scalable and customized solutions. Our commitment extends beyond business success as we strive to build sustainable processes that minimize environmental impact and foster vibrant and diverse communities around the globe. This position is not eligible for immigration and/or visa sponsorship. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without current or future sponsorship by Jabil. Applicants requiring sponsorship will not be considered. Jabil is expanding! We are looking for a Regional Automation Lead – Manufacturing Assembly Process (US Region) to support new and existing sites throughout the US. This role can be based in either of the three preferred sites for reduced overall travel. Salisbury, NC, Prince George, VA, or Memphis, TN Additional locations (with more travel) include: Auburn Hills (Detroit metro), Gurnee / Hanover Park (Chicago metro), Richardson (Dallas metro), Devens MA (Boston metro), Maple Grove (Minneapolis metro) Travel up to 50% domestically. Relocation Assistance and Signing Bonus Available!
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Mechatronics, Automation Engineering, or related technical discipline required
- 8+ years of progressive experience in manufacturing automation, with significant focus on assembly and test processes
- 5+ years in a technical leadership or regional role supporting multi-site manufacturing operations
- Proven experience implementing: Automated assembly lines, Robotic systems (robot handling, screw driving, loading/unloading), Vision systems for assembly guidance and inspection, Automated test systems and data capture
- Strong background in ROI justification, project execution, and vendor management for automation equipment and system integrators
- Strong understanding of automation line design, line balancing, and changeover-friendly concepts
- Expertise in controls systems, including PLCs, HMIs, industrial networks, and software integration
- Experience working with robotic platforms, motion systems, torque tools, and vision systems
- Solid knowledge of manufacturing data integration, test data, and traceability systems
- Excellent project management, analytical, and problem-solving skills
- Strong communication skills with the ability to influence stakeholders across engineering, manufacturing, and leadership levels
- Willingness and ability to travel up to 50% within the US; when not traveling, role is based on-site at the home location
Nice To Haves
- Master’s degree preferred
- Lean Manufacturing / Six Sigma certification preferred
Responsibilities
- Define and drive the automation roadmap for manufacturing assembly and test processes, aligned with business objectives and regional manufacturing strategies.
- Develop and deploy manual → semi-automatic → fully automatic assembly and test strategies, focusing on scalability, flexibility, and cost effectiveness.
- Lead ROI-driven automation projects, including feasibility studies, business cases, and risk assessments.
- Design and implement automated assembly lines, including: Screw driving and torque-controlled automation, Robotic part handling, Tray and pallet-based material flow systems, Vision-guided assembly and inspection.
- Drive line balancing through automation, optimizing cycle time, throughput, and labor efficiency across assembly operations.
- Develop changeover-friendly tooling and automation concepts to support high-mix, low- to mid-volume manufacturing environments.
- Lead the deployment of automated test stations, improving First Pass Yield (FPY), data capture, and process control.
- Collaborate with Controls and IT teams on controls architecture, software solutions, and manufacturing data integration (PLC, HMI, MES, traceability).
- Manage cross-functional teams (manufacturing, quality, controls, IT, suppliers) to deliver automation projects on time and within budget.
- Establish standardized automation best practices, documentation, and training across regional sites.
- Provide technical leadership and mentoring to automation engineers and site teams.
- Stay current on emerging assembly automation, robotics, vision, and digital manufacturing technologies and evaluate applicability across Jabil.
Benefits
- Medical, Dental, Prescription Drug, and Vision Insurance with HRA and HSA options
- 401K Match
- Employee Stock Purchase Plan
- Paid Time Off
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Life, AD&D, and Disability Insurance
- Commuter Benefits
- Employee Assistance Program
- Pet Insurance
- Adoption Assistance
- Annual Merit Increases
- Community Volunteer Opportunities
- Relocation Assistance
- Signing Bonus
- short-term incentive based on performance
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
