Automation Lead - Manufacturing Assembly & Test Process (US Region)

Jabil•Tampa, FL

1d•$100,100 - $180,200

About The Position

Jabil is hiring a regional Automation Lead for manufacturing assembly and test processes across the United States. The role supports new and existing sites and may be based at one of three preferred locations—Salisbury, North Carolina; Prince George, Virginia; or Memphis, Tennessee—to reduce travel. Other listed locations are Auburn Hills, Michigan; Gurnee or Hanover Park, Illinois; Richardson, Texas; Devens, Massachusetts; and Maple Grove, Minnesota. Domestic travel may be up to 50%. Relocation assistance and a signing bonus are available. The Automation Lead will set the strategy, design, and deployment of advanced automation systems to improve quality, safety, and operational efficiency. The role develops and implements a multi-year automation roadmap and a manual-to-semi-automated-to-fully-automated strategy for assembly and test operations, prioritizing initiatives based on return on investment. It works with Manufacturing Engineering, Operations, Quality, Controls Engineering, software teams, and external automation integrators to deliver efficient and flexible manufacturing solutions. The role leads automated assembly line design and implementation, automated testing and first-pass-yield improvement, systems integration, equipment specification, factory and site acceptance testing, commissioning, and launch activities. It also provides technical leadership, project management, vendor coordination, and development of automation standards across manufacturing operations. A bachelor’s degree in a related engineering or technical discipline is preferred. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without current or future Jabil sponsorship. The stated salary range is $100,100–$180,200, with the actual offer dependent on qualifications and experience, geographic location, education, market data, and internal equity. The position is eligible for a performance-based short-term incentive.

Requirements

At least 7 years of experience in manufacturing automation, assembly automation, or automated test engineering environments.
Proven experience implementing automated assembly lines in high-volume manufacturing operations.
Experience with robotics, PLCs, automated inspection systems, and industrial automation controls.
Hands-on experience with screw-driving and torque automation, robotic handling, tray and pallet automation, vision-guided assembly, and automated test systems.
Demonstrated success leading ROI-driven automation projects with measurable operational impact.
Experience supporting manufacturing transformations involving manual-to-semi-automated-to-fully-automated assembly and test implementations.
Experience working with automation integrators, OEM equipment suppliers, and cross-functional engineering teams.
Strong understanding of manufacturing process automation and assembly system design.
Knowledge of PLCs, robotics, servo systems, industrial networking, HMI/SCADA platforms, and MES integration.
Experience with controls, software, and data integration across manufacturing systems.
Strong problem-solving, project management, and organizational skills.
Ability to manage multiple automation projects in fast-paced manufacturing environments.
Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration skills.
Legally authorized to work in the United States without current or future sponsorship by Jabil.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Automation Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
Knowledge of lean manufacturing, continuous improvement, and line-balancing methodologies.

Responsibilities

Develop and execute a multi-year automation roadmap aligned with manufacturing growth and operational objectives.
Lead the transition from manual processes to scalable automation using a manual-to-semi-automated-to-fully-automated assembly and test strategy.
Identify and prioritize return-on-investment-driven automation opportunities focused on labor efficiency, cycle time, throughput, and quality.
Design, develop, and implement automated assembly lines for high-volume manufacturing environments.
Lead automation initiatives involving screw-driving and torque automation, robotic handling, tray and pallet automation, vision-guided assembly, automated line balancing, and changeover-friendly tooling.
Develop and deploy automated test stations and first-pass-yield improvement solutions to improve quality, traceability, and manufacturing reliability.
Partner with Quality and Manufacturing teams to improve first-pass yield, reduce defects, and improve process capability.
Support controls, software, and data integration across automation platforms, PLCs, HMIs, robotics, MES systems, and production databases.
Collaborate with controls engineers, software teams, and external integrators on equipment specification, FAT/SAT, commissioning, and launch activities.
Drive continuous improvement using lean manufacturing and automation best practices.
Provide technical leadership, project management, vendor coordination, and automation standards development across manufacturing operations.

Benefits

Medical, dental, prescription drug, and vision insurance, with HRA and HSA options
401(k) 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
Performance-based short-term incentive
Relocation assistance
Signing bonus