Manufacturing Automation Engineer

Jabil • Gurnee, IL

2d • $83,400 - $150,000 • Onsite

About The Position

Join a global manufacturing organization supporting high-mix, high-volume production environments through advanced automation, robotics, controls engineering, and continuous improvement initiatives. This position partners closely with Manufacturing Engineering, Operations, Maintenance, Quality, and Project Management teams to design, implement, and optimize automation systems that improve productivity, quality, and operational efficiency.
As an Automation Engineer, you will design, develop, and implement automation solutions that improve manufacturing performance, reduce downtime, and support scalable production growth. You will serve as a technical expert for automation systems, controls architecture, robotics integration, and equipment design while supporting projects from concept through installation and production launch.
Your work will directly contribute to increased equipment reliability, enhanced manufacturing throughput, improved product quality, and successful execution of strategic automation initiatives.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, Automation Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, or related technical discipline.
• Equivalent combination of education, technical training, and relevant experience may be considered.
• 5-7 years minimum of experience designing, implementing, and supporting industrial automation systems in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience with automation equipment design, controls engineering, robotics integration, and equipment commissioning.
• Strong PLC programming and troubleshooting experience (Allen-Bradley, Siemens, or equivalent).
• Experience with HMI development and support.
• Knowledge of industrial automation systems including sensors, actuators, vision systems, and control devices.
• Experience programming and troubleshooting industrial robots such as Fanuc or similar platforms.
• Understanding of industrial networking and communication protocols including EtherNet/IP, Modbus, Profibus, and Profinet.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, P&IDs, and technical drawings.
• Strong knowledge of electrical controls systems, control panels, wiring standards, and safety circuits.
• Experience with VFDs, servo drives, motion control systems, and machine controls.
• Working knowledge of machine safety standards, safety relays, guarding systems, and lockout/tagout procedures.
• Proven ability to troubleshoot complex automation, controls, electrical, and mechanical issues.
• Strong analytical and root cause problem-solving capabilities.
• Ability to prioritize multiple projects and respond effectively in fast-paced manufacturing environments.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to communicate technical information effectively to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ownership, accountability, and project execution skills.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with engineering, maintenance, operations, quality, and leadership teams.

Nice To Haves

• Experience supporting high-volume manufacturing, EMS, contract manufacturing, automotive, medical device, industrial, or related production environments preferred.
• Proven experience leading or supporting automation projects from concept through implementation.

Responsibilities

• Design automation equipment and systems including controls, robotics, electrical systems, software applications, and machine integration solutions.
• Review and interpret customer, manufacturing, and project requirements to develop automation solutions that meet technical specifications, timelines, and budgets.
• Create engineering designs, schematics, control architectures, and equipment documentation.
• Develop installation manuals, operating procedures, and user documentation.
• Ensure designs support manufacturability, maintainability, reliability, and scalability.
• Program, troubleshoot, and optimize PLC-based control systems utilizing Allen-Bradley, Siemens, or equivalent platforms.
• Configure and support HMI applications for operator interfaces and production monitoring.
• Integrate and troubleshoot industrial robotics systems including Fanuc or similar robotic platforms.
• Support motion control applications utilizing servo systems, VFDs, and advanced automation technologies.
• Implement and maintain industrial communication networks including EtherNet/IP, Modbus, Profibus, and Profinet.
• Partner with Project Managers, Manufacturing Engineers, and Operations teams to execute automation projects from concept through production deployment.
• Coordinate with internal and external equipment builders, integrators, and suppliers to ensure successful project delivery.
• Track engineering activities, project milestones, and resource utilization.
• Support equipment installation, startup, commissioning, validation, and production handoff activities.
• Diagnose and resolve automation, controls, electrical, and equipment-related issues in manufacturing environments.
• Perform root cause analysis using structured problem-solving methodologies such as 5 Whys and Fishbone Analysis.
• Identify and implement automation improvements that increase efficiency, improve quality, and reduce downtime.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives focused on productivity, safety, and operational excellence.
• Ensure automation systems comply with applicable machine safety standards and manufacturing regulations.
• Support implementation of safety circuits, guarding systems, lockout/tagout procedures, and risk mitigation practices.
• Promote a culture of safety, quality, and continuous improvement throughout the organization.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, Prescription Drug, and Vision Insurance
• Health Savings Account (HSA) and Health Reimbursement Account (HRA) options
• 401(k) with Company Match
• Employee Stock Purchase Program
• Paid Time Off and Company Holidays
• Tuition Reimbursement and Professional Development Programs
• Life Insurance, AD&D, and Disability Coverage
• Employee Assistance Program
• Commuter Benefits
• Pet Insurance
• Adoption Assistance
• Annual Merit Increases
• Community Volunteer Opportunities
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance plans
• paid time off accruing at a rate of 3.07 hours during your first year of employment
• 4 weeks of paid parental leave
• in 2026, 11 company-paid holidays (9 fixed holidays and 2 optional floating holidays), subject to change yearly
• 401(k) retirement plan
• employee stock purchase plan

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level