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

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 & Test 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!

As the Automation Lead – Manufacturing Assembly & Test Process, you will lead the strategy, design, and deployment of advanced automation systems that improve quality, safety, and operational efficiency.

This role will drive the company’s automation roadmap by developing and implementing a manual → semi auto → full auto strategy – Assembly & Test across manufacturing operations. You will lead initiatives focused on ROI driven automation, helping the organization scale production through smarter assembly systems, automated testing, robotics, and integrated manufacturing technologies.

You will work cross-functionally with Manufacturing Engineering, Operations, Quality, Controls Engineering, and external automation integrators to build highly efficient and flexible manufacturing solutions.

• 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 → semi auto → full auto strategy – Assembly & Test approach.
• Identify and prioritize ROI driven automation opportunities focused on labor efficiency, cycle time reduction, throughput improvement, and quality enhancement.
• Design, develop, and implement automated assembly lines for high-volume manufacturing environments.
• Lead automation initiatives involving:
  • Screw driving / torque automation
  • Robotic handling
  • Tray & pallet automation
  • Vision guided assembly
  • Line balancing with automation
  • Changeover friendly tooling
• Develop and deploy automated test stations / FPY Improvement solutions to improve quality, traceability, and manufacturing reliability.
• Partner with Quality and Manufacturing teams to improve First Pass Yield (FPY), reduce defects, and improve process capability.
• Support Controls, Software & Data Integration initiatives across automation platforms, PLCs, HMIs, robotics, MES systems, and production databases.
• Collaborate with controls engineers, software teams, and external integrators during equipment specification, FAT/SAT, commissioning, and launch activities.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives using lean manufacturing and automation best practices.
• Provide technical leadership, project management, vendor coordination, and automation standards development across manufacturing operations.

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Automation Engineering, or related technical discipline preferred.

• 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 / torque automation
  • Robotic handling
  • Tray & pallet automation
  • Vision guided assembly
  • Automated test systems
• Demonstrated success leading ROI driven automation projects with measurable operational impact.
• Experience supporting manufacturing transformation initiatives involving manual → semi auto → full auto strategy – Assembly & 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 & 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.
• Knowledge of lean manufacturing, continuous improvement, and line balancing methodologies preferred.

Along with growth, stability, and the opportunity to be challenged, Jabil offers a competitive benefits package that includes:

• 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

Jabil, including its subsidiaries, is an equal opportunity employer and considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.