Automation Lead - Manufacturing Assembly Process

Jabil; Salisbury (NC); On-site; USD 100,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

401K Match

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Paid Time Off

Tuition Reimbursement

Life Insurance

AD&D Insurance

Disability Insurance

Commuter Benefits

Employee Assistance Program

Pet Insurance

Adoption Assistance

Annual Merit Increases

Volunteer Opportunities

Job summary

Jabil is seeking a Regional Automation Lead for Manufacturing Assembly and Test across the US region, based in Salisbury, NC, or other preferred sites with up to 50% travel. You will steer automation strategy to evolve manual processes toward semi-automatic and fully automated systems, impacting cost, quality, throughput, FPY, and scalability.

The role requires a strong background in ROI justification, project management, and vendor coordination, with experience in robotic systems, vision, and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Mechatronics, Automation Engineering, or related field.
• 8+ years of progressive experience in manufacturing automation.
• 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 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.
• Knowledge of automation line design, line balancing, and changeover-friendly concepts; proficiency with PLCs, HMIs, industrial networks, and software integration; experience with robotics, motion systems, torque tools, and vision systems; solid knowledge of manufacturing data integration, test data, and traceability; excellent project management and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Define and drive the automation roadmap for manufacturing assembly and test processes.
• Develop and deploy manual → semi-automatic → fully automatic assembly/test strategies emphasizing scalability and cost effectiveness.
• Lead ROI-driven automation projects including feasibility studies and business cases.
• Design and implement automated assembly lines with robotics, vision, and automated test systems.
• Develop changeover-friendly tooling and concepts for high-mix, low- to mid-volume environments.
• Lead deployment of automated test stations, improving FPY and data capture.
• Collaborate with Controls and IT on architecture, software solutions, and data integration.
• Manage cross-functional teams to deliver projects on time and within budget.
• Establish standardized automation practices, documentation, and training across sites.
• Provide technical leadership and mentoring to automation engineers and site teams.
• Stay current on emerging automation technologies and evaluate applicability.

Skills

Automation leadership

ROI justification

Project management

Cross-site collaboration

Strong communication

Problem-solving

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical/Electrical/Mechatronics/Automation Engineering

Master's degree preferred

Tools

Robotic systems

Vision systems

PLC/HMI/SCADA

Automation equipment

System integration

Job description

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!

How will you make an impact?

You will lead the automation strategy and execution for manufacturing assembly and test processes, guiding sites through the evolution from manual to semi-automated to fully automated systems. Your work will directly improve cost, quality, throughput, FPY, and scalability through ROI-driven automation solutions deployed across the US region.

What will you do?

• 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.

How will you get here?

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Mechatronics, Automation Engineering, or related technical discipline required; Master’s degree preferred.
• Lean Manufacturing / Six Sigma certification preferred.
• Experience: 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.
• Knowledge, Skills, Abilities: 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.

What can Jabil offer you?

• 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

The pay range for this role is $100,100 - $180,200.

Job-related, non-discriminatory factors used to determine the actual offered rate include qualifications and experience, geographic location, education, external market data, and consideration of internal equity.

The anticipated close date of this job requisition is: . As part of the total rewards package, this position is eligible for a short-term incentive based on performance.

In addition, Jabil offers benefits to enhance your health, wealth and resilient self. These include medical, dental, and vision insurance plans; 401(k) retirement plan and employee stock purchase plan; and paid time off.

Jabil may use artificial intelligence (“AI”) in connection with various aspects of its recruitment and hiring functions. If and when AI is used, Jabil ensures that its use of AI would not have the effect of subjecting employees to discrimination on the basis of protected classes.

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.

Accessibility Accommodation If you are a qualified individual with a disability, you have the right to request a reasonable accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access Jabil.com/Careers site as a result of your disability. You can request a reasonable accommodation by sending an e-mail to [e-mail] or calling 727-803-7988 with the nature of your request and contact information. Please do not direct any other general employment related questions to this e-mail or phone number. Please note that only those inquiries concerning a request for reasonable accommodation will be responded to.

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