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

Jabil; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 100,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401K Match

Paid Time Off

Tuition Reimbursement

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Commuter Benefits

Adoption Assistance

Job summary

Jabil seeks a Regional Automation Lead – Manufacturing Assembly & Test Process (US Region) to drive the automation roadmap across sites in the US. You will lead strategy, design, and deployment of advanced automation to improve quality, safety, and efficiency, coordinating with Manufacturing Engineering, Operations, and external integrators.

The role requires a Bachelor’s degree in a technical field and 7+ years of experience in manufacturing automation, with hands‑on expertise in robotics,

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a technical field and 7+ years in manufacturing automation or automated test environments.
• Proven ROI driven automation projects with measurable impact in high‑volume settings.
• Experience leading manual → semi auto → full auto Assembly & Test strategies.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a multi‑year automation roadmap aligned with growth objectives.
• Lead the manual to full automation transition for assembly and test processes.
• Identify ROI opportunities to improve labor efficiency, cycle time, throughput and quality.
• Design and deploy automated lines for high‑volume manufacturing.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams and external integrators during FAT/SAT and commissioning.
• Drive continuous improvement using lean methods and automation best practices.

Skills

Automation strategy

Cross-functional collaboration

Lean manufacturing

Project management

Vendor coordination

ROI analysis

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering

Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing Engineering

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering

Mechatronics / Automation Engineering

Tools

PLCs

Robotics

Vision systems

HMI/SCADA

MES 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 & 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!

How will you make an impact?

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.

What will you do?

• 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
• Lead automation initiatives involving: Robotic handling
• Lead automation initiatives involving: Tray & pallet automation
• Lead automation initiatives involving: Vision guided assembly
• Lead automation initiatives involving: Line balancing with automation
• Lead automation initiatives involving: 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.

How will you get here?

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Automation Engineering, or related technical discipline preferred. Experience: 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. Knowledge, Skills, Abilities: 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.

What can Jabil offer you?

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

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

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.