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

Jabil; Salisbury (NC); On-site; USD 110,000 - 165,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

401K matching

Tuition reimbursement

Paid time off

Employee stock purchase plan

Job summary

Jabil is seeking an Automation Lead – Manufacturing Assembly & Test Process in the United States. You will lead strategy, design, and deployment of advanced automation systems to improve quality, safety, and efficiency across manufacturing operations.

This role requires a hands-on leader with a track record of implementing automated assembly lines, robotics, PLCs, and data integration to drive ROI and scale production. Strong cross-functional collaboration is essential.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience in manufacturing automation.
• Proven experience deploying automated assembly lines.
• Experience with robotics, PLCs, automated inspection systems.
• Hands-on with screw driving/torque automation, tray/pallet automation.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a multi-year automation roadmap aligned with growth and operations.
• Lead the transition from manual processes to scalable automation (manual → semi auto → full auto).
• Identify ROI-driven automation opportunities to improve labor efficiency and throughput.
• Design, develop, and implement automated assembly lines for high-volume manufacturing.
• Lead automation initiatives involving screw driving, robotic handling, tray/pallet automation, vision-guided assembly, line balancing, and tooling.

Skills

Manufacturing automation

Robotics

PLC programming

Project management

Lean manufacturing

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelors in Engineering

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.

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
  • 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.

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?

• 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, entity, 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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