Lead Automation Project Engineer

Jabil Circuit; Illinois; On-site; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in advanced manufacturing is seeking a Lead Automation Project Engineer. This role focuses on overseeing the full lifecycle of automation projects, involving collaboration with various teams, and ensuring the efficiency and reliability of production systems. Candidates should possess a strong background in automation, engineering principles, and significant project leadership experience.

Benefits

Medical, Dental, Prescription Drug, and Vision Insurance

401K match

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Tuition Reimbursement

Annual Merit Increases

Qualifications

• At least 8 years of experience in automation equipment development and installation.
• Subject Matter Expert in applicable engineering theories and design principles.

Responsibilities

• Lead the full lifecycle of automation projects including quoting and installation.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to align automation goals with part design.
• Provide technical support for automation troubleshooting and continuous improvement.

Skills

Knowledge of metal welding

Complex understanding of processes and manufacturing techniques

Proficiency in Microsoft Office

Education

Bachelor's of Science in Mechanical or Electronics/Electrical Engineering

Job description

Jabil is looking to hire a Lead Automation Project Engineer.

How will you make an impact?

As a seasoned engineering professional, you will take on a pivotal role as Lead Automation Project Engineer , where your deep expertise in high-speed assembly automation will shape the future of advanced manufacturing.

In this role, you will lead the full lifecycle of automation projects—from defining technical requirements and developing automation concepts, to overseeing installation and ensuring seamless transitions to production. You will also take the lead in the equipment quoting process and create preliminary concepts, layouts, and technical documentation that support strategic decision-making.

As a Subject Matter Expert in Assembly Automation , you will collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, influencing part design and ensuring alignment with automation goals. Your insights will help drive efficiency, innovation, and reliability across production systems.

If you are an experienced engineer ready to make a significant impact and guide the direction of complex automation projects, we’d love to have you on our team.

What will you do?

• Subject matter expert in the development of automated assembly and test systems.

• Customer and Facility virtual and onsite liaison for automation development best practices

• Interact directly with assembly and automation equipment suppliers.

• Specify and/or purchase equipment, assembly tooling, and fixtures for new and existing processes.

• Lead the development of URS and equipment specifications and requirements including the qualification of custom/vendor equipment for production use.

• Lead and guide quoting of automation equipment.

• Create and coordinate project teams to achieve the agreed project outcomes.

• Ensure all automation projects are embedded with the receiving site teams for seamless handover.

• Support sites with engineering hiring.

• Provide technical support for all aspects of automation troubleshooting and continuous improvement.

• Identify and coordinate automation training opportunities for self and colleagues.

• Actively research new technologies and automation developments, external automation suppliers, and wider manufacturing & warehouse operations

• Support sites on Automation escalations.

• Support sites with identifying, defining & executing Downtime, Scrap & OEE improvement projects during engineering transfer through ramp-up production.

• Provide collaboration on RFQ's, DFM's, Design Reviews, Product Design, and Automation Equipment Design as part of a holistic solution.

• Drive company values and promote an environment of continuous improvement.

• Provide support to other Sites through a Q&A global process platform.

• Directs manufacturing in troubleshooting problems, upgrades, retrofits, set-ups, and methods development.

• Supports product development meetings and makes recommendations to product design changes to enhance manufacturing and assembly.

• Thorough understanding of Lean Six Sigma tools, projects, and processes and ability to incorporate these into assigned engineering projects.

• Lead role in large, complex projects with broad scope and implications for the organization.

• Ensures projects are compliant with all local, regional, and national regulatory requirements, codes, and controls.

• Supports all company safety and quality program initiatives.

• May perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

How will you get here?

Education:

• Bachelor's of Science in Mechanical or Electronics/Electrical Engineering.

Experience:

• At least 8 years of experience in automation equipment development and installation OR an equivalent combination of education, training, or experience.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Complex understanding of processes and manufacturing techniques.

• Knowledge of metal welding including laser and resistance is required

• Knowledge and experience in engineering in a manufacturing environment

• Knowledge of Renewable Energy and Energy Storage Systems is a plus.

• Subject Matter Expert in applicable engineering theories, design principles and practices, and design evaluation techniques.

• Proficiency in the use of personal computers, Microsoft Office products (Excel, Word, and PowerPoint), and e-mail skills required.

Benefits you will receive while working with Jabil:

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