Principal Automation Engineer - JDAS

Jabil; Saint Petersburg (FL); On-site; USD 126,100 - 227,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k) retirement plan and ESPP

Paid time off

Job summary

Jabil seeks a Principal Automation Engineer to advance vision and inspection systems across its manufacturing operations. You will lead large-scale automation projects in a contract manufacturing environment, partnering with sites, vendors, and internal stakeholders to scope, deploy, and implement solutions.

The role combines technical depth with strong project leadership and cross-functional collaboration, requiring a Bachelor's in Engineering and 8+ years of experience in manufacturing

Qualifications

• Expert knowledge of manufacturing automation systems and industrial automation technologies.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes and automation project lifecycles.
• Ability to lead cross-functional automation initiatives while coordinating with internal teams and third-party suppliers.
• Excellent project planning, execution, vendor management, and stakeholder communication skills.
• Strong technical aptitude with the ability to evaluate automation opportunities and develop practical, scalable solutions.

Responsibilities

• Lead automation initiatives across high-volume manufacturing environments.
• Coordinate with manufacturing sites, automation vendors, and internal stakeholders to scope and deploy projects.
• Develop business cases, define technical and financial requirements, and oversee project execution.

Skills

Automation systems

Project leadership

Vendor management

Cross-functional collaboration

Vision systems

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Engineering

Job description

Job Summary

The Principal Automation Engineer (JDAS) is responsible for supporting production/manufacturing automation, with an emphasis on vision and inspection systems. The individual will be responsible for identifying, planning, and overseeing vision system and inspection automation projects within Jabil's manufacturing operations, acting as the liaison between the sites and automation vendors to ensure projects are successfully scoped, deployed, and implemented. The ideal candidate will come from a contract manufacturing environment (EMS or similar) and have demonstrated success leading automation initiatives supporting high-volume manufacturing operations. This individual should possess a strong blend of technical expertise, project leadership, and cross-functional collaboration, with the ability to partner effectively with manufacturing sites, automation vendors, and internal stakeholders to successfully deploy automation solutions.

Knowledge & Skills

• Expert knowledge of manufacturing automation systems and industrial automation technologies.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes and automation project lifecycles.
• Ability to lead cross-functional automation initiatives while coordinating with internal teams and third-party suppliers.
• Excellent project planning, execution, vendor management, and stakeholder communication skills.
• Strong technical aptitude with the ability to evaluate automation opportunities and develop practical, scalable solutions.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or a related technical discipline.
• 8+ years of experience in manufacturing automation, capital equipment deployment, or advanced manufacturing.
• Experience with PCBA and Higher Level assemblies involving PCBAs is highly desired.
• Experience leading large-scale automation projects within a contract manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated success developing business cases, defining technical and financial requirements, managing vendors, and overseeing automation project execution.
• Experience supporting maintenance automation or manufacturing process automation is preferred.
• Experience with vision and/or inspection manufacturing or automation involving large products/assemblies is a plus.
• Previous leadership or mentoring experience

The pay range for this role is $126,100 - $227,000.

The anticipated close date of this job requisition is: October 18, 2026.

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.

• medical, dental, and vision insurance plans
• 401(k) retirement plan and employee stock purchase plan
• paid time off