Principal Automation Engineer - JDAS

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

Benefits offered by this job

Short-term incentive

Healthcare coverage

401(k) plan

Employee stock purchase plan

Paid time off

Job summary

Jabil seeks a Principal Automation Engineer to lead vision system and inspection automation within high-volume manufacturing. You will coordinate sites and vendors to scope, deploy and implement projects, leveraging a strong engineering background and leadership across teams.

Ideal candidates bring 8+ years in manufacturing automation in EMS or similar settings, with hands-on experience in PCBA or large assemblies and a proven track record in business-case development and vendor management.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or related technical field.
• 8+ years in manufacturing automation or capital equipment deployment.
• Experience with vision/inspection automation and large assemblies is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Identify, plan and oversee vision system and inspection automation projects.
• Liaise between manufacturing sites and automation vendors to scope and deploy projects.
• Lead automation initiatives in high-volume contract manufacturing environments.

Skills

Automation expertise

Industrial automation

Project leadership

Vendor management

Stakeholder communication

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Engineering

Tools

Vision systems

Inspection machines

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.

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. 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, 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.

#whereyoubelong #AWorldofPossibilities