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

About the role

Jabil is expanding and seeks a Regional Automation Lead – Manufacturing Assembly & Test Process to support new and existing sites throughout the US. The role is based in Salisbury, NC with up to 50% domestic travel.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Requirements

• 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.

Qualifications

• 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.

Skills

• 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.

Benefits

• 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.