Automation Lead - Manufacturing Assembly Process

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.

We are seeking a Regional Automation Lead – Manufacturing Assembly Process to support new and existing manufacturing sites across the US region
. This role will be based at one of our major US sites and requires up to 75% domestic travel to support assembly and test automation initiatives across multiple facilities.

You will lead the automation strategy and execution for manufacturing assembly and test processes, guiding sites through the evolution from manual to semi-automated to fully automated systems. Your work will directly improve cost, quality, throughput, FPY, and scalability through ROI-driven automation solutions deployed across the US region.

• Define and drive the automation roadmap for manufacturing assembly and test processes, aligned with business objectives and regional manufacturing strategies.
• Develop and deploy manual → semi-automatic → fully automatic assembly and test strategies
  , focusing on scalability, flexibility, and cost effectiveness.
• Lead ROI-driven automation projects, including feasibility studies, business cases, and risk assessments.
• Design and implement automated assembly lines, including:
  • Screw driving and torque-controlled automation
  • Robotic part handling
  • Tray and pallet-based material flow systems
  • Vision-guided assembly and inspection
• Drive line balancing through automation, optimizing cycle time, throughput, and labor efficiency across assembly operations.
• Develop changeover-friendly tooling and automation concepts to support high-mix, low- to mid-volume manufacturing environments.
• Lead the deployment of automated test stations, improving First Pass Yield (FPY), data capture, and process control.
• Collaborate with Controls and IT teams on controls architecture, software solutions, and manufacturing data integration (PLC, HMI, MES, traceability).
• Manage cross-functional teams (manufacturing, quality, controls, IT, suppliers) to deliver automation projects on time and within budget.
• Establish standardized automation best practices, documentation, and training across regional sites.
• Provide technical leadership and mentoring to automation engineers and site teams.
• Stay current on emerging assembly automation, robotics, vision, and digital manufacturing technologies and evaluate applicability across Jabil.

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Mechatronics, Automation Engineering, or related technical discipline required
• Master’s degree preferred
• Lean Manufacturing / Six Sigma certification preferred

• 8+ years of progressive experience in manufacturing automation, with significant focus on assembly and test processes
• 5+ years in a technical leadership or regional role supporting multi-site manufacturing operations
• Proven experience implementing:
  • Automated assembly lines
  • Robotic systems (robot handling, screw driving, loading/unloading)
  • Vision systems for assembly guidance and inspection
  • Automated test systems and data capture
• Strong background in ROI justification, project execution, and vendor management for automation equipment and system integrators

• Strong understanding of automation line design, line balancing, and changeover-friendly concepts
• Expertise in controls systems, including PLCs, HMIs, industrial networks, and software integration
• Experience working with robotic platforms, motion systems, torque tools, and vision systems
• Solid knowledge of manufacturing data integration, test data, and traceability systems
• Excellent project management, analytical, and problem-solving skills
• Strong communication skills with the ability to…