Automation Lead - Manufacturing Assembly Process

Jabil is expanding! We are seeking a Regional Automation Lead – Manufacturing Assembly Process to support new and existing manufacturing sites across the US region
. This role will sit at our Salisbury, NC site and travel up to 50% domestically to support assembly 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.
• 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 influence stakeholders across engineering, manufacturing, and leadership levels
• Willingness and ability to travel up to 50% within the US; when not traveling, role is based on-site at the home location