Automation Engineer Jobs in Illinois

JOB SUMMARY

Location/Division Specific Information

Join a global manufacturing organization supporting high-mix, high-volume production environments through advanced automation, robotics, controls engineering, and continuous improvement initiatives. This position partners closely with Manufacturing Engineering, Operations, Maintenance, Quality, and Project Management teams to design, implement, and optimize automation systems that improve productivity, quality, and operational efficiency.

How will you make an impact?

As an Automation Engineer, you will design, develop, and implement automation solutions that improve manufacturing performance, reduce downtime, and support scalable production growth. You will serve as a technical expert for automation systems, controls architecture, robotics integration, and equipment design while supporting projects from concept through installation and production launch.

Your work will directly contribute to increased equipment reliability, enhanced manufacturing throughput, improved product quality, and successful execution of strategic automation initiatives.

What will you do?

Automation Design & Engineering

• Design automation equipment and systems including controls, robotics, electrical systems, software applications, and machine integration solutions.
• Review and interpret customer, manufacturing, and project requirements to develop automation solutions that meet technical specifications, timelines, and budgets.
• Create engineering designs, schematics, control architectures, and equipment documentation.
• Develop installation manuals, operating procedures, and user documentation.
• Ensure designs support manufacturability, maintainability, reliability, and scalability.

Controls & Robotics

• Program, troubleshoot, and optimize PLC-based control systems utilizing Allen-Bradley, Siemens, or equivalent platforms.
• Configure and support HMI applications for operator interfaces and production monitoring.
• Integrate and troubleshoot industrial robotics systems including Fanuc or similar robotic platforms.
• Support motion control applications utilizing servo systems, VFDs, and advanced automation technologies.
• Implement and maintain industrial communication networks including EtherNet/IP, Modbus, Profibus, and Profinet.

Project Execution

• Partner with Project Managers, Manufacturing Engineers, and Operations teams to execute automation projects from concept through production deployment.
• Coordinate with internal and external equipment builders, integrators, and suppliers to ensure successful project delivery.
• Track engineering activities, project milestones, and resource utilization.
• Support equipment installation, startup, commissioning, validation, and production handoff activities.

Troubleshooting & Continuous Improvement

• Diagnose and resolve automation, controls, electrical, and equipment-related issues in manufacturing environments.
• Perform root cause analysis using structured problem-solving methodologies such as 5 Whys and Fishbone Analysis.
• Identify and implement automation improvements that increase efficiency, improve quality, and reduce downtime.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives focused on productivity, safety, and operational excellence.

Safety & Compliance

• Ensure automation systems comply with applicable machine safety standards and manufacturing regulations.
• Support implementation of safety circuits, guarding systems, lockout/tagout procedures, and risk mitigation practices.
• Promote a culture of safety, quality, and continuous improvement throughout the organization.

How will you get here?

Education:

• Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, Automation Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, or related technical discipline.
• Equivalent combination of education, technical training, and relevant experience may be considered.

Experience:

• 5-7 years minimum of experience designing, implementing, and supporting industrial automation systems in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience with automation equipment design, controls engineering, robotics integration, and equipment commissioning.
• Experience supporting high-volume manufacturing, EMS, contract manufacturing, automotive, medical device, industrial, or related production environments preferred.
• Proven experience leading or supporting automation projects from concept through implementation.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

Technical Skills

• Strong PLC programming and troubleshooting experience (Allen-Bradley, Siemens, or equivalent).
• Experience with HMI development and support.
• Knowledge of industrial automation systems including sensors, actuators, vision systems, and control devices.
• Experience programming and troubleshooting industrial robots such as Fanuc or similar platforms.
• Understanding of industrial networking and communication protocols including EtherNet/IP, Modbus, Profibus, and Profinet.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, P&IDs, and technical drawings.

Controls & Electrical Expertise

• Strong knowledge of electrical controls systems, control panels, wiring standards, and safety circuits.
• Experience with VFDs, servo drives, motion control systems, and machine controls.
• Working knowledge of machine safety standards, safety relays, guarding systems, and lockout/tagout procedures.

Problem Solving

• Proven ability to troubleshoot complex automation, controls, electrical, and mechanical issues.
• Strong analytical and root cause problem-solving capabilities.
• Ability to prioritize multiple projects and respond effectively in fast-paced manufacturing environments.

Leadership & Communication

• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to communicate technical information effectively to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ownership, accountability, and project execution skills.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with engineering, maintenance, operations, quality, and leadership teams.

What can we offer you?

Along with growth opportunities, global career mobility, and exposure to advanced manufacturing technologies, we offer a competitive total rewards package that includes:

• Medical, Dental, Prescription Drug, and Vision Insurance
• Health Savings Account (HSA) and Health Reimbursement Account (HRA) options
• 401(k) with Company Match
• Employee Stock Purchase Program
• Paid Time Off and Company Holidays
• Tuition Reimbursement and Professional Development Programs
• Life Insurance, AD&D, and Disability Coverage
• Employee Assistance Program
• Commuter Benefits
• Pet Insurance
• Adoption Assistance
• Annual Merit Increases
• Community Volunteer Opportunities

Equal Opportunity Employer

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all employees are valued and respected. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, business needs, and job-related factors without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.

Apply Today!

Join a global team of engineers and manufacturing professionals who are building the next generation of automated production systems and smart manufacturing solutions.

The pay range for this role is $83,400 - $150,000. 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.

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; paid time off accruing at a rate of 3.07 hours during your first year of employment; 4 weeks of paid parental leave; in 2026, 11 company-paid holidays (9 fixed holidays and 2 optional floating holidays), subject to change yearly; 401(k) retirement plan; and employee stock purchase plan.

Jabil may use artificial intelligence (“AI”) in connection with various aspects of its recruitment and hiring functions. If and when AI is used, Jabil ensures that its use of AI would not have the effect of subjecting employees to discrimination on the basis of protected classes.

BE AWARE OF FRAUD: When applying for a job at Jabil you will be contacted via correspondence through our official job portal with a jabil.com e-mail address; direct phone call from a member of the Jabil team; or direct e-mail with a jabil.com e-mail address. Jabil does not request payments for interviews or at any other point during the hiring process. Jabil will not ask for your personal identifying information such as a social security number, birth certificate, financial institution, driver’s license number or passport information over the phone or via e-mail. If you believe you are a victim of identity theft, contact the Federal Bureau of Investigations internet crime hotline (www.ic3.gov), the Federal Trade Commission identity theft hotline (www.identitytheft.gov) and/or your local police department. Any scam job listings should be reported to whatever website it was posted in.

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 Always_Accessible@Jabil.com 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.