Manufacturing Automation Engineer
Jabil · Gurnee, IL
- Level
- Engineer
- Team
- Controls
- Base pay
- $83k–$150k
- Degree
- Required
- Experience asked
- 60+ years
- Industry
- Industrial
- Posted
- 14 days ago
The role in 30 seconds
An engineer-level controls role at Jabil (industrial) in Gurnee, IL. You will design, develop, and implement automation solutions that improve manufacturing performance, reduce downtime, and support scalable production growth.
- They ask for
- 60+ years · degree required
- Tools it names
- Root cause, Validation (IQ/OQ/PQ), PLC, Robotics, Automation
- Base pay
- $83k–$150k
Read from the posting. The full description is below.
From the plant jobs report · week of October 19, 2026
Controls Engineer roles in Illinois: typical posted base $87k–$133k. This one lists $83k–$150k.
Median of the low and high ends of 19 live postings that list pay, out of 30 controls engineer openings in Illinois, read from manufacturers' own careers sites.
Illinois plant jobs report →Pay by team and state →What moves pay →
How this role compares
Against 29 other live controls postings in Illinois.
- Base pay
- About 5% above similar roles
- Experience asked
- More than usual (60+ vs 5+)
Typical $89k–$133k, from 18 postings that list pay.
Similar roles usually ask 5+ years.
Skills these teams ask for most
- ✓ Automation 77%
- ✓ PLC 70%
- ✓ Root cause 40%
- ✓ Validation (IQ/OQ/PQ) 37%
- ✓ Robotics 37%
- Team leadership 20%
✓ = this posting asks for it too. % = share of similar postings that mention it.
Stands out: this posting asks for New product launch, which few similar roles mention. If you have it, lead with it.
At a glance
Pulled from the posting text. If it's not listed here, the posting didn't say.
How to get in at this plant
Five moves over a week or two. The first one takes ten minutes.
- 1
Pick 2–3 people on the Controls team at Jabil
Engineers who joined in the last year or two reply the most. Use the team search on this page to find them.
- 2
Send a short, curious note
One real question about their work. No favors yet. Each person gets a different note, written for this role.
- 3
Turn a reply into a short call
Questions worth asking about this team:
- What does a normal week look like on your team?
- How did you land the job? What stood out in your interviews?
- 4
Apply with someone vouching for you
If the call went well, ask whether they’d pass your résumé to the hiring manager. Send your résumé link, apply that day, and let them know.
- 5
Bring proof to the interview
One page of before-and-after numbers from projects you led: scrap, OEE, cycle time, cost. Plant managers hire on results.
This plant: Jabil in Gurnee
1 other open role at this site.
- Quality Engineer III · Quality · Senior
Full description from JabilAs posted on their careers site.ShowHide
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?
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.
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.
Show full description ↓Show less ↑
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.
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
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?
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 lock