Principal Engineer, Material Handling & Warehouse Automation

Principal Automation Engineer, Material Handling & Warehouse Automation, RegionalAt Jabil, 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.The Principal Automation Engineer, Material Handling & Warehouse Automation, Regional is responsible for driving the execution, deployment, and improvement of warehouse and production-connected material handling automation solutions across multiple North America EMS sites. This role supports material flow to and from production through scalable warehouse and intralogistics solutions, while working closely with site teams, third-party suppliers, and cross-functional stakeholders to ensure successful implementation and sustainment.This role supports both New Product Introduction (NPI) and New Automation Asset Introduction. Although the role is not intended to formally own site projects, the individual must be fully capable of planning, structuring, and driving execution through site teams and external partners.This is not a strategy ownership role and it is not an internal equipment design role. The position is focused on execution, mentoring, supplier coordination, and consistent deployment of supplier-based warehouse and material handling automation solutions within a regional automation framework.Core Role DefinitionThis role must be capable of leading, structuring, and driving execution through site teams and suppliers.This role provides regional technical leadership for warehouse and material handling automation deployment and sustainment.This role works closely with the Sr. Manager of Automation to align execution with regional priorities and provide input to strategy, while strategy ownership remains with regional leadership.This role is a mentor, trainer, and capability builder across the region.This role works closely with the General Automation team, recognizing that material handling and warehouse automation must integrate directly into production operations.Essential Duties and ResponsibilitiesRegional Execution LeadershipDrive execution of material handling and warehouse automation initiatives across multiple North America EMS sites.Support sites in prioritizing opportunities, structuring work, managing execution, and stabilizing deployed systems.Ensure implementation aligns with regional expectations, standards, and scalable approaches.New Product Introduction (NPI) SupportSupport site teams in aligning warehouse and material flow strategies with new product requirements.Evaluate the impact of new products on material flow, storage, staging, line-side delivery, and outbound processes.Ensure warehouse and material handling processes are ready to support production needs during product launch.New Automation Asset IntroductionGuide and support deployment of new automation systems, including:requirements alignmentsupplier engagementtechnical evaluationquotation and proposal reviewinstallationstartuprampvalidation and handoffEnsure deployed systems meet throughput, reliability, accuracy, safety, and operational expectations.Project Execution CapabilityBe fully capable of independently running automation projects, including:planning and structuring worktask and issue trackingstakeholder alignmentsupplier coordinationexecution follow-uprisk and escalation managementApply this project capability to guide and support site teams, even when formal project ownership remains at the site.Supplier and Integrator LeadershipAct as a primary technical interface with:third-party automation integratorsAMR / AGV / FMR supplierswarehouse automation suppliersinfrastructure and software solution providersLead technical discussions, solution alignment, issue resolution, and performance reviews with suppliers.Warehouse and Production IntegrationEnsure strong alignment between warehouse automation systems and production operations.Work closely with site warehouse teams, facilities, industrial engineering, manufacturing engineering, and General Automation engineers.Reinforce that warehouse automation is not separate from manufacturing execution and must integrate cleanly into production material flow.Mentoring, Training, and Capability BuildingMentor facility-level automation engineers and technical resources across the region.Provide training and guidance on:warehouse and material handling automation conceptssupplier engagement and technical reviewsstructured execution disciplinetroubleshooting approachesstandard methods and lessons learnedHelp build sustainable capability across sites rather than creating dependency on one person.Continuous ImprovementDrive improvement initiatives across the region related to:material flow efficiencylabor reductionthroughput improvementdelivery performancestorage optimizationsystem reliabilityoperational scalabilityIdentify and replicate successful solutions where appropriate.Job QualificationsStrong experience in material handling, warehouse automation, and intralogistics systems.Strong understanding of:warehouse operations and terminologymaterial flow in manufacturing environmentsAMR / AGV / FMR systemsstorage systems such as ASRS, VLM, and rack systemswarehouse software interfaces such as WMS and fleet management systemsStrong ability to:translate operational needs into practical technical solutionswork effectively with third-party integrators and suppliersguide cross-functional execution across warehouse, IE, facilities, and manufacturing teamscommunicate clearly with site teams, customers, suppliers, and leadershipStrong project execution capability and program leadership discipline.Strong troubleshooting capability and continuous improvement mindset.Working understanding of manufacturing automation environments and production system interfaces.Ability to mentor others and raise capability across multiple sites.Education & Experience RequirementsBachelor's Degree in Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Supply Chain Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related technical field.12+ years of experience in:warehouse automationmaterial handling systemsmanufacturing environmentsthird-party supplier and integrator execution modelsDemonstrated experience:driving automation deployment or multi-site implementationsupporting startup, ramp, troubleshooting, and sustainmentworking across cross-functional technical and operational teamsleading execution without relying on formal direct ownership of every taskAdditional Role ExpectationsWork closely with the Regional Automation Team to support regional execution priorities, standard methods, and scalable deployment approaches.Follow the Global Automation Process for New Automation Asset Delivery, including:requirements definition and alignmentsupplier engagementdeployment and startup supportvalidation and handoff disciplineSupport:New Product Introduction (NPI)New Automation Asset