Principal AI / Machine Learning Engineer

About The Role

The Principal AI/Machine Learning Engineer will oversee defining and executing ZT’s roadmap for applying artificial intelligence and machine learning in manufacturing. The AI/ML Transformation Architect will be the pivotal role in shaping ZT’s future-state vision for AI & ML by identifying high-impact use cases, preparing the organization structurally and technically for adoption, and driving successful implementation of applications.

What You Will Do

• Lead or contribute to transformation initiatives, helping set new standards for how ZT approaches manufacturing risk analysis, quality, and continuous improvement.
• Partner with leadership to define the vision and strategy for AI/ML adoption across manufacturing operations.
• Work with factory engineering, quality, and operations to identify, evaluate, and prioritize AI/ML use cases that deliver measurable business value.
• Collaborate across design, quality, manufacturing, test, and supplier engineering to drive solutions that integrate seamlessly into production.
• Define and implement new systems, processes, or frameworks that support the smart factory vision, including automation, metrology, advanced inspection, and predictive analytics.
• Define the organizational, data, and process changes required to prepare the business for AI/ML integration.
• Drive the design, development, and deployment of AI/ML solutions, ensuring successful adoption across factories.
• Apply AI/ML techniques to analyze manufacturing data sets – including metrology, vision inspection, event data, test results – conduct regression analysis, correlation studies, and commonality analysis.
• Leverage deep, data-rich environments and tools (e.g., Minitab, JMP, Python, R, SQL) to generate insights that improve yield, reliability, and throughput.
• Define and implement new systems, processes, or frameworks that support the smart factory vision, including automation, metrology, advanced inspection, and predictive analytics.
• Define the organizational, data, and process changes required to prepare the business for AI/ML integration.
• Drive the design, development, and deployment of AI/ML solutions, ensuring successful adoption across factories.
• Apply AI/ML techniques to analyze manufacturing data sets – including metrology, vision inspection, event data, test results – conduct regression analysis, correlation studies, and commonality analysis.
• Apply advanced statistical and analytical methods (regression, correlation, DOE, SPC, PFMEA, Gauge R&R, commonality studies) to identify, quantify, and control risk in complex manufacturing environments.
• Champion the cultural and operational transformation required for AI/ML success, including training and upskilling the industrial engineering team in new methods and approaches for mathematical computing.
• Serve as the bridge between industrial engineering, factory engineering teams, quality, and IT on AI/ML initiatives.
• Coach and nurture data stakeholders to maximize their potential and facilitate a culture of learning and growth.
• Act as a thought partner and subject matter expert to refine ideas, generate hypotheses, and analyze data to formulate solutions.
• Demonstrate strong leadership and influence management skills, including the ability to challenge the status quo and manage key senior stakeholders.
• Use predictive analytics to inform PFMEA analyses that will result in actionable process controls, ensuring proactive prevention of variation rather than reactive correction.

  What You Bring

  • Advanced degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Data Science, or a related field.
  • 10–15 years of experience in high-volume, high-complexity manufacturing, with at least 5 years in leadership or transformation roles (not necessarily people management).
  • Demonstrated expertise in statistical and analytical methods such as regression analysis, correlation analysis, DOE, SPC, PFMEA, Gauge R&R, and commonality studies.
  • Fluency with data-driven tools such as Minitab, JMP, Python, R, SQL (or equivalent) to analyze and interpret large, complex datasets.
  • Track record of driving measurable improvements in yield, reliability, or process robustness.
  • Background in electronics assembly, PCBA, servers, or other high-reliability industries (e.g., aerospace, medical devices, automotive, etc.).
  • Experience with applying AI/ML toolsets to statistical problem solving, predictive analytics, or anomaly detection.
  • Experience coaching or mentoring technical teams to upskill in statistical methods and data-driven decision-making.
  • Advanced skills in mathematical computing with at least one programming language (e.g. Python, R, Java, or equivalents), and the ability to learn technical methods and tools independently.
  • Advanced skills in data visualization / presentation skills, including the ability to simplify results & statistical concepts into simple and actionable insights.
  • Excellent communication skills with the ability to engage at both executive and technical levels.
  • Ability to convert complex (often data driven) topics to clear overviews and insights.
  • Proven ability to perform effectively in a demanding environment with changing workloads and deadlines.
  • Growth mindset: believes in continuous learning by dedication of time, effort, and energy.
  • Takes independent initiative to complete projects with a sense of urgency.

  Nice to Haves

  • MBA or exposure to business, finance or economics is advantageous.
  • Fluency with continuous improvement / lean programs.

  About ZT Systems

  ZT Systems, a Sanmina Company, is dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace. We provide a wide range of benefits and perks that appeal to the variety of needs across our diverse employee base. Our benefits package includes competitive base salary, performance-based annual bonus eligibility, a 401(k) retirement savings plan, tuition reimbursement for eligible education programs, mental health resources and employee wellness support programs, company-paid life and disability insurance, paid time off (PTO) and company-paid holidays, parental leave and family care support programs, structured training programs and on-the-job learning opportunities, matching gifts and volunteer programs to support causes you care about, and more. We are committed to investing in our people and fostering a culture of continuous learning and growth.

  What We Offer

  • Competitive base salary
  • Performance-based annual bonus eligibility
  • 401(k) retirement savings plan
  • Tuition reimbursement for eligible education programs
  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage with access to leading providers
  • Mental health resources and employee wellness support programs
  • Company-paid life and disability insurance
  • Paid time off (PTO) and company-paid holidays
  • Parental leave and family care support programs
  • Structured training programs and on-the-job learning opportunities
  • Matching gifts and volunteer programs to support causes you care about

  Equal Opportunity Employer

  ZT Systems is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. We are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace, so if you’re excited about this opportunity but your experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.