Sr Staff Automation & Controls Engineer

About The Role

The Sr Staff Automation & Controls Engineer will be at the forefront of designing and implementing advanced automation solutions that drive efficiency, scalability, and quality in our server manufacturing operations. This role requires a strong foundation in mechatronics engineering, combining mechanical, electrical, and software systems to develop integrated automation solutions. They will leverage mechatronics principles to enhance system performance, reliability, and scalability while collaborating across disciplines to support rapid deployment and continuous improvement.

What You Will Do

• Contribute to transformation initiatives, helping set new standards for how ZT approaches manufacturing risk analysis, quality, and continuous improvement.
• Define and implement new systems, processes, or frameworks that support the smart factory vision, including automation, metrology, advanced inspection and testing, and predictive analytics.
• Support NPI (New Product Introduction) by developing scalable automation strategies aligned with product roadmaps.
• Design and implement automated assembly and test equipment for server components, including PCBs, power modules, and cooling systems.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure Design for Manufacturability (DFM) and Design for Automation (DFA) Principles are embedded in new product designs.
• Translate DFM and PFMEA outputs into actionable process controls, ensuring proactive prevention of variation rather than reactive correction.
• Develop and optimize mechatronic systems integrating robotics, sensors, actuators, PLCs, vision systems, motion control and software.
• Leverage deep, data-rich environments and tools to generate insights and drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on yield, reliability, cycle time, and throughput.
• Work with equipment vendors to specify, validate, and install automation solutions for medium to high-volume production.
• Apply manufacturing techniques such as precision fastening, soldering, adhesive bonding, and vision-based inspection.
• Lead tool qualification, process documentation, and operator training for new equipment.
• Use data-driven methods (e.g., SPC, FMEA, DOE) to troubleshoot and enhance manufacturing performance.
• Analyze production workflows to identify automation opportunities & optimize cycle times, throughput, and reliability of automated systems.
• Implement automated inspection and testing systems to ensure product quality.
• Maintain compliance with safety, environmental, and industry standards.
• Create detailed documentation for automated systems, including SOPs and training materials. Provide technical support and training to production teams.

What You Bring

• The right person for this role is an agent of change and has exceptional analytical capabilities, thrives in a fast-paced environment, loves problem-solving, is a good communicator, and is passionate about enabling the future of cloud computing.
• Bachelors degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Data Science, or a related field.
• 8+ years of experience in high-volume, high-complexity manufacturing.
• Demonstrated expertise in statistical and analytical methods such as regression analysis, correlation analysis, DOE, SPC, PFMEA, Gauge R&R, and commonality studies.
• Proficiency 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.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to engage at both executive and technical levels.
• Background in electronics assembly, PCBA, servers, or other high-reliability industries (e.g., aerospace, medical devices, automotive, etc.).
• Experience coaching or mentoring technical teams to upskill in data-driven decision-making.
• Proficiency in CAD tools (SolidWorks, AutoCAD) and industrial automation platforms (Siemens, Allen-Bradley, etc.).
• Experience with PLC programming, robotic integration (e.g., 6-axis arms, gantry systems), and industrial sensors.
• Familiarity with MES systems, Python, or SQL for automation control.
• Nice to Haves: Exposure to or knowledge of AI/ML toolsets for statistical problem solving, predictive analytics, or anomaly detection. MBA or exposure to business, finance or economics is advantageous.

About ZT Systems

ZT Systems, a Sanmina Company, is dedicated to building technology infrastructure that connects the world. We are committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace where everyone feels valued and empowered to contribute their best work. Our values guide us to work hard and think fast, embracing challenges as opportunities to improve and innovate. We strive to create a supportive environment where employees can thrive and grow professionally.

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.