Staff Controls, Automation & Mechatronics Engineer

About The Role

The Staff Controls, Automation & Mechatronics 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 Controls and 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.
• 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.
• Advanced degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Data Science, or a related field.
• 8+ years of experience in high-volume, high-complexity manufacturing.
• 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.
• Background in electronics assembly, PCBA, servers, or other high-reliability industries (e.g., aerospace, medical devices, automotive, semiconductor etc.).
• Proficiency in CAD tools (SolidWorks, AutoCAD) and industrial automation platforms (Siemens, Allen-Bradley, etc.).
• Controls Engineering Skills: Advanced proficiency in: PLC programming (Codesys, Siemens, Beckhoff…), HMI/SCADA development, Motion control (servo, stepper systems), Designing and tuning: PID loops, Multi-axis control systems, High-speed machine control, Automation Systems Design, commissioning, and optimization of: Automated production lines, Robotic cells, Automated test equipment, Material handling & conveyance systems, Industrial protocols (EtherCAT, Ethernet/IP, ProfiNet, Modbus TCP), Control architectures & safety systems.
• Mechanical & Mechatronics Systems: Strong mechanical understanding: actuators, sensors, power transmission, machine design. Experience integrating: Robotics (Fanuc, Kuka, ABB, UR), Pneumatics & hydraulics, Vision systems (Cognex, Keyence, OpenCV), Instrumentation & measurement systems.
• Software & Scripting: Python (automation, data logging, test scripts), C/C++ (embedded systems), MATLAB/Simulink (controls modeling), LabVIEW (optional but valued).
• 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 a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace. We provide a wide range of benefits and perks to support your well-being, financial security, and professional development. Our compensation & financial security includes a 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. We also offer comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, company-paid life and disability insurance, paid time off, parental leave and family care support programs, and structured training programs and on-the-job learning opportunities. We are committed to building a culture where everyone feels valued and supported, and we strive to create technology infrastructure that connects the world.

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

ZT Group International

ZT Group International is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. We provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type 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. Please be aware that certain positions may require the applicant to either 1) be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C.1158, or 2) be eligible to obtain an export control license or license exception from the Bureau of Industry and Science & U.S. Department of Commerce. All offers of employment will be conditional subject to the foregoing.