Sr Staff Automation & Controls Engineer

ZT Group Intl, Inc. dba ZT Systems; Georgetown (TX); On-site; USD 116,000 - 155,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive base salary

Bonus eligibility (annual)

401(k) retirement plan

Tuition reimbursement

Medical, dental, vision coverage

Mental health resources

Life & disability insurance

Paid time off and holidays

Parental leave

Training and growth programs

Job summary

ZT Systems, a Sanmina Company, is seeking a Sr Staff Automation & Controls Engineer to lead mechatronic automation in server manufacturing. The role blends mechanical, electrical, and software disciplines to deliver scalable, high-quality automation solutions and continuous improvement.

You will drive system design, NPI support, and robust data-driven optimization across yield, reliability, and cycle times, collaborating across teams to embed DFA/DFM and PFMEA insights into product development.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Data Science, or related field.
• 8+ years of experience in high-volume, high-complexity manufacturing.
• Proficient in statistical and analytical methods (regression, correlation, DOE, SPC, PFMEA, Gauge R&R, studies).
• Proficient with data-driven tools (Minitab, JMP, Python, R, SQL) to analyze large datasets.
• Track record of driving measurable improvements in yield, reliability, or process robustness.
• Excellent communication skills across executives and technical teams.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to transformation initiatives and set standards for risk analysis, quality, and continuous improvement.
• Define and implement systems for automation, metrology, inspection, testing, and predictive analytics.
• Support NPI by developing scalable automation strategies aligned with roadmaps.
• Design and implement automated assembly and test equipment for server components.
• Ensure DFM and DFA are embedded in new product designs and translate PFMEA into controls.
• Develop and optimize mechatronic systems integrating robotics, sensors, PLCs, vision, and motion control.

Skills

Statistical analysis

DOE

SPC

PFMEA

Gauge R&R

Regression analysis

Correlation analysis

Data analytics

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering/CS/Data Science

Tools

SolidWorks

AutoCAD

Siemens PLCs

Allen-Bradley PLC

Vision systems

MES systems

Python

SQL

Job description

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) Principals 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

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.

Compensation

The typical base salary for this position is expected to be around $116,250 - $155,000. If hired, the final base salary will be determined on an individual basis taking into consideration experience, skills, knowledge, education and/or certifications.

What We Offer

At ZT Systems, a Sanmina Company, we believe that investing in our people is key to our continued growth and innovation. When you join our team, you’ll gain access to a comprehensive and inclusive benefits package designed to support your well-being, financial security, and professional development—both now and in the future.

• -Competitive base salary
• -Performance-based annual bonus eligibility
• -401(k) retirement savings plan
• -Tuition reimbursement for eligible education programs
• -Health & Wellness: -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
• -Time Away & Work-Life Balance: -Paid time off (PTO) and company-paid holidays
• -Parental leave and family care support programs
• -Growth & Purpose: -Structured training programs and on-the-job learning opportunities
• -Matching gifts and volunteer programs to support causes you care about

Other rewards may include bonus, paid time off, generous 401k match, tuition reimbursement, wellbeing resources, and more.

Full benefits and eligibility varies by work location. Learn more about our benefits here.

Company Culture

At ZT Systems, a Sanmina Company, you’ll get to do work you are proud of alongside smart, passionate people. Every day, there are opportunities to collaborate with the best in the industry to design, build, and deliver impactful solutions to world-class customers. Along the way, you will gain hands‑on experience in a fast-paced environment that’s challenging, rewarding, and career-defining. A culture built around our values we work hard and think fast. We view challenges as opportunities—to do better, push harder, and be faster than we were the day before. When we fail, we learn from it and move on together. And when we succeed, we use the momentum to go even further. We create value with everything we do, building the foundation of today—and transforming the future of tomorrow. Join ZT Systems and help us build technology infrastructure that connects the world.

Equal Opportunity Statement

ZT Group Int’l. is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind.

ZT Systems provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits 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.

Additional Information

ZT Systems, a Sanmina Company is a place where you can do work you’re proud of alongside smart, passionate people who get genuinely excited about what they’re able to accomplish here. We work, learn, and grow together in a supportive and fast-moving environment where decisiveness and action are not only encouraged, but expected. Together, we’re tackling complex challenges and creating impactful solutions in one of the world’s most high-demand industries—that’s where you come in.

Learn more at www.ztsystems.com