ZT Systems

Staff Controls, Automation & Mechatronics Engineer

ZT Systems • $110K — $130K *
Manufacturing & Automotive
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Advanced degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Data Science, or a related field.
  • 8+ years in high-volume, high-complexity manufacturing.
  • Proficient in data analysis tools (Minitab, JMP, Python, R, SQL).
  • Demonstrated success in improving yield, reliability, or process robustness.
  • Experience in electronics assembly, PCBA, servers, or relevant high-reliability sectors.
  • Proficient with CAD tools (SolidWorks, AutoCAD) and automation platforms (Siemens, Allen-Bradley).

Responsibilities

  • Contribute to transformation initiatives in manufacturing risk analysis and quality.
  • Define and implement systems supporting the smart factory vision.
  • Develop scalable automation strategies for new product introductions.
  • Design and implement automated assembly and test equipment for server components.
  • Collaborate across teams to ensure DFM and DFA principles in designs.
  • Translate DFM and PFMEA outputs into actionable process controls.
  • Optimize mechatronic systems integrating robotics, sensors, and software.

Benefits

  • Opportunities for innovation and impact on cloud computing technologies.
  • Collaboration in a fast-paced, multidisciplinary environment.
  • Support for professional development and continuous improvement initiatives.
  • Involvement in high-stakes projects within a high-reliability context.
Full Job Description
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) 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

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.


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About ZT Systems

ZT Systems is a privately held original design manufacturer of data center servers, storage and embedded computing systems. ZT Systems is headquartered in the United States with additional facilities in Canada, China, and the Netherlands. The company designs and manufactures a wide range of computing systems, from workstations to high-performance computing clusters, and provides customized solutions for cloud computing, big data, and other applications. ZT Systems serves a variety of industries, including finance, healthcare, government, and education.
Learn more about ZT Systems
Size
1,000 employees
Industry
Founded
1994

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