Principal Automation & Mechatronics Engineer

** About

The Role
** The Principal 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 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
*** Lead or 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.
* 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.
* 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 (Solid Works, AutoCAD) and industrial automation platforms (Siemens, Allen-Bradley, etc.).
* Experience with PLC programming, robotic integration…