Principal Quality Engineer

About The Role

The Principal Quality Engineer will lead the development of data-driven quality systems, using SPC, measurement analysis, and advanced analytics to proactively identify risks, control variation, and improve reliability across production lines. They will partner across design, operations, suppliers, and new product introduction teams to embed smart factory methods—including predictive quality, automation, and digital traceability—ensuring seamless customer experiences and robust performance in next-generation manufacturing environments.

• 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.
• Collaborate across design, quality, manufacturing, test, and supplier engineering to drive solutions that integrate seamlessly into production.
• Develop, implement, and sustain Statistical Process Control (SPC) systems using industry-standard software.
• Lead Gauge R&R studies and measurement system analysis to ensure measurement accuracy and reliability.
• Translate DFM and PFMEA insights into actionable process risk controls across production lines.
• Perform advanced data analysis to identify trends, detect anomalies, and support predictive quality.
• Lead supplier qualification, audits, and ongoing supplier quality management, ensuring robust quality throughout the supply chain.
• Implement and maintain data traceability systems for compliance, customer requirements, and continuous improvement.
• Support new customer engagement, including quality requirement review, contract manufacturing quality alignment, and onboarding of customer-specific standards.
• Drive structured problem-solving initiatives for both internal and supplier-related issues.
• Partner with design, operations, and manufacturing teams to ensure quality during new product introduction (NPI).
• Explore and deploy AI and automation technologies (machine vision, predictive analytics, anomaly detection, digital twins) to enhance manufacturing quality and efficiency.
• Ensure compliance with industry quality standards (ISO 9001, IATF 16949, or similar).

• 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.
• 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 (e.g., 6-axis arms, gantry systems), and industrial sensors.
• Familiarity with MES systems, Python, or SQL for automation control.

• 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.

ZT Systems assesses market data to ensure a competitive compensation package. The typical base salary for this position is expected to be between $141,000 and $188,000 annually. Final base salary will be determined on an individual basis taking into consideration experience, skills, knowledge, education and/or certifications.

Base salary is one component of ZT Systems total rewards…