Principal Manufacturing Test Engineer

About The Role

ZT Systems is entering a new chapter of growth fueled by the next generation of hyperscale AI systems. These rack-scale, liquid-cooled, and highly interconnected architectures demand smart factories with integrated human–machine interfaces and deep, data-rich environments that deliver both reliability and innovation. We are seeking technical leaders with a quality mindset across multiple engineering disciplines to help shape this future — combining our culture of execution with new strengths in metrology, mechatronics, and test architecture to build advanced automation, predictive analytics, and AI-enabled processes that redefine how customer experience is delivered.

What You Will Do

The Principal Manufacturing Test Engineer will lead the strategy, development, and execution of test systems for hyperscale hardware products across all stages of production - from individual assembly modules to full server racks and clusters.  They will deploy automation, advanced analytics, and Design-for-Test principles to create scalable systems that ensure seamless launches and zero-defect performance.

• 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.
• Leverage deep, data-rich environments and tools to generate insights; drive continuous improvement to yield, reliability, and throughput using root cause analysis and TTF (Time to Failure) insights.
• Apply advanced statistical and analytical methods to identify, quantify, and control risk in complex manufacturing environments.
• Translate DFM and PFMEA outputs into actionable process controls, ensuring proactive prevention of variation rather than reactive correction.
• Develop and execute comprehensive test strategies for all levels of hyperscale product assembly: module, server, rack, and cluster.
• Create and Strategy and lead the development and execution of cluster-level validation testing.
• Define and implement Best-in-Class manufacturing test practices and create a clear roadmap to achieve them.
• Nurture outside the box thinking and create a risk-taking culture to enable the creation of leading-edge test processes and utilities.
• Serve as SME for understanding customer product design, along with test and infrastructure requirements.
• Create and own the Design-for-Test (DFT) strategy across all products.
• Coach and nurture global test stakeholders to maximize their potential and facilitate a culture of learning and growth. Act as a thought partner and subject matter expert to refine ideas, generate hypotheses, and analyze data to formulate solutions.
• Design and oversee the deployment of high-reliability factory test infrastructure and test stations (manual, automated, and semi-automated).
• Specify and manage Test Management and Execution Software to coordinate diagnostics, test workflows, and reporting. Specify, develop, and maintain Test Executive test automation software for module and system-level testing.
• Lead the integration of customer test requirements, software, and infrastructure into factory systems.
• Create and maintain comprehensive test plans and test coverage reports.
• Drive the adoption of industry-standard and open-source test tools.
• Create industry leading low-level tests, utilities, and diagnostics at the module and board-level
• Champion automation across test stages to improve cycle time, test coverage, and yield
• "Develop and optimize Server- and Rack-Level Tests including:
• Assembly line verification (including supplementation with automated inspection tools)
• BOM & Configuration Validation
• Firmware Updates (in-band, out-of-band, fixture-based)
• System Stress Testing and Burn-In
• Integration of customer supplied test"
• Optimize test cycle times through TTF analysis and strategic quality sampling.
• Lead Root Cause Analysis (RCA) and implementation of corrective actions.

What You Bring

This critical leadership role requires deep technical expertise across hardware, firmware, and software domains and the ability to drive innovation, reliability, and efficiency in high-volume manufacturing environments.

• 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).  
• Deep knowledge of hyperscale system architecture, including:
  • Intel based architecture
  • Hardware management (BMC, SMC, etc.)
  • Storage, memory, GPU, networking
  • Liquid cooling systems
  • Factory network infrastructure design
• Experience in the interactions across the hardware stack: hardware <-> BIOS/FW <-> Driver <-> OS <-> Application
• Expertise in test development at multiple levels: board, module, server, rack, cluster
• Strong background in diagnostics, fault isolation tools, and root cause methodologies.
• Proven experience designing and maintaining high-volume production test stations.
• Demonstrated expertise in statistical and analytical methods such as regression analysis, correlation analysis, DOE, SPC, PFMEA, Gauge R&R, and commonality studies using software tools such as Minitab, JMP, etc.
• 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. .

Nice to Haves

• Exposure to or knowledge of AI/ML toolsets for statistical problem solving, predictive analytics, or anomaly detection.
• Experience in hyperscale data centers, with cloud infrastructure companies, or with server OEM/ODMs.
• Familiarity with global manufacturing operations, including working with CM/JDB/ODM partners.
• MBA or exposure to business, finance or economics is advantageous.

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

Base salary is just one component of ZT Systems total rewards philosophy. We take pride in offering a wide range of benefits and perks that appeal to the variety of needs across our diverse employee base. Other rewards may include bonus, paid time off, generous 401k match, tuition reimbursement, wellbeing resources, and more.

We are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace, so if you’re excited about this opportunity but your experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.

#ZTMFG2025! 

#ZTMFGPri2025! 

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About ZT Systems

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.

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.

Compensation & Financial Security

-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 disa