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.

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.
• 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).

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 (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 Have

• 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 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! 

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#ZTMFGPri2025!  ​

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 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

These benefits are available to eligible employees and are designed to grow with you as your career evolves. Full benefits and eligibility varies by work location. Learn more about our benefits here.

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.