Principal AI / Machine Learning Engineer

About The Role

The Principal AI/Machine Learning Engineer will oversee defining and executing ZT’s roadmap for applying artificial intelligence and machine learning in manufacturing. The AI/ML Transformation Architect will be the pivotal role in shaping ZT’s future-state vision for AI & ML by identifying high-impact use cases, preparing the organization structurally and technically for adoption, and driving successful implementation of applications.

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.
• Partner with leadership to define the vision and strategy for AI/ML adoption across manufacturing operations.
• Work with factory engineering, quality, and operations to identify, evaluate, and prioritize AI/ML use cases that deliver measurable business value.
• Collaborate across design, quality, manufacturing, test, and supplier engineering to drive solutions that integrate seamlessly into production.
• Define and implement new systems, processes, or frameworks that support the smart factory vision, including automation, metrology, advanced inspection, and predictive analytics.
• Define the organizational, data, and process changes required to prepare the business for AI/ML integration.
• Drive the design, development, and deployment of AI/ML solutions, ensuring successful adoption across factories.
• Apply AI/ML techniques to analyze manufacturing data sets – including metrology, vision inspection, event data, test results – conduct regression analysis, correlation studies, and commonality analysis.
• Leverage deep, data-rich environments and tools (e.g., Minitab, JMP, Python, R, SQL) to generate insights that improve yield, reliability, and throughput.
• Apply advanced statistical and analytical methods (regression, correlation, DOE, SPC, PFMEA, Gauge R&R, commonality studies) to identify, quantify, and control risk in complex manufacturing environments.
• Champion the cultural and operational transformation required for AI/ML success, including training and upskilling the industrial engineering team in new methods and approaches for mathematical computing.
• Serve as the bridge between industrial engineering, factory engineering teams, quality, and IT on AI/ML initiatives.
• Coach and nurture data 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.
• Demonstrate strong leadership and influence management skills, including the ability to challenge the status quo and manage key senior stakeholders.
• Use predictive analytics to inform PFMEA analyses that will result in actionable process controls, ensuring proactive prevention of variation rather than reactive correction.

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.
• Fluency 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, etc.).
• Experience with applying AI/ML toolsets to statistical problem solving, predictive analytics, or anomaly detection
• Experience coaching or mentoring technical teams to upskill in statistical methods and data-driven decision-making.
• Strong background in leveraging manufacturing data (metrology, vision systems, event logs, quality data) to build AI/ML-enabled solutions.
• Proven ability to drive organizational changes in data-driven transformations.
• Advanced skills in mathematical computing with at least one programming language (e.g. Python, R, Java, or equivalents), and the ability to learn technical methods and tools independently.
• Advanced skills in data visualization / presentation skills, including the ability to simplify results & statistical concepts into simple and actionable insights.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to engage at both executive and technical levels.
• Ability to convert complex (often data driven) topics to clear overviews and insights.
• Proven ability to perform effectively in a demanding environment with changing workloads and deadlines.
• Growth mindset: believes in continuous learning by dedication of time, effort, and energy.
• Takes independent initiative to complete projects with a sense of urgency.

Nice to Haves

• MBA or exposure to business, finance or economics is advantageous.
• Fluency with continuous improvement / lean programs.

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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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 face-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.

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.