Freelance Python Automation Engineer Jobs in Secaucus, NJ

About The Role
The Staff Controls, 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 Controls and 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

• 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.
• 8+ years of experience in high-volume, high-complexity manufacturing.
• 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.
• Background in electronics assembly, PCBA, servers, or other high-reliability industries (e.g., aerospace, medical devices, automotive, semiconductor etc.).
• Proficiency in CAD tools (SolidWorks, AutoCAD) and industrial automation platforms (Siemens, Allen-Bradley, etc.).

Controls Engineering Skills
Advanced proficiency in:

• PLC programming (Codesys, Siemens, Beckhoff...)
• HMI/SCADA development
• Motion control (servo, stepper systems)

Designing and tuning:

• PID loops
• Multi-axis control systems
• High-speed machine control

Automation Systems
Design, commissioning, and optimization of:

• Automated production lines
• Robotic cells
• Automated test equipment
• Material handling & conveyance systems
• Industrial protocols (EtherCAT, Ethernet/IP, ProfiNet, Modbus TCP)
• Control architectures & safety systems

Mechanical & Mechatronics Systems
Strong mechanical understanding: actuators, sensors, power transmission, machine design.
Experience integrating:

• Robotics (Fanuc, Kuka, ABB, UR)
• Pneumatics & hydraulics
• Vision systems (Cognex, Keyence, OpenCV)
• Instrumentation & measurement systems

Software & Scripting

• Python (automation, data logging, test scripts)
• C/C++ (embedded systems)
• MATLAB/Simulink (controls modeling)
• LabVIEW (optional but valued)

Nice to Haves

• 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 $93,000 and $136,400 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.
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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 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.