Sr Staff Test Engineer

About the role Staff Test Engineer is a hands-on technical role responsible for executing and driving system-level validation for server platforms across development and production environments. This role focuses on evaluating and integrating changes that impact manufacturing test systems, including firmware (BMC, BIOS, switch firmware), test infrastructure, and automation.

You will apply solid working knowledge in server architecture, networking, and power systems to execute validation methodologies, debug complex system failures, and ensure changes are safely deployed without impacting production stability. You will collaborate closely with senior technical leads and cross-functional engineering teams, building domain expertise.

This role requires strong capability in system debugging, rack-level networking, and test tool development (both software and hardware), along with the drive to take on increasing ownership of test architecture and validation standards. What You’ll Do Execute system-level test and validation plans for server platforms across Design, NPI, and production environments (L10/L11).

Perform end-to-end validation of complex server systems, including CPU, GPU, memory, networking, storage, and power subsystems. Conduct deep system-level debugging and root cause analysis, isolating issues across hardware, BIOS/BMC, OS, networking stack, and power systems.

Serve as a key escalation point for complex system failures across development and production, partnering with senior engineers on complex architectural issues. Deploy and validate network configurations (VLANs, port configs, L2/L3 behavior) for server rack switches to support system bring-up and testing.

Debug system and rack-level network issues, including connectivity, traffic flow, and protocol behavior between servers and switches. Validate server power infrastructure, including power supplies, power shelves, and redundancy architectures.

Build and maintain custom test and repair solutions, including: Digital tools (automation scripts, validation utilities, debug software) Physical tools (debug cables, harnesses, fixtures, signal breakout solutions) Implement and maintain automated validation frameworks to improve test coverage, efficiency, and repeatability. Validate server management interfaces, including BIOS/UEFI, BMC (OpenBMC), IPMI, and Redfish.

Execute GPU system validation, including stress testing, workload validation, and system-level interaction with CPU, memory, and networking. Partner with senior technical leaders to identify test coverage gaps and gradually contribute to platform-level test architecture decisions.

What You’ll Bring Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field. 5+ years of hands-on experience in test engineering or system validation. Solid understanding of server architecture, including CPU, DIMMs, NICs, GPUs, FPGA, and system interconnects. Working knowledge of BIOS/UEFI, BMC (OpenBMC), IPMI, and Redfish.

Practical experience with validation and stress tools such as FIO, Linpack, mprime/mprime95, and IPMITOOL. Proficiency in Python, Shell, or Perl for test tool development, log analysis, and validation scripting. Familiarity with engineering change processes (ECO/ECA) and test impact analysis.

Demonstrated ability in system-level debugging and root cause analysis across hardware, firmware, OS, networking, and power domains. Experience automating network setup and configuration using scripting (Python/Shell) and APIs. Hands-on debugging experience across system and network boundaries.

Strong communication skills, with the ability to clearly document technical findings and collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams. High technical curiosity and a desire to grow into leading technical strategy and decision-making. Preferred Skills: Experience in high-volume manufacturing environments (L10/L11). Experience validating GPU-based or AI systems.

Familiarity with data center environments and large-scale deployments. Exposure to liquid cooling systems. Background in failure analysis and reliability engineering. Contributions to test tools, frameworks, or validation utilities. 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 around $93,000 to $136,400. 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.

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.