READY TO MAKE AN IMPACT EVERY DAY?

Your journey to a meaningful career starts with ZF LIFETEC

Industrial Software Engineer (Smart Factory)

Country/Region:  US
Location: 

Mesa, AZ, US, 85212-9361

At ZF LIFETEC, we save lives through cutting-edge technology. With over 60 years of automotive safety innovation, we blend start-up agility with corporate stability to drive meaningful impact worldwide. Operating across 51 locations in 22 countries, our global presence amplifies our mission to make roads safer and save lives.

Join us in a supportive and dynamic environment committed to safety, innovation, and reliability. As a part of our international team, your contributions spark industry-leading innovations in automotive safety. Our inclusive and diverse working environment promotes creativity, career growth, and continuous development.

 Req ID 73265 | OSS Mesa, United States ZF Passive Safety Systems US Inc.


General Summary:
Industrial Software Engineer blends hands-on manufacturing experience with strong Microsoft-stack development skills. Focuses on building and upgrading factory-floor applications that improve safety, efficiency, traceability, and automation across a production environment. Explores and implements AI-driven solutions, including Large Language Models (LLMs) and Generative AI, to enhance diagnostics, streamline workflows, and unlock new capabilities in smart manufacturing.


U.S. Citizen or U.S. Permanent Resident Status Required.  Relocation assistance is not available.


Essential Duties & Responsibilities: 

  • Software Development (Microsoft Stack)
    • Design, develop, and maintain manufacturing applications using C#, .NET, Visual Studio, and SQL (MySQL and/or Oracle).
    • Build APIs, services, and data pipelines that support real‑time production visibility and decision‑making.
    • Integrate software with PLCs, sensors, test equipment, and MES/ERP systems.
  • Smart Factory / Manufacturing Systems
    • Develop solutions for traceability, cell/line control, work order dispatch, data acquisition, and production scheduling.
    • Implement digitalization initiatives including dashboards, automated reporting, and machine‑data integration.
    • Support production teams by troubleshooting system issues and improving system reliability.
  • Process & Continuous Improvement
    • Analyze manufacturing workflows and identify opportunities for automation or software‑driven optimization.
    • Collaborate with engineering, quality, and operations to define system requirements and deploy solutions.
    • Document system architecture, configurations, and standard work.
  • Participate in Production IT Security related activities.
  • Participate in on-call schedule of the group to support operations outside of normal office working hours.


Ability:

In-depth understanding of software systems in a manufacturing environment. Proficient use of PC, MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint). Self-directed, self-motivated, strong accountability, enthusiastic learner with attention to details. Strong communication skills with internal and external project stakeholders. Ability to communicate technical details both verbally and in writing. Ability to work across a multi-cultural environment and global distributed projects. Strong analytical skills for root cause analysis. Willingness and ability to work flexible hours occasionally for collaboration with colleagues in different time zones and to support local manufacturing. Commitment and desire to learn manufacturing processes with the goal of becoming a go-to resource for technical solutions. Primarily office-based with regular time spent on the production floor to support and validate systems.  Must be comfortable working around automated equipment and interacting with cross functional teams.


Education:

Bachelor’s Degree in Industrial Engineering, Systems Engineering, Computer Engineering or related technical discipline required.


Experience:

0 to 8+ years of professional experience.


Strongly preferred
:

2 to 5+ years of experience in a manufacturing environment; Proficiency in C#, .NET, SQL and Visual Studio; Experience with MES, SCADA, or factory-floor data systems; Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, quality systems, and continuous improvement.


A plus
:

Experience with automation, PLC communication, or IIoT technologies; Familiarity with REST APIs, message queues, or event driven architectures. Experience deploying software in a high volume production environment; German language skills.

 

ZF LIFETEC Mesa Operations screening process includes a substance abuse screening test, background check, and verification of eligibility for employment.  **U.S. Citizen or U.S. Permanent Resident Status Required.**

 

Be part of our ZF Lifetec team as Industrial Software Engineer (Smart Factory) and apply now!

 

Contact

Kim Perez

+1 480 944 7625

kim.perez@zf-lifetec.com 

 

 

Why ZF LIFETEC?

  • Innovative Impact: Shape the future of safety with life-saving technology that truly matters.
  • Dynamic Workplace: Thrive in an agile, collaborative environment where every idea counts.
  • Culture of Excellence: Be part of a team with over 60 years of high standards and groundbreaking achievements.
  • Growth & Empowerment: Advance your career with strong support for personal and professional development.

Diversity & Inclusion

At ZF LIFETEC, we are committed to building a culture where inclusiveness thrives and diversity is valued. We welcome unique perspectives and actively work to remove barriers, empowering all employees to reach their full potential. Guided by this vision, we innovate and create life-saving technology that makes a real impact on automotive safety.

READY TO MAKE A REAL IMPACT?