Senior Director, Industrial Engineering

Company Description

At Western Digital, we are on a mission to unlock the potential of data so people, companies and organizations everywhere can create what’s next. To fulfill our vision, we are always on the lookout for potential team members who share our passion for solving problems to empower others.

When you join Western Digital, you join a legacy more than 50 years in the making. Across our Western Digital®, SanDisk®, SanDisk® Professional, WD® and WD_BLACK™ brands, we have brought some of the most storied advancements in memory and data storage technology to market—and our best, most innovative work is yet to come.

From energizing gaming platforms, to enabling systems to make cities safer and cars smarter and more connected, to powering the data centers behind many of the world’s biggest companies and public cloud, Western Digital is fueling a brighter, smarter future.

Here’s how you can help.

Job Description

Position Overview: The Senior Director of Industrial Engineering will lead the strategic direction and execution of the planning team for the front end wafer manufacturing process in collaboration with the JV with Kioxia. This role is critical to drive the strategic planning activities, drive engineering programs and manage execution for the WD JV. The role provides a unique proposition to contribute in a broad spectrum of activities ranging from Strategic Nodal and Capital planning to engineering program execution. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in industrial engineering, project management, cost management and flexibility to drive long term strategic initiatives as well as program manage engineering project to the technical details

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Leadership & Strategy:
  • Develop and implement strategies to optimize manufacturing processes, improve product quality, and reduce costs.
  • Lead a team of industrial engineers, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and innovation.
  • Collaborate with leaders across WD and the JV to align engineering and program management milestones and roadmaps.
• Program Management:
  • Oversee the planning, execution, and monitoring of multiple product roadmaps, ensuring they are completed on time and within budget.
  • Implement project management best practices and tools to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.
  • Manage stakeholder communications, ensuring transparency and alignment throughout project lifecycles.
• Process Improvement:
  • Identify opportunities for process improvements, conduct root cause analyses and implement corrective actions to address manufacturing inefficiencies.
  • Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to assess the effectiveness of engineering initiatives and make data-driven decisions.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration:
  • Work closely with JV teams, product and process engineering teams, quality assurance, and supply chain teams to ensure seamless integration of engineering solutions.
  • Act as a liaison between technical teams and JV management to communicate project status, risks, and opportunities.
• Talent Development:
  • Mentor and develop engineering and project management teams, promoting professional growth and knowledge sharing.
  • Lead recruitment efforts to attract top talent in industrial engineering and program management.

Qualifications

REQUIRED:

• Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field; Master’s degree preferred.
• 10+ years of experience in industrial engineering and program management, with at least 5 years in a leadership role within the relevant industry.
• Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes, project management methodologies, and continuous improvement frameworks.
• Proven track record of successfully managing complex engineering projects from conception to completion.

SKILLS:

• Excellent communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills.

PREFERRED:

• Certification in Project Management (PMP) and/or Six Sigma Green/Black Belt.
• Familiarity with advanced manufacturing technologies (e.g., automation, IoT, AI).
• Experience in cost analysis and budgeting for engineering projects.

Additional Information

Western Digital is committed to providing equal opportunities to all applicants and employees and will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on their race, color, ancestry, religion (including religious dress and grooming standards), sex (including pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, breastfeeding or related medical con