About our group:
This position is part of the Vacuum Process Engineering team at our Bloomington, MN facility, where we control and optimize the processes and tooling used to manufacture the recording heads in every Seagate Hard Disk Drive (HDD).
Our Process Engineering team manages all tooling on the factory floor used to fabricate Magnetic Recording Heads for Seagate HDDs. We use both traditional process-control methods and Advanced Process Control (APC) algorithmic systems to analyze process health in real time and make automated adjustments. Additionally, we oversee manual and automated systems to ensure recording heads meet product specifications before final disposition.
About the role - you will:
- Develop, implement, optimize, and control vacuum processes—including deposition, reactive etching, ion milling, and magnetic annealing—within a manufacturing environment. Process ownership will evolve over time, providing opportunities for professional growth.
- Utilize metrology, defect analysis, and statistical methods to ensure processes are capable and aligned with performance targets.
- Support and refine new processes designed to manufacture the latest generation of magnetic recording heads based on HAMR technology.
- Apply Six Sigma methodologies to maximize performance and minimize variability, conducting structured experiments and One Factor at a Time (OFAT) experiments on the vacuum processes you oversee.
- Develop and implement systematic, automated methods for maintaining process control across multiple tools, including SPC charts, Out-of-Control Action Plans (OCAPs), and Material Dispositioning instructions. You will also design and integrate Automated Process Control methods, enabling real-time, error-free adjustments.
- Maintain process documentation and ensure process consistency across Seagate’s recording-head manufacturing sites.
- Evaluate and introduce new production equipment, create necessary manufacturing documentation, and train and certify production personnel across all shifts on documented process procedures.
- Oversee key manufacturing issues, including scrap reduction, rework, cycle-time optimization, and multiple-path maintenance, to drive operational efficiency.
About you:
- Bachelor's Degree in Material Science, Chemistry, Chemical & Electrical Engineering or Physics and 5+ years of experience, or Master’s degree in Material Science, Chemistry, Chemical & Electrical Engineering or Physics and 3+ years of experience, or PHD and 0+ years of experience or equivalent education and experience.
- Background in vacuum science or processing, with experience in related technologies.
- Understanding of statistical Design of Experiment (DoE) methods to identify key process input variables and optimize product performance and yield.
- Proven ability to analyze data statistically and perform defect analysis to enhance process capability and improve process yields.
Your experience includes:
- Applying engineering statistics to solve complex problems, either through formal education or practical experience.
- Utilizing Design of Experiment (DoE) methods to optimize processes and improve efficiency.
- Developing and refining vacuum-based processes, preferably through Design of Experiment methodologies.
- Operating and maintaining vacuum-related tooling and processing equipment.
- Working with PVD deposition processing, ion etching (reactive and/or ion milling), or thermal annealing wafer processing.
- Handling sputter deposition, with a preference for reactive sputter deposition.
You Might Also Have:
- An understanding of magnetic principles and phenomena, particularly in relation to thin films.
- Knowledge of light propagation through materials and its resonant responses.
- Experience in ion etching (reactive and/or ion milling) wafer processing.
- Background in process development or working in a manufacturing environment utilizing vacuum techniques and processes.
- Familiarity with Six Sigma methodologies, holding a Green or Brown Belt certification.
- Interest in expanding expertise in Machine Learning, Generative AI, and Data Science.
- Experience supporting and developing automation solutions, including training in Microsoft Power Automate, Python, and OCAPs.
The estimated base salary range for this position is $81,536.00 - $116,596.50. The individual salary is based on work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.
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