Senior Technologist – Material Scientist / Thin Film Processes

Company Description

At Western Digital, our vision is to power global innovation and push the boundaries of technology to make what you thought was once impossible, possible.

At our core, Western Digital is a company of problem solvers. People achieve extraordinary things given the right technology. For decades, we’ve been doing just that. Our technology helped people put a man on the moon.

We are a key partner to some of the largest and highest growth organizations in the world. From energizing the most competitive 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.

Binge-watch any shows, use social media or shop online lately? You’ll find Western Digital supporting the storage infrastructure behind many of these platforms. And, that flash memory card that captures and preserves your most precious moments? That’s us, too.

We offer an expansive portfolio of technologies, storage devices and platforms for business and consumers alike. Our data-centric solutions are comprised of the Western Digital®, G-Technology™, SanDisk® and WD® brands.

Today’s exceptional challenges require your unique skills. It’s You & Western Digital. Together, we’re the next BIG thing in data.

Job Description

• Development of thin film materials and processes for

1. Near-field transducer and optical-waveguide subsystems – metal alloys for plasmonic, and dielectric for optical applications
2. Writer materials for 200mm wafers: thermal-mechanical, electrical, magnetic, and other functional materials for Heat Assisted Magnetic Recording (HAMR)

• Responsibilities including:

1. Novel processes and materials development for advanced writers with designed optical, magnetic, thermal-mechanical, and electrical performance.
2. Work with Integration/Photo/Ion mill/CMP/RIE/Plating/Wet process teams to assure thin film processes fit into the framework of the overall process and device architecture
3. Robust process routing to improve writer reliability, prevent defects, and prompt Failure Analysis (FA) and resolution
4. Comprehensive Failure Mode Effect Analysis (FMEA) and tolerance analysis, for high volume manufacturing.
5. Aggressive experiment and project managements and wafer tracking

Qualifications

• PhD degree in one of following areas: Materials Science, Physics, Chemistry, or Engineering
• 5+ years of experiences in wafer fab processes. Experience in thin film magnetic head is preferred.
• Familiar with vacuum thin film process technology such as PVD, CVD, IBD, and ALD.
• Have good data analysis experience utilizing industry standard solutions. 
• Effective verbal and written communication skills. Must be a team player.

Additional Information

Western Digital is committed to providing equal opportunities to all applicants and employees and will not discriminate 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 conditions), gender (including a person’s gender identity, gender expression, and gender-related appearance and behavior, whether or not stereotypically associated with the person’s assigned sex at birth), age, national origin, sexual orientation, medical condition, marital status (including domestic partnership status), physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, protected medical and family care leave, Civil Air Patrol status, military and veteran status, or other legally protected characteristics. We also prohibit harassment of any individual on any of the characteristics listed above. Our non-discrimination policy applies to all aspects of employment. We comply with the laws and regulations set forth in the Equal Employment Opportunity is the Law poster.

Western Digital thrives on the power and potential of diversity. As a global company, we believe the most effective way to embrace the diversity of our customers and communities is to mirror it from within. We believe the fusion of various perspectives results in the best outcomes for our employees, our company, our customers, and the world around us. We are committed to an inclusive environment where every individual can thrive through a sense of belonging, respect and contribution.

Western Digital is committed to offering opportunities to applicants with disabilities and ensuring all candidates can successfully navigate our careers website and our hiring process. Please contact us at