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Distinguished Engineer, Hardware Development Engineering

Western Digital
San Jose, United Statesfull_timeVerifiedPosted 11 Mar 2025

About the role

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

  • Lead overcoat design and process technology for advanced magnetic media
  • Develop advanced thin film equipment roadmap with new materials and processes
  • Drive worldwide media productivity improvements on advanced media
  • Collaborate with the sputter development team on product roadmaps to ensure seamless technology integration
  • Work with equipment engineering to define sputter tool configurations and qualify advanced media manufacturing processes
  • Identify manufacturability risks and implement solutions for robust design execution

Qualifications

  • Ph.D., MS +10 Year experience, degree in Physics, Materials Science, ECE or related field,
  • 3-5 years of prior experience in disk drive industry or similar is highly desired
  • The candidate should have a strong research background in Magnetic thin film media, thin film synthesis, magnetic material properties, advanced characterization, and knowledge in magnetic recording
  • Applies technical expertise to manage complex programs
  • Contributes to and help shape company’s technical and business strategy
  • Helps develop and implement innovative solutions for complex, specialized technical issues
  • Works proactively; identifies and helps prevent problems that may cross disciplines
  • Builds and leads teams, influencing decisions and results
  • Provides regular technical advice and direction to technical team(s) and management
  • Experience with statistical data analysis and Design of Experiment (DOE) is required
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills

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 navi

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Company

Western Digital

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