Staff Process Engineer - Electroplating and CMP

Company Description

WD is building the infrastructure behind the AI-driven data economy.

As AI scales, so does data. Every interaction, every model, every system generates data that must be stored, managed, and made accessible over time. That’s where we come in.

We combine deep engineering expertise with global-scale manufacturing to deliver the storage systems that make AI possible, powering hyperscale data centers, cloud platforms, and enterprise infrastructure worldwide.

This isn’t theoretical work. It’s real systems, at real scale, people solving some of the hardest challenges in technology today.

We’re looking for people who want to build, solve, and operate at that level.

Join us and let’s shape the future of data.

Job Description

• Manufacturing engineer owner of wet processes (Electroplating and CMP) in magnetic recording head wafer fabrication.
• Responsible for statistical process control (SPC) of process, chemistries, and tool parameters (film composition & thickness, deposition / removal rates, pressure, temperature, chemical concentration, pH, etc.).
• Responsible for optimizing process performance (ensure uniform deposition or removal of metal/dielectric materials), maintain process margin.
• Conduct failure analysis for process/tool deviations that result in defects and affect wafer quality.
• Participate in the introduction of new processes/materials into manufacturing and take ownership to maintain these under good control and to achieve maturity.
• Participate in the introduction and qualification of new Wet process equipment for capacity improvement or technology advancement.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s with 5+ years or Master’s with 3+ years of experience in related field, Ph.D preferred.
• Minimum 3+ years of direct hands-on experience of the techniques and equipment used in electroplating and CMP processes.
• Strong working knowledge of operating and maintaining electroplating and CMP tools and related equipment is a must. 
• Proficiency in AI-driven data analytics, smart manufacturing systems, and statistical analysis tools like JMP is required.  
• The ability to manage multiple tasks effectively in a fast-paced environment is crucial. 
• Meticulous attention to detail is important to ensure precise and accurate process execution. 
• Demonstrated ability to work in a cleanroom environment wearing full coverall garments for extended periods.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, problem-solving, and analytical skills.

Additional Information

WD 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 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 "Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal” poster. Our pay transparency policy is available here.

WD 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.

WD 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 jobs.accommodations@wdc.com to advise us of your a