Materials Test Development Engineer - Advanced Process Development for HAMR

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

We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated development engineer to join our Heat Assisted Magnetic Recording (HAMR) team. The ideal candidate will have a PhD in a relevant field and extensive experience in advanced process development, materials science, characterization testing, and materials modeling. This role focuses on advancing HAMR technology through innovative device fabrication, process optimization, and comprehensive testing. If you are passionate about driving the future of data storage technology and possess a strong background in optical and plasmonic materials, we invite you to apply.

Key Responsibilities:

• Advanced Process Development:  lead and innovate in the development of advanced processes for HAMR technology. This includes refining fabrication techniques, improving process efficiency, and enhancing material performance.
• Materials Development:  work with thin film team to research and develop optical and plasmonic materials specifically tailored for HAMR applications.
• Materials Characterization and Testing:  design and conduct experiments to characterize the properties and performance of materials used in HAMR. Utilize a range of testing techniques to ensure material suitability and device reliability.
• Data Analysis:  analyze experimental data and modeling results to inform material and process improvements. Interpret findings to guide further research and development efforts.

Qualifications

Qualifications:

• Education:  PhD in Materials Science, Physics, Chemistry, or a related field
• Experience: proven experience in advanced process development, materials science, characterization testing. 
• Technical Skills:  strong background in development, characterization, and testing of optical and plasmonic materials.
• Analytical and problem-solving Skills:  ability to analyze complex experimental data and modeling results to drive research and development. Strong problem-solving skills.
• Communication and Collaboration:  excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present complex information clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences.  Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a collaborative research environment and across interdisciplinary teams.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Knowledge of materials modeling tools and techniques.
• Experience in the use of software for data analysis, visualization, and interpretation.

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,