Senior Director, Industrial Engineering

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

Position Overview: The Senior Director of Industrial Engineering will lead the strategic direction and execution of the planning team for the front end wafer manufacturing process in collaboration with the JV with Kioxia. This role is critical to drive the strategic planning activities, drive engineering programs and manage execution for the WD JV. The role provides a unique proposition to contribute in a broad spectrum of activities ranging from Strategic Nodal and Capital planning to engineering program execution. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in industrial engineering, project management, cost management and flexibility to drive long term strategic initiatives as well as program manage engineering project to the technical details

Key Responsibilities:

• Leadership & Strategy:
  • Develop and implement strategies to optimize manufacturing processes, improve product quality, and reduce costs.
  • Lead a team of industrial engineers, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and innovation.
  • Collaborate with leaders across WD and the JV to align engineering and program management milestones and roadmaps.
• Program Management:
  • Oversee the planning, execution, and monitoring of multiple product roadmaps, ensuring they are completed on time and within budget.
  • Implement project management best practices and tools to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.
  • Manage stakeholder communications, ensuring transparency and alignment throughout project lifecycles.
• Process Improvement:
  • Identify opportunities for process improvements, conduct root cause analyses and implement corrective actions to address manufacturing inefficiencies.
  • Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to assess the effectiveness of engineering initiatives and make data-driven decisions.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration:
  • Work closely with JV teams, product and process engineering teams, quality assurance, and supply chain teams to ensure seamless integration of engineering solutions.
  • Act as a liaison between technical teams and JV management to communicate project status, risks, and opportunities.
• Talent Development:
  • Mentor and develop engineering and project management teams, promoting professional growth and knowledge sharing.
  • Lead recruitment efforts to attract top talent in industrial engineering and program management.

Qualifications

• Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field; Master’s degree preferred.
• 10+ years of experience in industrial engineering and program management, with at least 5 years in a leadership role within the relevant industry.
• Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes, project management methodologies, and continuous improvement frameworks.
• Proven track record of successfully managing complex engineering projects from conception to completion.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills.

• Preferred Skills:

• Certification in Project Management (PMP) and/or Six Sigma Green/Black Belt.
• Familiarity with advanced manufacturing technologies (e.g., autom