Summer 2024 Internship, Hardware Development Engineering Intern, Tape Head Development

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:

We're inviting motivated college students to apply for our Hardware Development Engineer Internship. In this role, you will gain invaluable experience with advanced measurement technologies, including UV microscopes and Picoscale laser interferometers, focusing on the measurement and analysis of magnetic recording heads. This internship is an exceptional opportunity to contribute to the innovation and development of data storage technology.

Key Responsibilities:

• Use state-of-the-art equipment to measure the span of magnetic recording heads, applying your skills in UV microscopy and laser interferometry.
• Accurately measure head deformations (both in-plane and out-of-plane) using advanced interferometry techniques.
• Conduct hands-on measurements on critical components like rowbars and modules, deepening your understanding of data storage hardware.
• Analyze measurement data using software tools such as MatLab and JMP to identify patterns and correlations, informing future technology developments.
• Propose experimental projects based on your findings, contributing to the improvement of measurement methods and our understanding of magnetic recording technologies.

Why This Internship?

This position is more than an internship; it's a gateway into the field of hardware development for data storage solutions. You'll work alongside experts in a dynamic environment that bridges theoretical knowledge with practical application. This internship will enhance your engineering skills, prepare you for a future career in the tech industry, and give you the opportunity to contribute to meaningful technological advancements.

Qualifications

Academic Path: We're looking for students poised to graduate between December 2024 and May 2025, from disciplines such as Electrical Engineering (EE), Physics, Mechanical Engineering (ME), or Computer Science (CS). Your educational journey is key to bringing fresh perspectives to our team.

Technical Proficiencies: In our work, proficiency in MatLab, Solidworks, and programming languages like C or Python is highly valued. These skills are instrumental in navigating the challenges and opportunities in our projects. If your toolkit includes experience with Eagle Autodesk or Arduino IDE, we're excited about the diverse insights you can bring.

Lab Experience: Hands-on experience with lab equipment, such as digital voltmeters (DVMs), oscilloscopes, and familiarity with soldering and working on detailed components, enriches our collaborative projects. If you've engaged with CNC mills, routers, 3D printers, or soldering stations, your practical knowledge will greatly contribute to our team.

Innovation Drive: A passion for robotics, microcontrollers, and a drive to apply these interests in real-world scenarios are qualities we cherish. Your enthusiasm for exploring new technologies and solving complex problems is what we aim to support and develop further.

Opportunities This Internship Offers:

This internship is an avenue for you to apply your academic learnings in a real-world setting, collaborating on projects at the forefront of magnetic recording technology. You'll leverage your familiarity with MatLab, Solidworks, and programming in C or Python to contribute meaningfully to our team. It's a chance to expand your skills in hardware development,