Robotics & Automation Controls Staff Engineer

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 and capture the first-ever picture of a black hole.

We offer an expansive portfolio of technologies, HDDs, and platforms for business, creative professionals, and consumers alike under our Western Digital®, WD®, WD_BLACK™, and SanDisk® Professional brands.

We are a key partner to some of the largest and highest-growth organizations in the world. From enabling systems to make cities safer and more connected, to powering the data centers behind many of the world’s biggest companies and hyperscale cloud providers, to meeting the massive and ever-growing data storage needs of the AI era, Western Digital is fueling a brighter, smarter future.

Today’s exceptional challenges require your unique skills. Together, we can build the future of data storage.

Job Description

Western Digital Media Test Engineering team in San Jose, CA is seeking a Staff Robot & Automation Controls Engineer with 7–10 years of experience to lead and drive robot automation initiatives in a challenging and dynamic engineering environment. The media test team is responsible for the development and implementation of hardware/software/process/automation solutions in R&D environment, implementing those solutions at worldwide manufacturing sites, along with sustaining activities.  

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Lead the design, programming, and integration of robotic automation systems for advanced manufacturing environments.
• Architect and maintain robust control systems involving PLCs, conveyors, and robotic controllers as part of comprehensive automation solutions.
• Perform complex robot path programming and optimization for high-precision, high-efficiency operations.
• Oversee system commissioning efforts, including validation, testing, and troubleshooting of robotic and control systems.
• Develop and maintain comprehensive technical documentation, including system designs, programming logic, and operational procedures.
• Conduct system performance analysis and drive continuous improvement initiatives for enhanced efficiency, reliability, and scalability.
• Provide technical mentorship to junior engineers and support cross-functional collaboration across R&D and global manufacturing teams.

Qualifications

REQUIRED

• Master’s or Bachelor’s degree program in Electrical Engineering, Robotics, Mechatronics or Automation Engineering, with Master’s preferred.
• Proficient in robot programming platforms such as Epson RC+, SPEL+, or Adept V+.
• Extensive experience with PLC programming and HMI development.
• Expertise in automation systems integrated with machine vision (e.g., Keyence or similar).
• Strong programming capabilities in Python, C/C++, or similar languages.
• Expert knowledge of motion control systems including servo drives, actuators, and VFDs.
• Strong foundation in feedback control systems and PID tuning techniques.
• Proven ability to troubleshoot and resolve complex integration issues involving both hardware and software.
• In-depth knowledge of industrial safety standards, especially those related to robotics and automation.
• Excellent communication and leadership skills; able to work effectively in cross-functional and global teams.

SKILLS

• Experience leading automation projects across manufacturing sites, including stakeholder engagement and change management.
• Track record of reducing cycle times or improving OEE through optimization.
• Project management certifications or experience, such as PMP or Lean Six Sigma Green/Black Belt.
• Vendor management and equipment selection experience, especially involving robotic integrators or automation solution providers.
• Familiarity with data analysis tools such as Excel, Tableau, or similar.

Additional Information

Western Digital 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 st