Technologist, R&D 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

We are seeking a highly motivated researcher to join a team of talented engineers in advanced HDD recording head development. The job opening is for a full-time engineer to conduct research and development in the area of Heat Assisted Magnetic Recording (HAMR) head technology, specifically tackling challenges in device reliability. The successful candidate will be expected to analyze and organize analytical results and communicate findings to cross-functional teams at internal and external technical meetings, as well as leverage opportunities to initiate and develop intellectual property. Responsibilities can include: failure analysis of HAMR heads; evaluation of new materials, designs, and/or processes toward improving reliability; lifetime and performance data analysis and reporting.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. degree in Physics, Applied Physics, Electrical Engineering, Optics, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Surface Science, or closely related field OR Masters Degree and 8+ years of experience.
• Demonstrated expertise in at least one of the following areas:
  • Failure / root cause analysis, reliability engineering and reliability prediction modeling.
  • Surface science, scanned probe / electron microscopy or related analytical methods.
  • Optical or magnetic device characterization.

Required skills and experience

• Demonstrated ability to provide technical leadership in research and strong problem-solving skills.
• Strong analytical skills and demonstrated expertise in experimental techniques in physical science.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work independently and within a team environment.

Desirable skills and experience

• Industrial experience is desirable but not required.
• Experience in reliability validation and teardown failure analysis / root cause analysis.
• Proficiency in scripting / coding and analysis with Python, JMP, Matlab, or similar programming packages.
• Experience in statistical data analysis, building reliability models and reliability prediction is a plus.
• Familiarity with micro- or nano-fabrication techniques and thin film deposition & characterization is a plus.

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, 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 Equal Employment Opportunity is the