Staff Engineer - Spacing, Tribology Characterization and Test 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 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

Summary of the Role:

As a Staff Engineer in the Spacing Control and Integration group under the Head Backend Development Department, you will play a critical role in the development of hard disk drives by executing standard tests and developing new methodologies to evaluate the spacing, tribological performance, and reliability of emerging designs. This position will be responsible for selecting appropriate tests from existing test suites or designing and developing new tests or experiments as needed. This work includes analyzing data using statistical tools and generating comprehensive reports. Additionally, you will lead a team of technicians and indirectly oversee operators to operate and maintain state-of-the-art spacing characterization, tribology and metrology tools. This position will work closely with technical teams and designers across the company to ensure proper characterization and continuous improvement of HDD designs. This role is expected to be an independent problem solver with strong analytical skills, capable of driving solutions related to testing and tester-related challenges. Additionally, this involves automating data processing, implementing data analytics solutions, and creating dashboards to streamline operations.

Job Responsibilities and Role Accountabilities:

• Plan and execute tests and experiments to evaluate the performance of new HDD designs using cutting-edge spacing characterization, tribology, and metrology tools.
• Apply statistical analysis to interpret experimental data and derive meaningful insights.
• Generate comprehensive reports summarizing test results and findings.
• Provide recommendations for design improvements based on experimental data.
• Develop automation scripts to streamline data processing and report generation.
• Lead projects and tests to ensure completion within committed timelines.
• Oversee daily tester operations, ensuring proper functionality, and troubleshoot any issues that arise.
• Develop and refine test methodologies to analyze and characterize unique and evolving HDD designs.
• Identify and resolve system-related challenges and limitations.
• Collaborate with global counterparts in planning and executing spacing characterization initiatives.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education and Work Experience:

• Master’s degree in Applied Physics, Physics, Materials Science and Engineering, or any related field, with atleast 3 years of professional experience in tribology, physical characterization, and metrology. OR
• Master’s degree in any related field with a strong understanding of Physics or Materials Science fundamentals, 3 of professional experience in tribology, physical characterization, and metrology. OR
• Bachelor’s degree in Applied Physics, Physics, Materials Science and Engineering, or any related field, with atleast 5 years of professional experience in tribology, physical characterization, and metrology.
• Industry exposure in the Semiconductor or Electronics manufacturing is highly preferred.

Tools, System, Application and Technology Requirements:

• Proficiency in any programming language particularly Python.
• Intermediate skills in statistical tools particularly JMP and Minitab.
• Intermediate skills in Microsoft Office Application particularly Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Power BI.

Skills and Competency Requirements:

• Strong understanding of electronics, physics, materials, and magnetic theory fundamentals.
• Strong problem-solving, technical writing, and oral communication skills.
• Direct experience in HDD or HGA-disk tribology is highly preferred.
• Direct experience in HDD / magnetic head test engineering is highly preferred.
• Direct experience in signal processing and software/firmware development is highly preferred.
• Proficiency in LabView or instrument integration and control  is highly preferred.
• Extensive experience working in science or experimental laboratories is highly desirable.
• Demonstrates understanding of physics, materials science, electronics, and fundamentals of magnetic theory.
• Strong programming skills.
• Excellent problem-solving, technical writing, and communication skills.
• Ability to multitask effectively and work collaboratively in a fast-paced team environment.
• Ability to work independently and consistently deliver results with minimal supervision.

Other Requirements:

• Open to employment opportunities in Binan City, Laguna, CALABARZON, Philippines.
• Open to a reporting on-site work arrangement.
• Open to a dayshift work schedule.

Important Reminders:

• We provide free medical examination.
• We do not collect any original requirements.
• We do not collect any fees at any stage of the hiring process.

Additional Information

Western Digital thrives on the power and potential of diversity. As a global company, we believe the most effective way to embrace the diversity of our customers and communities is to mirror it from within. We believe the fusion of various perspectives results in the best outcomes for our employees, our company, our customers, and the world around us. We are committed to an inclusive environment where every individual can thrive through a sense of belonging, respect and contribution.

Western Digital is committed to offering opportunities to applicants with disabilities and ensuring all candidates can successfully navigate our careers website and our hiring process. Please contact us at [email protected] to advise us of your accommodation request. In your email, please include a description of the specific accommodation you are requesting as well as the job title and requisition number of the position for which you are applying.

NOTICE TO CANDIDATES: Please be aware that Western Digital and its subsidiaries will never request payment as a condition for applying for a position or receiving an offer of employment. Should you encounter any such requests, please report it immediately to Western Digitals Ethics Helpline or email [email protected]