Hardware Development Technologist

Summary

Join Western Digital and contribute to the future of data storage technology as a Heat Assisted Magnetic Recording (HAMR) media development engineer. You will be responsible for developing the technology roadmap for future HDD products, integrating new technologies into product designs, and leading efforts on enabling technologies for next-generation thin film media. Collaboration with cross-functional teams and expertise in magnetic thin film media are crucial. This role requires a PhD and 6+ years of experience, or equivalent, in a relevant field, along with experience in the disk drive industry and statistical data analysis. Western Digital offers a comprehensive benefits package, including paid time off, health insurance, retirement benefits, and more.

Requirements

• Possess a Ph.D. + 6 years, MS + 8 years, or BS + 10 years of experience with a degree in Physics, Materials Science, ECE, or a related field
• Have 3-5 years of prior experience in the disk drive industry
• Have experience with statistical data analysis and Design of Experiment (DOE)
• Possess a strong research background in Magnetic thin film media, thin film synthesis, magnetic material properties, advanced characterization, and knowledge of magnetic recording
• Apply advanced technical expertise to manage complex programs
• Contribute to and help shape the company’s technical and business strategy
• Help develop and implement innovative solutions for complex, specialized technical issues
• Work proactively; identify and help prevent problems that may cross disciplines
• Build and lead teams, influencing decisions and results
• Provide regular technical advice and direction to technical team(s) and management
• Possess excellent verbal and written communication skills

Responsibilities

• Be responsible for Heat Assisted Magnetic Recording (HAMR) media development and technology roadmap for future generation HDD products
• Oversee the integration of the new technologies into the new product designs
• Work with cross-functional groups on qualifying new media designs into products
• Lead efforts on enabling technologies for next generation thin film media through identification of new magnetic materials, under layer structures, processes and methods
• Work with equipment development group on identifying sputter tool components and configurations needed for advanced media manufacturing and qualify processes using these components
• Establish close collaboration with peers and exercise creativity to enable progress in advanced magnetic media development

Benefits

• Paid vacation time
• Paid sick leave
• Medical/dental/vision insurance
• Life, accident and disability insurance
• Tax-advantaged flexible spending and health savings accounts
• Employee assistance program
• Other voluntary benefit programs such as supplemental life and AD&D, legal plan, pet insurance, critical illness, accident and hospital indemnity
• Tuition reimbursement
• Transit
• The Applause Program
• Employee stock purchase plan
• The Western Digital Savings 401(k) Plan
• Short-Term Incentive (STI) Plan
• Long-Term Incentive (LTI) program (restricted stock units (RSUs) or cash equivalents)