Solvent Developer Engineer

Summary

Join Western Digital and contribute to the development of next-generation PFAS-free solvents for lubricants. You will formulate these solvents, define recyclability, and address manufacturing challenges. This role involves developing advanced dipping processes for optimal disk performance in HAMR technology and designing organic purification processes. A deep understanding of analytical techniques and DOE principles is crucial. Collaboration with cross-functional teams and vendors is essential. You will also provide technical guidance and training to operational technicians.

Requirements

• PhD in Organics chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Material Science with focus on Organics Chemistry
• Solid theoretical foundation in organic chemistry, polymer formulation & synthesis, along with hands-on experience in laboratory and process engineering, preferably in a development role
• Action-orientated with a proven track record of hands-on experience in lab or field environment, with a preference for high volume production environments
• Proficiency in JMP, Minitab, and a strong understanding of DOE principles
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to influence decisions and achieve results. Strong multi-tasking and time management skills
• Proven ability to collaborate effectively with external vendors, subject matter experts, and cross-functional teams

Responsibilities

• Develop next generation solvents including PFAS free solvents for Lubricants
• Formulate these solvents, define recyclability details, and address potential issues during manufacturing ramp up to align with future product roadmaps
• Develop advanced dipping processes with these solvents to achieve optimal disk performance for HAMR
• Design and execute multistep organic purification processes to refine targeted lubricants
• Lead the conceptualization, design, and implementation of purification techniques on various scales (from milligrams to kilograms)
• Document, validate the new processes and modify processes as needed
• Deep understanding of analytical and spectroscopic techniques (NMR, GC-MS, IR, etc al). Accurately interpret the corresponding data and spectra
• Utilize Design of Experiment (DOE) principles & statistical analysis tools (JMP or Minitab) extensively to develop new processes, recipes, and innovative concepts
• Work effectively with teams across WD (Hardware, Software, Manufacturing, Failure analysis) to bring improvement ideas and innovative concepts to reality
• Foster strong relationships with vendors (solvents, lubricants, equipment) to identify and implement best-in-class consumables for advanced lubricant dipping processes
• Provide technical guidance and training to pilot line operational technicians on operational procedures and troubleshooting

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
• You will be eligible to participate in Western Digital’s Short-Term Incentive (STI) Plan, which provides incentive awards based on Company and individual performance
• Depending on your role and your performance, you may be eligible to participate in our annual Long-Term Incentive (LTI) program, which consists of restricted stock units (RSUs) or cash equivalents, pursuant to the terms of the LTI plan
• RSU awards are also available to eligible new hires, subject to Western Digital’s Standard Terms and Conditions for Restricted Stock Unit Awards