Technologist, Hardware Development Engineering

Western Digital - San Jose, CA

Full-time

San Jose, CA

Computer and Electronic Product Manufacturing

About the position

The Technologist in Hardware Development Engineering at Western Digital is responsible for the development and technology roadmap of Heat Assisted Magnetic Recording (HAMR) media for future generation HDD products. This role involves overseeing the integration of new technologies into product designs and collaborating with cross-functional teams to qualify new media designs. The position requires a strong background in magnetic materials and advanced characterization techniques, as well as the ability to lead efforts in enabling technologies for next-generation media.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for Heat Assisted Magnetic Recording (HAMR) media development and technology roadmap for future generation HDD products.
• Oversee the integration of new technologies into 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.
• Collaborate 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.

Requirements

• Ph.D. with 6+ years, MS with 8+ years, or BS with 10+ years of experience in Physics, Materials Science, ECE or related field.
• 3-5 years of prior experience in the disk drive industry is highly desired.
• Experience with statistical data analysis and Design of Experiment (DOE) is required.
• Strong research background in Magnetic thin film media, thin film synthesis, magnetic material properties, and advanced characterization.
• Knowledge of magnetic recording.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience in managing complex programs.
• Ability to contribute to and help shape the company's technical and business strategy.
• Experience in developing and implementing innovative solutions for complex technical issues.

Benefits

• Competitive salary range of $137,275.00 - $194,400.00.
• Exempt position with related compensation and benefits details provided.