Principal Engineer, Development 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

JOB OVERVIEW:
DOE Process Characterization oversees the overall back-end process flow or system of wafer evaluation builds of the department, provides engineering support in daily analytical process activities and manages non-conformity in the process execution to ensure efficient and timely learning cycle feedback. This role involves collaboration with manufacturing operations, validation of new or changes in the process including tests, monitoring and optimization of critical process activities and giving dispositions to issues encountered. The ideal candidate will have strong analytical skills, meticulous attention to details, strong decision-making competency and ability to manage multiple tasks in dynamic fast-paced environment.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Responsible for reviewing the coherence of evaluation objectives, test plans, BE process requirements and their translation to process execution instructions.
• Manage design mapping and smart binning technique for effective slider downstream process of DOE build execution.
• Provide engineering selection to meet requirements and effective downstream process flow.
• Handles R/W control of the team’s evaluations builds focusing target generation for tilt angles and reader SH.
• Coordinate with functional teams on the introduction of new HAMR processes or capabilities, and review/approve their qualification prior to deployment in all evaluation builds of the team. This includes validation after implementation.
• Drive test in-process yield, control and CT improvement initiatives and handle special project initiatives.
• Develop predictive analysis/system to identify potential process risk and recommend necessary adjustment to eliminate or minimize misprocess prior to start of evaluation input to production line.
• Provide accurate yield assumptions on key BE processes, monitor actuals and develop reaction plan if below expectation - DMAIC approach.
• Perform dashboard daily trend review, feedback and closure with functional teams.
• Ensure overall process compliance to requirements, SOP and PMP on DOE evaluation builds.
• Facilitate, track and report overall DOE process lessons learned, action plan and closure.
• Perform other activities as assigned to support the team.

Qualifications

REQUIRED:

• Bachelor's degree in engineering (ECE, EE, COE) or related discipline.
• Minimum 5 years magnetic recording or semiconductor experience with engineering data analysis work.
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills (statistics and data mining).
• Has in-depth knowledge in magnetic recording principle, slider fabrication and testing methodology.
• Good proficiency and communication skills with documentation in English.

PREFERRED:

• Master’s degree in any engineering field or data analytics is preferred but not required.
• Sound knowledge in device physics and dimension metrology.
• Experience in Failure Analysis is an advantage.
• Understanding of Design of Experiment and its application for process characterization.

SKILLS:

• Strong analytical skills and technical decision-making competency.
• In-depth knowledge of engineering statistics (GRR, SPC, Correlation, etc). Six sigma certification is preferred but not a must.
• Experience in data analytical tools such as JMP, Minitab, Excel or R.
• Basic understanding of programming language preferably C, C++, Python or JSL is an advantage.
• Excellent communication and leadership skills to effectively manage cross-functional teams and deliver high-quality process characterization activities in a timely manner.
• Proficient in Windows and Office software including MS project tool.
• Strong interpersonal, oral, written and presentation English skills required to conduct daily activities.
• Willingness to adapt to any changes as part of improvement opportunities.
• Ability to handle unexpected challenges with positive attitude.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Mainly office-based with occasional visits to production facilities.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced and high-pressure environment.
• Willingness to work occasionally on weekends or shifts when needed.

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.