Staff Engineer, Automation Development Engineering

Join Western Digital as a Staff Engineer in Automation Development Engineering to shape the Next Gen Smart & Sustainable Factory for data storage products. This role involves leading various automation projects, applying robotic process automation to improve manufacturing processes, increase productivity, and ensure product quality. You will collaborate with functional teams and SMEs to develop, test, and deploy innovative solutions, revolutionizing HDD manufacturing and contributing to the Fourth Industrial Revolution within the HDD Industry.

Must Have

• Work closely with functional teams to understand business and operations challenges
• Identify opportunities to apply robotic process automation to improve manufacturing processes, increase productivity, and ensure product quality
• Collaborate with other team members/SMEs to develop and test/proof of concept of new solutions, and deploy working solutions to production
• Applying RPA to reduce routine and repetitive tasks to improve our operations flexibility, efficiency, and simplify the process
• Prepare technical specifications and RFQ for automation tools and machines
• Coordinate and manage suppliers/integrators to complete automation design, build, and testing according to requirements
• Review and control project budget, cost breakdown, and investment ROI; support CAPEX proposal and approval
• Monitor project schedule, follow up on open issues, and ensure on-time delivery, FAT/SAT, and buy-off

Good to Have

• Advanced skills in Java, Visual C++ .Net, C#, Python, XML, and JSON, Yolo
• Experience in manufacturing/production with machine learning, robotics, or other cutting-edge technologies
• Passion for the 4IR and a desire to make a difference in the world
• Mechanical/electronic & electrical background
• Experience with Linux & web development (Backend/Front-end)
• Proficiency in SolidWorks for mechanical design and simulation

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

Are you eager to play a pivotal role in shaping the Next Gen Smart & Sustainable Factory powering the manufacturing of data storage products? Join our team as a Next-Gen Hard-Disk Drive (HDD) Automation Engineer and be a trailblazer in the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) within the HDD Industry where you can make a difference. This is your chance to lead the various Automation projects in our plant in a way that revolutionizes HDD manufacturing and captivates the imagination of the Gen-Z workforce

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Responsible to work closely with functional teams to understand business and operations challenges
• Identify opportunities to apply robotic process automation to improve manufacturing processes, increase productivity, and ensure product quality
• Collaborate with other team members/SMEs to develop and test/proof of concept of new solutions, and deploy working solutions to production
• Applying RPA to reduce routine and repetitive tasks to improve our operations flexibility, efficiency, and simplify the process
• Prepare technical specifications and RFQ for automation tools and machines.
• Coordinate and manage suppliers/integrators to complete automation design, build, and testing according to requirements.
• Review and control project budget, cost breakdown, and investment ROI; support CAPEX proposal and approval.
• Monitor project schedule, follow up on open issues, and ensure on-time delivery, FAT/SAT, and buy-off.

Qualifications

REQUIRED:

• Bachelor or Master’s Degree in Mechanical, Robotic Automation, Electrical, Electronics, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Management Information Systems, or a related IT field.
• Proficiency in Gen AI ,C/C++ /Python programming language is a must.
• Experience: 10–15 years of experience in the engineering field, with a strong track record of success.
• Capable in 2D/3D drawing design, CAD, SolidWorks, and animation.
• Good English communication and writing skills; Chinese communication skills are a plus.
• Excellent communication skills for effective teamwork and presentation, problem-solving and critical thinking.

PREFERRED:

• Advanced skills in Java, Visual C++ .Net, C#, Python, XML, and JSON ,Yolo
• Experience in manufacturing/production with machine learning, robotics, or other cutting-edge technologies.
• Passion for the 4IR and a desire to make a difference in the world.
• Mechanical/electronic & electrical background.
• Experience with Linux & web development (Backend/Front-end) will be an advantage.
• Proficiency in SolidWorks for mechanical design and simulation.

SKILLS:

• Technical Expertise:
• Proficient in Mechatronics, Automation, and Robotic Engineering.
• Skilled in Robotic Process Automation (RPA).
• Expertise in automation software and hardware development.
• Strong understanding and hands-on experience with SolidWorks and technical drawing.
• Proficient in software development related to generative AI and machine learning.
• Automation Project Management:
• Skilled in managing automation projects from concept to implementation, ensuring timely delivery and alignment with objectives.
• Ability to plan, execute, and oversee projects, coordinating with cross-functional teams to achieve optimal outcomes.
• Communication and Collaboration:
• Effectively present information, ideas, and perspectives to peers, team members, and managers, addressing questions and providing clarity.
• Demonstrated ability to write clear, concise technical reports and documentation in English.
• Proven ability to work collaboratively in a team environment, contributing to common goals and fostering strong working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Problem-Solving and Innovation:
• Creative thinker with a proven ability to develop innovative solutions to complex problems.
• Quick learner, adaptable to new technologies and evolving challenges.
• Organizational and Multitasking Skills:
• Self-motivated with strong multitasking abilities, capable of thriving in fast-paced, dynamic environments.
• Excellent decision-making skills, considering both immediate and long-term impacts.
• Leadership and Influence:
• Skilled in coordinating, influencing, and managing teams to deliver consistent, positive results.
• Experienced in handling confidential and sensitive issues with sound judgment.

Additional Information

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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.

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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 Digital Ethics Helpline or email compliance@wdc.com.