Staff Engineer, Equipment Engineering

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.

As a Staff Equipment Engineer specializing in sputter media, you will be responsible for overseeing the operation, maintenance, and continuous improvement of sputtering equipment used in the production of hard disk media. You will work closely with cross-functional teams to ensure optimal equipment performance, minimize downtime, cycle time improvement and contribute to the development of new processes and technologies.
 
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop and implement preventive maintenance schedules to ensure equipment reliability.
• Work on Equipment upgrades to meet process requirements for next Gen HDD Products
• Develop thorough understanding of all Process Parameters, collaborate with Process team and to develop to identify areas for improvement.
• Plan all Conversion activities from time to time as per new design iterations of new product and buyoff thoroughly all details of config changes before release machine for process characterization.
• Review all alarm settings / process windows and update/modify as per the process requirements & new configuration changes. Work together with Software Engineering team to update the software / interface as required.
• To work on new Equipment Parts Design for improving OEE/yields for new products
• Conduct root cause analysis for equipment failures and implement corrective actions.
• Develop project (equipment upgrades) plans, timelines, and budgets, ensuring projects are completed on time and within budget.
• Provide technical expertise, training and mentor junior engineers/technicians on equipment operation and maintenance best practices. 
• Ensure all equipment and support system comply with safety regulations and industry standards.
• Prepare and present reports on equipment status, performance metrics, and project progress to management.
• Document standard operating procedures (SOPs) and best practices for equipment operation and maintenance.
• Work closely with cross-functional teams, including process engineers, production managers, and quality assurance, to achieve production goals.
• Commitment to continuous learning and staying updated with the latest engineering trends and technologies
• Perform other duties as assigned by management.

REQUIRED:

• Preferable with Master/Degree in Mechanical/Electrical/Electronic/Material/Engineering or a related field.
• Minimum 6 years of experience in equipment engineering, preferably in a sputter media or semiconductor manufacturing environment.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent project management skills, with the ability to lead cross-functional teams.
• Advanced skills in Microsoft Word, Excel, Access and PowerPoint

PREFERRED:

• Experience in a sputter media or semiconductor manufacturing environment.
• Knowledge of high-vacuum technology and plasma physics.

SKILLS:

• Knowledge of vacuum systems and thin-film deposition techniques
• Self-motivated with the ability to effectively multi-task and work collaboratively in a fast-paced, team environment
• Competence in developing and implementing preventive maintenance programs.
• Proficiency in using diagnostic tools and equipment for troubleshooting.
• Experience with PLC programming and automation.
• Familiarity with statistical process control (SPC) and Six Sigma methodologies.
• Strong technical writing skills for creating detailed reports and documentation

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 jobs.accommodations@wdc.com 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.

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