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Principal Engineer - Software Development Engineering (Embedded)

Company Description

The future. It’s on you. You & Western Digital.

We’ve been storing the world’s data for more than 50 years. Once, it was the most important thing we could do for data. Now we’re helping the world capture, preserve, access and transform data in a way only we can.

The most game-changing companies, consumers, professionals, and governments come to us for the technologies and solutions they need to capture, preserve, access, and transform their data.

But we can’t do it alone. Today’s exceptional data challenges require your exceptional skills. It’s You & Us. Together, we’re the next big thing in data. 

Western Digital® data-centric solutions are found under the G-Technology™, HGST, Tegile™, Upthere™, and WD® brands.

Job Description

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

  • Developing complex custom data models and algorithms.
  • Gathering, preprocessing, and reporting data.
  • Collaborating with cross-functional teams.

Qualifications

Must Possess The Following Requirements:

  • Behavioral and Performance Modeling.
  • Experience with discrete event simulation.
  • Must work onsite 3 days per week.
  • Experience 3-5 yrs programming in Python, C#, HTML + TypeScript, Matlab.
  • Experience with machine learning model training and inference.

Skills:

  • Have excellent teamwork, and proactive communications, working as part of a small, fast moving, multi-site team.
  • High attention to detail.
  • Great problem solving and analytical skills.
  • Have a strong desire to learn through on the job efforts as necessary.

Additional Information

Because Western Digital thrives on the power of diversity and is committed to an inclusive environment where every individual can thrive through a sense of belonging, respect, and contribution, we are committed to giving every qualified applicant and employee an equal opportunity.  Western Digital does not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on their protected class status and complies with all federal and state laws against discrimination, harassment, and retaliation, as well as the laws and regulations set forth in the "Equal Employment Opportunity is the Law" poster.

Part of creating a diverse and inclusive workplace includes ensuring that all qualified applicants and employees are provided equal consideration for any available opportunity.  Western Digital is committed to offering opportunities to applicants with a disability.  If you need a reasonable accommodation, email us at [email protected].  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.

#L1-TD1

Compensation & Benefits Details

  • An employee’s pay position within the salary range may be based on several factors including but not limited to (1) relevant education; qualifications; certifications; and experience; (2) skills, ability, knowledge of the job; (3) performance, contribution and results; (4) geographic location; (5) shift; (6) internal and external equity; and (7) business and organizational needs.
  • The salary range is what we believe to be the range of possible compensation for this role at the time of this posting.  We may ultimately pay more or less than the posted range and this range is only applicable for jobs to be performed in California, Colorado, New York or remote jobs that can be performed in California, Colorado and New York.  This range may be modified in the future.
  • 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. Please note that not all roles are eligible to participate in the LTI program, and not all roles are eligible for equity under 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.
  • We offer a comprehensive package of benefits including 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, and the Western Digital Savings 401(k) Plan.
  • Note: No amount of pay is considered to be wages or compensation until such amount is earned, vested, and determinable. The amount and availability of any bonus, commission, benefits, or any other form of compensation and benefits that are allocable to a particular employee remains in the Company's sole discretion unless and until paid and may be modified at the Company’s sole discretion, consistent with the law.
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Average salary estimate

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What You Should Know About Principal Engineer - Software Development Engineering (Embedded), Western Digital

At Western Digital in Rochester, Minnesota, we’re on a mission to shape the future of data with our Principal Engineer in Software Development Engineering (Embedded). If you're passionate about building complex data models and algorithms, this might be the role for you! In this position, you’ll gather, preprocess, and report crucial data while collaborating with cross-functional teams to innovate solutions that truly make a difference. Your experience in behavioral and performance modeling and discrete event simulation will be key to your success. We’re looking for someone who has 3-5 years of programming experience in Python, C#, HTML, TypeScript, and Matlab, along with skills in machine learning model training and inference. At Western Digital, we value teamwork and proactive communication, so being part of a fast-moving, multi-site team means a lot. You’ll be working on-site for three days each week, which fosters collaboration and a strong sense of community. We’re proud of our commitment to diversity and inclusion, and we believe everyone should feel a sense of belonging. If you’re ready to be part of a company that's redefining how data is captured and transformed, we’d love to hear from you!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Principal Engineer - Software Development Engineering (Embedded) Role at Western Digital
What are the responsibilities of a Principal Engineer - Software Development Engineering (Embedded) at Western Digital?

As a Principal Engineer - Software Development Engineering (Embedded) at Western Digital, you'll develop complex custom data models and algorithms, gather and preprocess data, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver innovative solutions. Your key responsibilities will emphasize teamwork and effective communication to achieve project goals.

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What qualifications are needed for the Principal Engineer position at Western Digital?

To qualify for the Principal Engineer - Software Development Engineering (Embedded) position at Western Digital, candidates should have 3-5 years of programming experience in Python, C#, HTML, TypeScript, and Matlab. Additionally, experience with behavioral and performance modeling, discrete event simulation, and machine learning is important.

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What skills are essential for a Principal Engineer employed by Western Digital?

Key skills for a Principal Engineer - Software Development Engineering (Embedded) at Western Digital include excellent teamwork abilities, proactive communication, high attention to detail, strong problem-solving and analytical skills, and a genuine desire to learn. These attributes are essential for contributing effectively to a multi-site team.

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Does the Principal Engineer role at Western Digital require remote work?

The Principal Engineer - Software Development Engineering (Embedded) role at Western Digital requires on-site work for three days a week. This setup encourages collaboration and helps build a cohesive working environment.

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What company culture can I expect as a Principal Engineer at Western Digital?

At Western Digital, the company culture is centered around diversity and inclusion, ensuring every employee feels they belong and can contribute. You'll be part of a supportive environment that values teamwork and innovation, perfect for those excited to tackle exceptional data challenges.

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Common Interview Questions for Principal Engineer - Software Development Engineering (Embedded)
Can you explain your experience with behavioral and performance modeling in your previous roles?

When discussing your experience with behavioral and performance modeling, highlight specific projects where you've applied these concepts. Describe the methodologies you used and how they contributed to the success of your project, emphasizing data-driven outcomes.

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What techniques do you use for data preprocessing?

In response to this question, detail the data preprocessing techniques you regularly employ, such as data cleaning, normalization, or transformation. Illustrate your approach through examples that demonstrate your ability to prepare quality data for model training.

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Describe a project where you developed complex algorithms.

Share an example of a project where you developed complex algorithms, outlining your thought process, the challenges you faced, and how you solved them. Be specific about the techniques you used and the impact of your work on the overall project.

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How do you approach collaboration with cross-functional teams?

Discuss your approach to collaboration by emphasizing communication strategies and methods you find effective. Mention the importance of aligning goals and leveraging the diverse skill sets of team members within cross-functional teams.

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What is your experience with machine learning model training and inference?

Elaborate on your experience with machine learning, mentioning specific frameworks or tools you’ve used. Discuss particular projects where you trained models, performed inference, and the results achieved, including any metrics that demonstrate their effectiveness.

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Can you discuss your programming proficiency in Python and C#?

When discussing your programming proficiency, provide insights into your experience levels with Python and C#. Mention projects you’ve worked on, specific libraries or frameworks you've utilized, and how your coding skills have contributed to project success.

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How do you ensure attention to detail in your work?

Addressing attention to detail, share techniques you use, such as coding best practices, code reviews, or testing measures. Specific examples of how your attention to detail has prevented issues or improved outcomes can strengthen your response.

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What motivates you to keep learning in the tech field?

Express your eagerness to learn by providing examples of how you've pursued ongoing education, such as attending workshops, obtaining certifications, or engaging in personal projects. Highlight how this drive fuels your contributions to your team and projects.

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How do you handle tight deadlines and pressure?

Discuss your strategies for managing pressure and meeting tight deadlines, such as prioritization, time management techniques, and maintaining open communication with team members to ensure project goals align.

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Why do you want to work as a Principal Engineer at Western Digital?

Reflect on what excites you about the Principal Engineer position at Western Digital. Mention their commitment to innovation, the collaborative culture, and how you believe your skills and experiences align with their mission to transform data management.

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At Western Digital, we believe in the promise of data and we’re redefining how the world keeps and leverages it. We power the technology and develop the solutions that transform the possibilities of data into reality. At every step, we innovate wi...

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DATE POSTED
March 29, 2025

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