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Staff Engineer, Hardware 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

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

  • Responsible for Heat Assisted Magnetic Recording (HAMR) media development and technology roadmap for future generation HDD products. Oversee the integration of the new technologies into the 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
  • Work with equipment development group on identifying sputter tool components and configurations needed for advanced media manufacturing and qualify processes using these components
  • The Engineer must establish close collaboration with peers and must exercise creativity to enable progress in advanced magnetic media development

Qualifications

REQUIRED

  • Ph.D +1 years., MS +3 years or BS +5 years of experience with degree in Physics, Materials Science, ECE or related field
  • Experience in disk drive industry is highly desired
  • Experience with statistical data analysis and Design of Experiment (DOE) is required
  • The candidate should have a strong research background in Magnetic thin film media, thin film synthesis, magnetic material properties, advanced characterization, and knowledge of magnetic recording
  • Applies advanced technical expertise to manage complex programs
  • Contributes to and help shape company’s technical and business strategy
  • Helps develop and implement innovative solutions for complex, specialized technical issues

SKILLS

  • Works proactively; identifies and helps prevent problems that may cross disciplines
  • Builds and leads teams, influencing decisions and results
  • Provides regular technical advice and direction to technical team(s) and management
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Additional Information

Western Digital is committed to providing equal opportunities to all applicants and employees and will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on their race, color, ancestry, religion (including religious dress and grooming standards), sex (including pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, breastfeeding or related medical conditions), gender (including a person’s gender identity, gender expression, and gender-related appearance and behavior, whether or not stereotypically associated with the person’s assigned sex at birth), age, national origin, sexual orientation, medical condition, marital status (including domestic partnership status), physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, protected medical and family care leave, Civil Air Patrol status, military and veteran status, or other legally protected characteristics. We also prohibit harassment of any individual on any of the characteristics listed above. Our non-discrimination policy applies to all aspects of employment. We comply with the laws and regulations set forth in the "Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal” poster. Our pay transparency policy is available here.

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.

Based on our experience, we anticipate that the application deadline will be 01/14/2025 (3 months from posting), although we reserve the right to close the application process sooner if we hire an applicant for this position before the application deadline. If we are not able to hire someone from this role before the application deadline, we will update this posting with a new anticipated application deadline.

#LI-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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What You Should Know About Staff Engineer, Hardware Development Engineering, Western Digital

At Western Digital, we're excited to announce an opening for a Staff Engineer in Hardware Development Engineering, based in sunny San Jose, CA. This role isn't just about creating cutting-edge technologies; it's about being part of a team that thrives on innovation and problem-solving. As you dive into responsibilities like the development of Heat Assisted Magnetic Recording (HAMR) media and shaping technological roadmaps for future HDD products, you’ll find yourself at the forefront of our mission to fuel a smarter future. Collaborating with cross-functional teams to integrate new media designs and leading efforts in the identification of advanced magnetic materials, you'll have the chance to make a real impact. With a solid background in Physics, Materials Science, or Electrical Engineering, along with experience in the disk drive industry, you’re equipped to tackle complex challenges head-on. We believe in nurturing creativity and teamwork, and that's why the ideal candidate will excel in building relationships, providing technical guidance, and driving innovative solutions. At Western Digital, we’re not just about products; we’re about people making extraordinary achievements possible, and we're looking forward to welcoming your unique skills to our dynamic team. If you're ready to contribute to the technological landscape and join a company that is a crucial partner to some of the world's biggest organizations, this is your chance to shine.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Staff Engineer, Hardware Development Engineering Role at Western Digital
What are the primary responsibilities of a Staff Engineer at Western Digital?

As a Staff Engineer in Hardware Development Engineering at Western Digital, your primary responsibilities will include overseeing the development of Heat Assisted Magnetic Recording (HAMR) media and integrating new technologies into next-generation HDD products. You'll collaborate with cross-functional teams to qualify new media designs and lead efforts on enabling technologies for future media.

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What qualifications are required for the Staff Engineer position at Western Digital?

To qualify for the Staff Engineer position at Western Digital, you should hold a Ph.D. with at least 1 year of relevant experience, an MS with at least 3 years, or a BS with at least 5 years of experience in fields like Physics, Materials Science, or Electrical Engineering. Experience in the disk drive industry and familiarity with statistical data analysis are also essential.

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What skills are essential for the Staff Engineer role at Western Digital?

Essential skills for the Staff Engineer role at Western Digital include advanced technical expertise in magnetic materials, thin film synthesis, and advanced characterization. Additionally, strong communication skills, the ability to work proactively across disciplines, and leadership capabilities are important for influencing results and driving innovative solutions.

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How does Western Digital support diversity in the workplace for Staff Engineers?

Western Digital is deeply committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment. As a Staff Engineer, you will be part of a culture that values different perspectives, ensuring that every individual can thrive and contribute to our mission of innovation and problem-solving.

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What advancement opportunities exist for a Staff Engineer at Western Digital?

At Western Digital, advancement opportunities for a Staff Engineer include potential pathways to senior leadership roles, opportunities to manage complex programs, and involvement in shaping technical and business strategies that influence the company's trajectory in the tech industry.

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Common Interview Questions for Staff Engineer, Hardware Development Engineering
Can you explain your experience with magnetic thin film media?

Make sure to highlight specific projects or roles where you worked with magnetic thin film media, including details about your research background, methods of synthesis, and any advanced characterization techniques you applied. Tailor your answer to demonstrate your technical expertise and problem-solving abilities.

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How do you approach collaboration across different teams?

Discuss your experience working in cross-functional teams, emphasizing your communication skills and how you've successfully collaborated to overcome challenges. Provide examples of how you aligned your goals with those of your peers and how you facilitated discussions for innovative solutions.

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What strategies do you use for statistical data analysis in your projects?

Talk about specific statistical methods you've applied in the past, such as Design of Experiments (DOE). Explain how these strategies impacted your projects, improved outcomes, or helped solve complex engineering problems.

Join Rise to see the full answer
Describe a challenging technical problem you faced and how you solved it.

Outline the problem's details, including its complexity and the steps you took to analyze and resolve it. Emphasize your approach to problem-solving and any creative solutions you implemented that contributed to your team's success.

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How do you prioritize your tasks when managing multiple projects?

Share a structured approach you follow when handling multiple projects, focusing on prioritization criteria such as deadlines, project importance, and team impact. Use specific examples to illustrate your time management skills and adaptability.

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What experience do you have with advanced characterization methods?

Detail your hands-on experience with various advanced characterization techniques, including the types of materials studied and how these methods informed your product development processes. Tailor your response to showcase your technical knowledge and hands-on skills.

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How do you stay updated on advancements in hardware and materials science?

Discuss the resources you use to keep abreast of industry trends, research papers, relevant conferences, and professional networks. Share your commitment to continuous learning and how it enhances your work as a Staff Engineer at Western Digital.

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What role do you believe a Staff Engineer plays in shaping a company's technical strategy?

Explain your perspective on the critical role that a Staff Engineer plays in guiding technical direction, influencing decisions, and collaborating with other teams. Provide examples of how you've contributed to strategic initiatives in previous roles.

Join Rise to see the full answer
Describe your leadership style and how you lead a team.

Share your leadership approach, emphasizing how you cultivate a collaborative environment that encourages innovation. Use examples to highlight how you provide technical advice, mentor team members, and foster a sense of belonging within your team.

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What motivates you to work at Western Digital in the role of Staff Engineer?

Reflect on your passion for technology, innovation, and contributions to impactful projects in the data storage industry. Your response should convey your enthusiasm for being part of a leading organization like Western Digital and your desire to tackle the challenges they face.

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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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Full-time, on-site
DATE POSTED
March 18, 2025

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