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New College Grad Engineer, HDD Embedded Systems Engineer

Company Description

At Western Digital, we are on a mission to unlock the potential of data so people, companies and organizations everywhere can create what’s next. To fulfill our vision, we are always on the lookout for potential team members who share our passion for solving problems to empower others.

When you join Western Digital, you join a legacy more than 50 years in the making. Across our Western Digital®, SanDisk®, SanDisk® Professional, WD® and WD_BLACK™ brands, we have brought some of the most storied advancements in memory and data storage technology to market—and our best, most innovative work is yet to come.

From energizing 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.

Here’s how you can help.

Job Description

The HDD Electronics Team is seeking an Embedded Systems Engineer to transform new technology into industry leading Hard Disk Drives (HDD). 

Essential Duties & Responsibiities:

As an Embedded Systems Engineer on the HDD Electronics Team, you will develop C++ firmware for System On Chip (SoC) ASIC’s that control complex, electro-mechanical subsystems. You will use state-of-the-art prototyping platforms to transform new technologies into industry leading products and be the first to demonstrate their functionality. The ideal candidate will have strong firmware development skills and electronics knowledge. Some experience with embedded systems is preferred but not required. 

Qualifications

Educational Background

  • BS or MS in Electrical Engineering or Computer Engineering, graduating Summer 2025 (position starts in July or August)

Embedded Systems Expertise

  • Familiarity with embedded C++ firmware development
  • Basic scripting skills in Python or TCL

Technical Foundations

  • Knowledge of ARM processors, SAS, SATA, PCIe, UFS, DDR3 & DDR4 DRAM, SPI Flash, and NAND Flash

Hands-On Debug Experience

  • Experience with in-circuit probes for firmware debugging
  • Ability to read and analyze printed circuit board schematics
  • Proficiency using oscilloscopes, signal generators, logic analyzers, and bus analyzer

Problem-Solving & Communication

  • Comfortable using structured methods to tackle complex challenges
  • Effective communication skills, including the ability to clearly summarize complex issues

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 3/20/25, 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-MT

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 New College Grad Engineer, HDD Embedded Systems Engineer, Western Digital

At Western Digital, we are thrilled to be looking for a New College Grad Engineer to join our HDD Embedded Systems Engineer team in beautiful Rochester, MN! This exciting role offers recent graduates the chance to dive headfirst into the cutting-edge world of embedded systems and contribute to the development of industry-leading Hard Disk Drives (HDD). As part of our HDD Electronics Team, you will be at the forefront of innovation, transforming new technologies into powerful products that keep our digital world running. You'll be working with C++ firmware on System On Chip (SoC) ASICs and get to showcase your skills on state-of-the-art prototyping platforms. While some familiarity with embedded systems is preferred, your enthusiasm and willingness to learn are what truly matter! Ideal candidates will have a solid foundation in Electrical or Computer Engineering, and a passion for tackling complex problems. Gain hands-on experience in debugging, analyzing schematics, and utilizing various electronic tools like oscilloscopes and signal generators. We foster a collaborative environment where your inputs will be valued and the potential for growth is limitless. If you’re driven by curiosity and ready to be part of a legacy that’s over 50 years in the making, then Western Digital is the perfect place for you to launch your career. Join us and help create the next wave of storage innovation!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for New College Grad Engineer, HDD Embedded Systems Engineer Role at Western Digital
What are the key responsibilities of a New College Grad Engineer at Western Digital?

As a New College Grad Engineer at Western Digital, you will focus on developing C++ firmware for our HDD Electronics Team. Your responsibilities involve transforming innovative technologies into Hard Disk Drives by working on System On Chip (SoC) ASICs. You will also engage in hands-on debugging with tools like oscilloscopes and signal generators, which are essential for testing the functionality of our products.

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What qualifications are required for the New College Grad Engineer position at Western Digital?

To qualify for the New College Grad Engineer role at Western Digital, candidates should ideally hold a BS or MS in Electrical Engineering or Computer Engineering, graduating by Summer 2025. Familiarity with embedded C++ firmware development, basic Python or TCL scripting skills, and a strong understanding of ARM processors, SATA, and NAND Flash technologies will greatly benefit your application.

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How does Western Digital support the career growth of New College Grad Engineers?

Western Digital is committed to fostering a growth-oriented environment for New College Grad Engineers. Through mentorship programs, hands-on training in embedded systems and access to state-of-the-art technology, you will have ample opportunities to develop your skills and flourish in your role. Your contributions will be valued, with pathways to advance within the company as you grow professionally.

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What are the benefits of working as a New College Grad Engineer at Western Digital?

Joining Western Digital as a New College Grad Engineer comes with a comprehensive benefits package that includes paid vacation, medical/dental/vision insurance, a 401(k) plan, and exciting incentive programs. Moreover, you’ll have the chance to work in a diverse and inclusive environment that values your uniqueness and fosters innovation.

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Is prior experience necessary for the New College Grad Engineer role at Western Digital?

While some experience with embedded systems is preferred for the New College Grad Engineer position at Western Digital, it is not mandatory. As a new graduate, your passion for technology, eagerness to learn, and solid educational background are vital components that we are looking for in potential candidates.

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Common Interview Questions for New College Grad Engineer, HDD Embedded Systems Engineer
What experience do you have with firmware development for embedded systems?

During your answer, highlight any specific projects you worked on during your studies involving firmware development. Discuss the technologies and languages used, particularly C++, along with any challenges faced and how you resolved them.

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Can you describe your familiarity with ARM processors and their applications?

Share any coursework or projects that involved ARM processors, emphasizing your understanding of their architecture and functionalities. Explain potential applications in embedded systems development and any hands-on experience you have.

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How would you tackle debugging on an embedded system?

Illustrate your approach to debugging, starting from identifying the problem, utilizing tools like oscilloscopes and logic analyzers, and applying structured methods to isolate faults. Discuss any past experiences where you successfully resolved complex issues.

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What scripting languages are you comfortable with, and how do you apply them in embedded systems?

Discuss your proficiency in scripting languages like Python or TCL, and provide examples of how you've utilized these languages for automating tasks, writing test scripts, or processing data in embedded projects.

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How do you prioritize tasks when working on multiple projects?

Outline your time management strategy, emphasizing your ability to break projects into tasks, set deadlines, and maintain clear communication with teammates to ensure project milestones are met efficiently.

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Describe a complex technical problem you faced and how you solved it.

Share a specific situation from your academic or project experience that illustrates your problem-solving skills, the methods you used, and the successful outcome, highlighting your thought process during the challenge.

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Why do you want to work at Western Digital as a New College Grad Engineer?

Express your enthusiasm for working in a leading tech company like Western Digital, focusing on your passion for data storage innovations, the desire to contribute to impactful projects, and the opportunity to learn and grow in an inclusive environment.

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What is your understanding of hard disk drive technology?

Provide an overview of HDD technology, including the working principles, its role in data storage, and any major advancements you've studied or researched that excite you about the future of this field.

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How do you ensure effective communication when working in a team?

Discuss your communication style and techniques for keeping all team members informed. Highlight any experiences that showcase successful teamwork, emphasizing listening skills and being open to feedback.

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What do you think is the most crucial skill for an Embedded Systems Engineer?

Reflect on the interplay between technical skills—like firmware programming—and soft skills, such as communication and teamwork, in ensuring effective project outcomes, and provide examples from your educational experience.

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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
January 3, 2025

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