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New College Grad, Software Development Engineering (Apps) - job 2 of 2

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

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 

  • Perform new firmware and customer features from the design, development, integration, trouble-shooting to customer deployment
  • Develop technical methodologies and provide essential input on technical strategy
  • Participate and provide input in critical requirements review, code reviews and design reviews as well as cross functional meetings with management in order to resolve development issues
  • Participate and contribute in a cross-functional team as firmware representative
  • Responsible for delivery of complex level algorithms with little guidance
  • Perform failure analysis and debugging failures
  • Develop embedded firmware for disk drives, as well as write technical documents
  • Perform feature design and implementation as well as customer design review calls
  • Determine root cause for disk drives that have failed for apparent firmware related issues
  • Investigate and solve complex customer and factory issues
  • Develop and validate solutions for issues related to disk drive firmware
  • Documents technical findings of engineering analyses and investigations
  • Implement and validate new firmware features for disk drives
  • Create design documents pertinent to the various phases of firmware development
  • Prepare and deliver presentations for internal meetings
  • Identify problems with multiple variables, identifying risks, generating alternatives, and recommending and implementing solutions

Qualifications

REQUIRED: 

  • Bachelor’s in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering

SKILLS:

  • Exceptional written and verbal communication skills
  • Interest in HDD, semiconductor, components, nonvolatile memory industry
  • Strong C/C++ development skills
  • Perform new firmware and customer features from the design, development, integration, trouble-shooting to customer deployment;
  • Clear understanding of basic Boolean logic, be familiar with C syntax
  • Work on a variety of difficult and complex technical problems of moderate scope with little guidance
  • Apply discretion and independent decision-making in matters of critical importance to the company, such as in evaluating and interpreting the significance of technical or scientific data
  • Identify problems, generates alternatives and recommends solutions to difficult technical problems
  • Familiar with micro-processors and microcontrollers, knowledge of ARM a plus
  • Familiarity with real time operating systems (RTOS) and embedded firmware

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: Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision (dol.gov)

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 04/30/2025 (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-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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Average salary estimate

$100000 / YEARLY (est.)
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What You Should Know About New College Grad, Software Development Engineering (Apps), Western Digital

Are you a recent graduate eager to make an impact in the tech world? Look no further than Western Digital's New College Grad, Software Development Engineering (Apps) position in Irvine, CA! Here at Western Digital, we're pioneering innovations in data storage and memory technology that empower individuals and businesses alike. This role offers you the chance to dive into firmware development for disk drives while collaborating with a passionate team that values creativity and problem-solving. You’ll be taking on a variety of responsibilities, from developing new customer features and performing failure analysis to designing efficient algorithms that drive our products forward. Not only will you be involved in the entire development process from design to deployment, but you will also get to engage with cross-functional teams, helping to shape the future of our technology through meaningful collaboration. We’re about nurturing skills, so you'll have ample opportunities to learn and grow, tackling complex technical challenges alongside experienced engineers. If you have a solid foundation in C/C++ programming, a curiosity about the semiconductor industry, and excellent communication abilities, we want to hear from you. Join us at Western Digital, where your contributions will blaze pathways for the data-driven future!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for New College Grad, Software Development Engineering (Apps) Role at Western Digital
What responsibilities does the Software Development Engineering position at Western Digital involve?

The Software Development Engineering position at Western Digital entails a variety of critical functions. You will be responsible for creating new firmware and customer features from conception through deployment. This includes engaging in design reviews, troubleshooting, and performing failure analysis on disk drives. Also, you'll work with cross-functional teams to ensure that output aligns with company goals, making it a dynamic role that is both challenging and rewarding.

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What qualifications and skills are needed for the New College Grad Software Development Engineering role at Western Digital?

To qualify for the New College Grad Software Development Engineering role at Western Digital, candidates should have a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or Electrical Engineering. Essential skills include strong C/C++ programming abilities, familiarity with micro-processors, and a grasp of basic Boolean logic. Understanding real-time operating systems (RTOS) and embedded firmware is also beneficial, and excellent communication skills are a must to convey technical ideas clearly and effectively.

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What opportunities for growth exist in the Software Development Engineering role at Western Digital?

At Western Digital, the Software Development Engineering role offers numerous opportunities for growth. As a new college grad, you can expect robust mentorship from experienced engineers, alongside opportunities to tackle complex technical challenges. Your exposure to various engineering functions from code reviews to cross-functional meetings will significantly enhance your skills and professional network, positioning you for future advancement within the company.

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What does the culture look like at Western Digital for Software Development Engineering employees?

The culture at Western Digital prioritizes innovation, diversity, and collaboration. Employees in the Software Development Engineering roles are encouraged to share ideas openly and to approach problem-solving creatively. A strong emphasis on inclusivity ensures that all voices are heard, fostering an environment where employees feel valued and empowered to contribute to groundbreaking projects that shape the future of technology.

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What are the expected outcomes from the first few months as a New College Grad Software Development Engineer at Western Digital?

In the first few months as a New College Grad Software Development Engineer at Western Digital, you can expect to accomplish several key objectives. These include gaining a solid understanding of our products, mastering the development tools, and contributing to firmware projects. You’ll also participate in team reviews, attend educational sessions, and start forming impactful relationships with colleagues across various departments, laying the groundwork for a successful career.

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Common Interview Questions for New College Grad, Software Development Engineering (Apps)
What experience do you have with firmware development relevant to the role?

When answering this question, discuss any relevant projects or coursework that involved firmware development. Highlight your understanding of the full development lifecycle and any specific technologies you've worked with, such as programming in C/C++ or using embedded systems. It’s also helpful to share your thought process in solving specific challenges during your learning experience.

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Can you explain a complex technical problem you solved in the past?

In your response, outline the problem, the steps you took to analyze it, and the solution you implemented. Be specific about your role in the project, emphasizing your analytical and troubleshooting skills. Mention how you collaborated with others, if applicable, to achieve a successful outcome.

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How familiar are you with the semiconductor industry, and why is it important?

Convey your understanding of the semiconductor industry’s significance in technology and everyday applications. Discuss any coursework, internships, or personal projects that showcase your knowledge of this field. Demonstrating awareness of current trends or challenges within the sector will also strengthen your response.

Join Rise to see the full answer
Describe how you prioritize tasks in a demanding work environment.

Outline your preferred method for evaluating and prioritizing tasks, perhaps using specific tools or methodologies to organize your work. Explain your approach to managing deadlines and the importance of flexibility in addressing unexpected challenges, which is particularly relevant in a fast-paced tech environment.

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What programming languages are you most comfortable with, and how have you applied them?

In answering this, specify your strongest programming languages like C or C++ and detail any projects or experiences where you've applied these skills. Discuss scenarios where your programming has directly contributed to a project’s success, mentioning any frameworks or libraries you've utilized.

Join Rise to see the full answer
How do you approach learning a new technology or framework?

Share your strategies for continuous learning, such as utilizing online resources, participating in forums or communities, or hands-on experimentation. Provide examples of a technology or framework you recently learned and how you integrated it into your work or studies.

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What do you believe makes a successful team in a software engineering context?

Discuss key qualities that foster successful teamwork, such as communication, trust, and shared goals. Use examples from past experiences where collaborative efforts led to project success, highlighting how you contributed positively to team dynamics.

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How do you handle constructive criticism in your work?

Illustrate your openness to feedback and your process for implementing it to improve your work. Share an anecdote where constructive criticism helped you grow or refine your skills, emphasizing adaptability and a positive mindset.

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Give an example of a time when you had to troubleshoot a software issue.

Provide details about the issue, your methodical approach to diagnosing the problem, and the solution you implemented. Focus on your troubleshooting skills and how they led to a successful resolution, demonstrating your technical acumen and persistence.

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What motivates you to work in the technology sector?

Discuss your passion for technology, innovation, and problem-solving. You can mention specific areas of technology that excite you and how your background has led to your desire to contribute to advancements in this field, making a compelling case for your enthusiasm and dedication.

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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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