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Staff Engineer, Data Engineering

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

We are seeking a highly skilled Staff Engineer, Data Engineering to join our innovative team in Irvine, United States. In this role, you will lead the design, development, and optimization of our data infrastructure and pipelines, ensuring efficient data processing and analytics capabilities across the organization.

  • Architect and implement scalable, high-performance data solutions to support business intelligence and analytics initiatives
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to understand data requirements and deliver optimal solutions
  • Mentor junior engineers and provide technical leadership on complex data engineering projects
  • Optimize data storage and retrieval systems for improved performance and cost-efficiency
  • Implement data quality measures and ensure data integrity across all systems
  • Stay current with emerging trends in data engineering and recommend innovative solutions
  • Contribute to the development of best practices, coding standards, and documentation for the data engineering team

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or related field; Master's degree preferred
  • Knowledge of data engineering principles and practices
  • SQL skills and knowledge of database systems
  • Experience with data modeling and data visualization tools
  • Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail
  • Strong communication and collaboration abilities
  • Knowledge of machine learning and AI concepts is a plus

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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What You Should Know About Staff Engineer, Data Engineering, Western Digital

Join Western Digital as a Staff Engineer in Data Engineering and help us redefine how the world captures, preserves, and transforms data! Located in sunny Irvine, CA, you’ll be at the forefront of creating innovative data solutions that propel our business intelligence and analytics initiatives. In this role, you will architect and implement high-performance data systems, utilizing your extensive experience to mentor junior engineers and collaborate with cross-functional teams. Your days will be filled with exciting challenges as you optimize our data pipelines for performance and cost-efficiency while ensuring data integrity. We’re looking for someone who is passionate about emerging trends in data engineering, excited to recommend cutting-edge solutions, and has a knack for developing best practices and coding standards. If you hold a degree in Computer Science or Engineering and have a background in data modeling, SQL, and data visualization tools, we want to hear from you! This is your chance to be a part of a diverse and inclusive culture that values innovation and teamwork. Let’s make data history together!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Staff Engineer, Data Engineering Role at Western Digital
What are the main responsibilities of a Staff Engineer in Data Engineering at Western Digital?

As a Staff Engineer in Data Engineering at Western Digital, your primary responsibilities will include designing and implementing scalable data solutions, optimizing data infrastructure, and leading complex data engineering projects. You'll also collaborate with other teams to understand data requirements, mentor junior engineers, and ensure data quality across all systems.

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

To qualify for the Staff Engineer, Data Engineering role at Western Digital, candidates should possess a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field, with a Master's degree preferred. Hands-on experience with SQL, knowledge of database systems, and familiarity with data modeling and visualization tools are essential. Excellent problem-solving skills and effective communication are also important.

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How does Western Digital support career growth for Staff Engineers in Data Engineering?

At Western Digital, career growth is encouraged through continuous learning, innovation, and mentorship. Staff Engineers in Data Engineering have the opportunity to lead projects, mentor junior team members, and stay updated with emerging trends. The company fosters a dynamic environment that allows professionals to expand their skill sets while contributing to impactful data solutions.

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What can a Staff Engineer expect from the team culture at Western Digital?

The team culture at Western Digital emphasizes collaboration, diversity, and inclusion. As a Staff Engineer in Data Engineering, you will work with a team of skilled professionals who value respect and a sense of belonging. This vibrant environment is perfect for those who thrive in innovative settings and are passionate about data challenges.

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What tools and technologies are commonly used by Data Engineers at Western Digital?

Data Engineers at Western Digital frequently work with a range of tools and technologies, including various SQL-based databases, data visualization tools, and may also engage with machine learning and AI concepts. Staying updated with the latest data engineering practices and technologies is crucial for success in this role.

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Common Interview Questions for Staff Engineer, Data Engineering
Can you explain your experience with data modeling relevant to the Staff Engineer position?

Certainly! When discussing your data modeling experience, focus on specific projects you've worked on, the methodologies you applied, any tools you used, and the impact your models had on data processing and analytics. Highlight your ability to create efficient data structures that support business needs to showcase your expertise.

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How do you ensure data quality and integrity in your previous projects?

To ensure data quality and integrity, I implement comprehensive quality checks at various stages of the data pipeline. This includes monitoring data input, processing, and output, along with conducting regular audits. Discuss any specific tools you used for data validation and the measures you took to correct identified issues.

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Describe a challenging data engineering project you've worked on.

In answering this question, highlight a specific project that posed significant challenges. Discuss the problems faced, the solutions you implemented, and the results achieved. Emphasize your problem-solving skills and ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams to overcome obstacles.

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What strategies do you use to optimize data processing and storage systems?

I employ various strategies to optimize data processing and storage, including indexing, partitioning, and choosing the right data structures. I continuously analyze system performance and look for optimization opportunities. Providing specific examples of past optimizations can demonstrate your expertise.

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How do you stay current with emerging trends in data engineering?

I stay current by following industry blogs, attending conferences, participating in webinars, and engaging with community forums. I also take online courses on new technologies and practices. Mentioning specific resources or events shows your commitment to continuous learning.

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How do you mentor junior engineers in your team?

Mentorship is key to building strong teams. I mentor junior engineers through regular one-on-one sessions, providing guidance on projects, and encouraging them to ask questions. I also promote knowledge sharing through code reviews and collaborative problem-solving.

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What are the key considerations when working on data pipelines?

Key considerations include ensuring data quality, processing speed, scalability, and security. It's critical to design pipelines that can handle data volume growth and integrate seamlessly with existing systems. Discussing specific experiences can illustrate your understanding of these factors.

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How do you handle conflicts in a collaborative project setting?

In collaborative settings, I prioritize open communication to address conflicts directly. I listen to all parties involved and work towards a collaborative solution that aligns with project goals. Sharing an example of a past conflict resolution can highlight your interpersonal skills.

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What role does SQL play in your data engineering tasks?

SQL plays a central role in my data engineering tasks, as it is fundamental for data manipulation, querying, and analysis. I leverage SQL to extract insights, automate processes, and manage databases effectively. Mentioning specific SQL tasks helps underscore your proficiency.

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Can you provide an example of how you’ve contributed to developing best practices in your previous roles?

I contributed to developing best practices by initiating code reviews, creating documentation for data processes, and establishing guidelines for data handling. Sharing a specific instance where these practices improved efficiency or quality can showcase your proactive approach.

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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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