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Summer 2025 Intern, Chemical Integration Engineer

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

Hard Disk drives are remarkable devices in which the reader/writer “flies” approximately 1nm above a disk at speeds up to 80 miles per hour in a sealed enclosure.  Reliable long-term drive operation does not happen by accident.  Chemical Integration is responsible for ensuring the materials in the drive are chemically compatible over the life of the drive, which requires selecting materials that produce minimal amounts of outgassing and particle generation, engineering the ability to filter out chemicals and particles before they cause trouble, and developing strategies to maintain gas and humidity content of the drive environment within specified limits for several years.  WD is hiring an engineering intern for Chemical Integration activities in our HDD Product Development Engineering team. Ideal candidates will have recently earned or are pursuing a BS or advanced degrees in related scientific fields.

The Chemical Integration internship responsibilities include:

  • Learn and understand disk drives and components.
  • Measure gas composition in sealed disk drives and in test containers.
  • Perform analytical measurements on particle and organic filtration inside the drives.
  • Interact with the mechanical team to optimize the design for best filtration performance.

Qualifications

Applicants should have three or more years in college toward a degree in Material Science, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry or related scientific fields. Candidates for an advanced degree in the related fields are preferred.

Applicant should have had exposure to concepts of absorption, adsorption, and equilibrium versus rate-dependent phenomena, and should have strong hands-on laboratory experience. Exposure to particle size and particle counting measurement equipment is a plus.

Experience in programming and mathematical tools will be helpful.

Additional Information

Western Digital is committed to providing equal opportunities to all applicants and employees and will not discriminate 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 Equal Employment Opportunity is the Law poster.

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.

#LI-MT1

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.
  • If your position is non-exempt, you are eligible for overtime pay pursuant to company policy and applicable laws.  You may also be eligible for shift differential pay, depending on the shift to which you are assigned.
  • 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 Summer 2025 Intern, Chemical Integration Engineer, Western Digital

If you're ready to dive into the world of cutting-edge technology as a Summer 2025 Intern, Chemical Integration Engineer at Western Digital in San Jose, CA, you’re in for an exciting summer! At Western Digital, we pride ourselves on being at the forefront of innovation, and this role places you directly in the heart of our Hard Disk Drive (HDD) Product Development Engineering team. You will learn to understand the intricate workings of disk drives and components, and you'll get hands-on experience measuring gas compositions in sealed disk drives. This isn’t just a summer gig; it’s an opportunity to contribute to meaningful projects that ensure the reliability and longevity of our drives. Your tasks will include performing analytical measurements on particle and organic filtration processes, working closely with our mechanical team to optimize designs for filtration performance. We’re looking for someone who is currently pursuing a degree in Material Science, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, or related fields, and has a solid groundwork in hands-on laboratory experience. If you have a flair for problem-solving and a passion for technology, this could be the perfect place for you to shine. Join us in making technology not just work, but thrive, and be part of a team that is shaping the future of data storage!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Summer 2025 Intern, Chemical Integration Engineer Role at Western Digital
What are the responsibilities of a Summer 2025 Intern, Chemical Integration Engineer at Western Digital?

As a Summer 2025 Intern in Chemical Integration Engineering at Western Digital, you will be responsible for learning about disk drives and their components. Your responsibilities will include measuring gas composition in sealed drives and test containers, performing analytical measurements for both particle and organic filtration, and collaborating with the mechanical team to optimize design for filtration performance.

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What qualifications are needed for the Summer 2025 Intern, Chemical Integration Engineer position at Western Digital?

Candidates for the Summer 2025 Intern, Chemical Integration Engineer position at Western Digital should ideally have completed three or more years of college toward a degree in Material Science, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, or related fields. Exposure to concepts like absorption and adsorption is essential, along with strong hands-on laboratory experience.

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Is hands-on lab experience required for the Summer 2025 Intern position at Western Digital?

Yes, strong hands-on laboratory experience is a critical requirement for the Summer 2025 Intern, Chemical Integration Engineer position at Western Digital. Candidates should have practical skills in experimentation and measurement techniques relevant to chemical integration and filtration processes.

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What skills will be beneficial for the Summer 2025 Intern, Chemical Integration Engineer role at Western Digital?

For the Summer 2025 Intern, Chemical Integration Engineer role at Western Digital, experience with particle size and counting measurement equipment is a plus. Additionally, familiarity with programming and mathematical tools will greatly enhance your effectiveness in this position.

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What can I expect to learn as a Summer 2025 Intern, Chemical Integration Engineer at Western Digital?

As a Summer 2025 Intern, Chemical Integration Engineer at Western Digital, you can expect to gain valuable insights into the operation of hard disk drives, mastery of gas composition measurement, and analytical techniques for assessing filtration systems. You'll also develop problem-solving and collaboration skills by working alongside seasoned engineers.

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Common Interview Questions for Summer 2025 Intern, Chemical Integration Engineer
Can you explain the importance of gas composition in hard disk drives?

Understanding gas composition is critical in hard disk drives because it directly affects the reliability and longevity of the drive's performance. Your response should cover how certain gases can lead to outgassing or contamination, impacting the drive's functionality over time.

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What experience do you have with particle filtration and measurement techniques?

In answering this question, relate any academic projects or lab work where you utilized particle filtration techniques or measurement tools. Highlight how these experiences prepare you for the Chemical Integration role at Western Digital.

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Describe a challenge you faced in a lab setting and how you overcame it.

This question allows you to showcase your problem-solving skills. Provide a specific example where you had to troubleshoot an experiment or measurement, detailing the steps you took to resolve the issue and what you learned from the experience.

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What methodologies do you think are important to assess material compatibility in HDDs?

In your answer, discuss methodologies such as immersion tests, thermal analysis, or spectroscopy that evaluate material compatibility and stability. Explain how these methods can impact the overall performance of hard disk drives.

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How can programming enhance chemical engineering projects?

Relate your programming knowledge to how it can optimize modeling, simulation, or data analysis in chemical engineering projects. Mention languages or tools you are familiar with, and how they've been used in past projects or coursework.

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What interests you about working in the technology sector, particularly at Western Digital?

Share your passion for technology and innovation. Discuss what aspects of Western Digital's work—like data storage solutions and cutting-edge technologies—particularly excite you and align with your career goals.

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How would you approach a team project involving mechanical and chemical engineering teams?

Collaboration is key. Emphasize your ability to communicate effectively, respect diverse viewpoints, and work towards a common goal. Stress how interdisciplinary teamwork can lead to innovative solutions in projects.

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What do you understand about chemical integration in HDDs?

Your response should include a brief overview of how chemical integration ensures material compatibility and minimizes outgassing in hard disk drives. Highlight its importance for long-term drive operation and reliability.

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Give an example of how you've applied theoretical knowledge in a practical lab setting.

Provide a detailed example of a lab project where you successfully applied theoretical concepts from your studies. Focus on how the theoretical knowledge influenced your practical approach and outcome in the lab.

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How do you stay updated with industry trends and advancements in technology?

Explain how you regularly engage with industry publications, attend webinars, or participate in relevant online communities to stay informed about the latest trends and technological advancements. Mention any recent innovations that interest you.

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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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Internship, on-site
DATE POSTED
December 23, 2024

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