Materials Test Development Engineer

We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated development engineer to join our Heat Assisted Magnetic Recording (HAMR) team. The ideal candidate will have a PhD in a relevant field and extensive experience in advanced process development, materials science, characterization testing, and materials modeling. This role focuses on advancing HAMR technology through innovative device fabrication, process optimization, and comprehensive testing. If you are passionate about driving the future of data storage technology and possess a strong background in optical and plasmonic materials, we invite you to apply.

Key Responsibilities:

• Advanced Process Development: lead and innovate in the development of advanced processes for HAMR technology. This includes refining fabrication techniques, improving process efficiency, and enhancing material performance.
• Materials Development: work with thin film team to research and develop optical and plasmonic materials specifically tailored for HAMR applications.
• Materials Characterization and Testing: design and conduct experiments to characterize the properties and performance of materials used in HAMR. Utilize a range of testing techniques to ensure material suitability and device reliability.
• Data Analysis: analyze experimental data and modeling results to inform material and process improvements. Interpret findings to guide further research and development efforts.

Requirements

Qualifications:

• Education: PhD in Materials Science, Physics, Chemistry, or a related field
• Experience: proven experience in advanced process development, materials science, characterization testing.
• Technical Skills: strong background in development, characterization, and testing of optical and plasmonic materials.
• Analytical and problem-solving Skills: ability to analyze complex experimental data and modeling results to drive research and development. Strong problem-solving skills.
• Communication and Collaboration: excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present complex information clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences. Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a collaborative research environment and across interdisciplinary teams.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Knowledge of materials modeling tools and techniques.
• Experience in the use of software for data analysis, visualization, and interpretation.

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.

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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.