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.

Job Description

The Principal Engineer, Chemical & Material Science (HGA), provides expert technical guidance in the fields of chemistry and material science, specifically related to Head Gimbal Assembly. This role includes advanced research, process development, and material optimization to improve HGA performance and reliability. The Principal Engineer collaborates closely with cross-functional teams to drive innovation, improve manufacturing processes, and ensure the high quality of HGA components.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Serve as the lead technical expert in chemical and material science specifically for HGA technologies, focusing on innovation, process improvements to enhance efficiency, yield, and product performance.Drive improvements in process efficiency, aiming to reduce cycle times, cost, and material wastage while maintaining high-quality standards.Serve as a primary technical resource to analyze and troubleshoot material-related issues in HGA manufacturing, recommending corrective actions to resolve defects or inefficiencies.Analyze test data to diagnose material failures, identify root causes, and implement corrective actions.Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate process improvements and ensure seamless implementationEstablish and document process standards and specifications for chemical treatments and material applications in HGA.Provide technical expertise and support to production teams for troubleshooting and process optimizationIdentify and integrate new technologies and techniques that could impact HGA production, including automation and digital tools for material science.

Qualifications

REQUIRED:

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemical Science/Engineering, Material Science, or a related field5+ years of experience in material science, preferably in the hard drive industryAdvanced knowledge of chemical and material science principles, with specific expertise in HGA process engineering

PREFERRED:

Understanding in statistical analysis, design of experiments, and root cause analysisExperience with process optimization, control, and lean manufacturing principlesGood knowledge of hard drive manufacturing processes, particularly HGAUnderstanding of clean room environments and contamination controlProject management skills with the ability to lead multiple initiatives simultaneously

SKILLS:

Experience in analytical and problem-solving skills, with attention to detailExcellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across diverse teams

Additional Information

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.