TITLE: HARDWARE TEST ENGINEER
FLSA STATUS: EXEMPT
REPORTS TO: SR. MANAGER, TEST
SUMMARY:
Under the direction of the Sr. Manager of Test Engineering, the Hardware Test Engineer is responsible for evaluating the reliability and performance of head and media components across various environmental and operational conditions; focuses on optimizing test methodologies to effectively and efficiently address customer specifications; performing metrology and analytical measurements for root-cause analysis; designing and modifying test fixtures; and summarizing and reporting test results. This position is located in Milpitas, California.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
- Able to perform essential hands-on duties to be qualified for the position
- Evaluates head and media reliability performance under various environmental and operating conditions using Kubota testers
- Designs and develops optimized test algorithms to ensure compliance with customer specifications
- Designs and conducts component HDI (Hard Disk Interface) testing, analyzes results, and presents findings
- Performs failure analysis and material characterization using Optical microscope, OSA, Atomic Force Microscope (AFM), and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM)
- Troubleshoots routine issues and coordinates the repair of equipment/tools, including metrology and analytical tools
- Designs, develops and modifies test fixtures for Kubota testers
- Test samples preparation by soldering
- Collaborates with other groups or departments on projects or programs
- Adheres to all safety policies and procedures as required
- Performs other duties of a similar nature or level*
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Physics, or Chemistry, and/or equivalent relevant experience
- Familiar with using Optical microscope
- Familiar in soldering electronic components
- Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office applications
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Knowledge of magnetic recording head, disk, wafer fabrication, and HDD principles, practices, and techniques
- Knowledge of HDI testing and failure analysis
- Knowledge and ability to use Microsoft Office applications to create spreadsheets, Word documents, and presentations
- Able to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with employees and management
- Able to work productively and collaboratively with all employees and management
- Able to comply with all safety policies and procedures
- Familiar in Python, JMP and AutoCAD
- Demonstrated strong hand-eye coordination, steady hands, and the ability to work under optical microscopes
- Demonstrated prioritization and organizational skills
- Demonstrated time management skills
- Demonstrated problem-solving and trouble shooting skills
- Flexible and able to prioritize
The annual base salary for this full-time position is between $92,929.95-$136,661.69 + bonus target + benefits. Within the range the individual pay may differ depending on additional factors including job responsibilities, job related knowledge, skills, abilities, education, and experience. The annual base pay range shown is subject to change and may be modified periodically.
WORKING CONDITIONS:The Hardware Test Engineer works primarily in a lab environment from Monday to Friday. The schedule maybe altered from time-to-time to meet business or operational needs; may travel from building-to-building as needed. May also work in a class 100 ESD sensitive wafer fab manufacturing facility; adheres to required safety and dress standards. May be exposed to hazardous chemicals, fumes, or vapors and excessive noise from time-to-time while in the wafer manufacturing facility; stands and walks; performs various fine grasping movements, bends, and twists; operates a computer and enters information using a keyboard, operates a telephone, and other office equipment. May occasionally be required to push, pull, or lift up to 20 pounds.
*Other duties of a similar nature or level are duties that may be required, but may not be specifically listed in the job description or posting.
TDK/Headway Technologies, Inc. provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, or genetics. Applicants requiring accommodation in order to complete the application process should contact the Headway Human Resources Department.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Physics, or Chemistry, or equivalent relevant experience
- Familiarity using optical microscopes
- Familiarity soldering electronic components
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications
- Knowledge of magnetic recording heads, disks, wafer fabrication, and hard disk drive principles
- Knowledge of HDI testing and failure analysis
- Familiarity with Python, JMP, and AutoCAD
- Strong hand-eye coordination and ability to work under optical microscopes
- Effective verbal and written communication skills
- Collaborative work skills
- Problem-solving and troubleshooting skills
- Prioritization, organizational, and time-management skills
- Ability to comply with safety policies and procedures
What We Do
Headway Technologies, Inc., a subsidiary of TDK Corporation, is the world's only independent manufacturer of magnetic recording heads for the disk drive industry. Based in Milpitas, California, the company designs and manufactures magnetoresistive recording heads used to read and write data on hard magnetic disks. Its products are utilized in disk drives for PCs, portable computers, and servers.








