Staff Engineer, Development Engineering

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 and capture the first-ever picture of a black hole.

We offer an expansive portfolio of technologies, HDDs, and platforms for business, creative professionals, and consumers alike under our Western Digital®, WD®, and WD_BLACK™.

We are a key partner to some of the largest and highest-growth organizations in the world. From enabling systems to make cities safer and more connected, to powering the data centers behind many of the world’s biggest companies and hyperscale cloud providers, to meeting the massive and ever-growing data storage needs of the AI era, Western Digital is fueling a brighter, smarter future.

Today’s exceptional challenges require your unique skills. Together, we can build the future of data storage.

This role provides high-level technical leadership for automation, equipment improvement, and process optimization initiatives. The Staff Engineer drives the full lifecycle of complex engineering projects—defining solutions, leading technical execution, coordinating with cross-functional teams, and ensuring high standards of safety, reliability, and system performance. This position serves as a technical expert and project lead, guiding engineering direction without direct personnel management responsibilities.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Project & Technical Leadership

• Lead major engineering projects from concept through implementation, acting as the primary technical owner.
• Define project scope, requirements, timelines, and technical deliverables.
• Coordinate with maintenance, operations, safety, and external vendors to ensure cohesive execution.
• Identify risks, propose mitigation strategies, and ensure project decisions align with long-term operational goals.

Systems Design & Optimization

• Develop and review system architecture, controls logic, equipment specifications, and design documentation.
• Create advanced equipment modifications and automation solutions that enhance safety, reliability, throughput, and maintainability.
• Ensure all design changes maintain system integrity and comply with engineering standards.

Equipment Deployment & Integration

• Lead installation, commissioning, and validation activities for new equipment and automation systems.
• Work directly with vendors on design reviews, testing (FAT/SAT), and integration planning.
• Monitor performance of newly deployed systems and drive optimization initiatives post-installation.

Advanced Problem Solving

• Serve as a technical escalation point for complex or recurring equipment and controls issues.
• Conduct in-depth root-cause analyses and develop sustainable corrective actions.
• Use data, diagnostics, and engineering methodologies to identify long-term improvement opportunities.

REQUIRED:

• Bachelor in Electrical or Electronics Engineering.

PREFERRED:

• Experience in CAD Tools (AutoCAD, 3D-Solidwork Engineering software) for generating AC & DC circuit diagram, wiring diagram, component layout design.

SKILLS

• Skillful in Programmable logic control programming (CTC PLC, Mitsubishi PLC, Siemens PLC), QuickBasic language, Adept V+, & HMI programming for Proface, Hakko, CTC Quick Panel, Mitsubishi GOT
• Experience in interfacing protocol (series communication, Ethernet, device Networking)

WD 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.

WD 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.

Notice To Candidates: Please be aware that WD and its subsidiaries will never request payment as a condition for applying for a position or receiving an offer of employment. Should you encounter any such requests, please report it immediately to WD Ethics Helpline or email [email protected].