Staff Engineer, Firmware Engineering

At WD, 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, WD 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, WD is fueling a brighter, smarter future.

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

As a Firmware Development Engineer, you will be responsible for FW/SW development related to HDD lifetime, tribology performance, and ADC evaluation for key components. You will also conduct daily monitoring of ongoing iDEC (in-Drive Evaluation of Components) projects. You will collaborate with global experts to resolve complex technical challenges and advance next-generation high-capacity enterprise HDD technologies.

Key Responsibilities:

• HDD level Head/Media Recording Integration & Test code development.
• Perform failure analysis using bench testers, oscilloscopes, and diagnostic tools
• Conduct data analysis with AI/ML techniques for code validation and debugging
• Characterize head/media recording performance and evaluate parameter margins
• Oversee ongoing development experiments, identify issues, and deliver effective technical solutions.
• Partner with worldwide technical experts on technology development, assessment, and cross-functional problem-solving

• Education:

MS or above in EE, CS, ME, Automation, Physics, or related engineering fields

• Experience: 

Direct experience in hardware/software product development and testing

Good understanding of magnetic recording and integration

Capable of developing test algorithms, performing FA to identify root causes of recording system problems

Proficient in database setup, data automation & analysis with AI/ML techniques.

• General Skills:

(Core skills) Good programming skills (C/C++, Matlab, Python, Bash, Git etc.)

(Core skills) Skillful using office app (Outlook, Word, Excel, PPT etc.)

(optional) Skillful using lab measurement equipment (oscilloscopes, bench tester)

(optional) Skillful using data and statistics analysis tools (Python, JMP, PowerBI, SQL, JAVA etc.)

(optional) Proficient and thorough in detailed analysis on large data sets

• Communication:

(Core skills) Proficiency in English in reading, writing, and speaking with good communication skills

(Core skills) Self-motivated with the ability to effectively multi-task and work collaboratively in a fast-paced, team environment

Clear concise reporting of important key findings and results; Detail-oriented.

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].