System Application HDD Diagnostic Engineer

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But we can’t do it alone. Today’s exceptional data challenges require your exceptional skills. It’s You & Us. Together, we’re the next big thing in data. 
 
Western Digital® data-centric solutions are found under the G-Technology™, HGST, SanDisk®, Tegile™, Upthere™, and WD® brands.

The System Application HDD Diagnostic Engineer is responsible for enterprise HDD system behavior, diagnostics, customer integration, and root‑cause analysis. This role partners closely with China‑based cloud, OEM/ODM, and hyperscale customers to ensure successful HDD qualification, debug complex system‑level issues, and drive improvements into product design and validation. Staff and Principal levels differ in technical depth, leadership scope, and strategic influence.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Lead system‑level diagnostics for HDD functional, electrical, mechanical, firmware, and host‑interaction issues.
• Perform root‑cause analysis using SMART logs, protocol traces, system logs, error signatures, performance data, and platform‑dependent behavior.
• Act as primary technical interface for customer qualifications in China; triage and resolve customer‑reported issues end‑to‑end.
• Conduct specification gap analysis, feature validation, interoperability testing, and workload‑based behavior characterization.
• Collaborate with global FW/ASIC/Servo/Mechanical/Reliability/Manufacturing/Quality teams to drive corrective actions and feature improvements.
• Support customer sample planning, execution, tracking, and qualification deliverables.
• Evaluate Engineering Changes (ECs) and Product Change Notifications (PCNs) for system impact and customer risk.
• Validate fixes and enhancements in customer environments and ensure robust closure.
• Prepare and deliver technical reports, failure analysis summaries, and update presentations to internal teams and customers.
• Develop internal troubleshooting guides, diagnostic scripts, test methodologies, and platform‑specific best practices.

• BS/MS/PhD in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Physics, or related field.
• Typically 7–10+ years related experience in HDD system behavior, storage diagnostics, or system integration.
• Strong ability to isolate complex system‑level issues involving firmware, mechanics, electronics, and host interactions.
• Experience with SAS/SATA protocol analyzers, signal integrity tools, performance profiling, environmental stress testing, or HDD diagnostic instrumentation.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English; Mandarin strongly preferred for customer engagement.

Because Western Digital thrives on the power of diversity and is committed to an inclusive environment where every individual can thrive through a sense of belonging, respect, and contribution, we are committed to giving every qualified applicant and employee an equal opportunity.  Western Digital does not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on their protected class status and complies with all federal and state laws against discrimination, harassment, and retaliation, as well as 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.

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