Technologist, Product Design Engineering

WD is building the infrastructure behind the AI-driven data economy.

As AI scales, so does data. Every interaction, every model, every system generates data that must be stored, managed, and made accessible over time. That’s where we come in.

We combine deep engineering expertise with global-scale manufacturing to deliver the storage systems that make AI possible, powering hyperscale data centers, cloud platforms, and enterprise infrastructure worldwide.

This isn’t theoretical work. It’s real systems, at real scale, people solving some of the hardest challenges in technology today.

We’re looking for people who want to build, solve, and operate at that level.

Join us and let’s shape the future of data.

The Product Design Engineering Technologist develops robust head-media interfaces for magnetic recording media, which will be integrated into Western Digital's hard disk drive products. This critical role involves collaborating with R&D and worldwide teams to innovate and productize recording media designs. This role requires strong technical expertise and the ability to manage complex manufacturing systems while ensuring defect mitigation, quality assurance, and reliability standards.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop head-media interface designs that meet product performance requirements and scale into high-volume manufacturing environments.
• Improve hard disk sputtering processes to reduce defects and enhance manufacturing yield.
• Optimize magnetic areal density by reducing head-media spacing while maintaining reliability specifications and performance standards.
• Conduct comprehensive testing and validation of recording media designs to ensure compliance with product specifications and industry standards.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including manufacturing, quality assurance, and product engineering to drive innovation and process improvements.
• Analyze manufacturing data and performance metrics to identify optimization opportunities and implement corrective actions.
• Document technical findings, design specifications, and process improvements through detailed reports and presentations.
• Support the transition of new designs from development to production, ensuring manufacturability and cost-effectiveness.

REQUIRED:

• Master's or PhD degree in Materials Science, Chemistry, Physics, or related engineering field.
• 15+ years of engineering development or R&D experience for magnetic recording media in hard disk drive applications.
• In-depth knowledge of hard disk carbon overcoat and lubricant processes, as well as reliability testing methodology.
• Strong technical knowledge in vacuum technology, including physical vapor deposition (PVD) and chemical vapor deposition (CVD) techniques.
• Demonstrated experience in head-media interface design and optimization for high-volume manufacturing environments.
• Proven ability to analyze manufacturing data and performance metrics to identify process optimization opportunities.

PREFERRED:

• In-depth understanding of disk sputter equipment operation, preferably with hands-on experience on ANELVA deposition tools.
• Quality Engineering knowledge and experience with defect mitigation strategies.
• Experience transitioning new designs from development to production phases with focus on manufacturability and cost-effectiveness.
• Track record of leading cross-functional collaboration initiatives between manufacturing, quality assurance, and product engineering teams.

SKILLS:

• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities with expertise in complex manufacturing systems.
• Excellent cross-functional collaboration and team leadership capabilities.
• Proficiency in technical documentation, data analysis, and presentation of findings to diverse audiences.
• Project management skills with ability to drive innovation and implement corrective actions.

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