Company Description

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.

We are a key partner to some of the largest and highest growth organizations in the world. From energizing the most competitive gaming platforms, to enabling systems to make cities safer and cars smarter and more connected, to powering the data centers behind many of the world’s biggest companies and public cloud, Western Digital is fueling a brighter, smarter future.

Binge-watch any shows, use social media or shop online lately? You’ll find Western Digital supporting the storage infrastructure behind many of these platforms. And, that flash memory card that captures and preserves your most precious moments? That’s us, too.

We offer an expansive portfolio of technologies, storage devices and platforms for business and consumers alike. Our data-centric solutions are comprised of the Western Digital®, G-Technology™, SanDisk® and WD® brands.

Today’s exceptional challenges require your unique skills. It’s You & Western Digital. Together, we’re the next BIG thing in data.

Job Description

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead the research and development of semiconductor process technologies, specializing in Western Digital Flash BU’s latest 3D NAND and emerging memories.
• Innovate and drive the implementation of pioneering process modules, conducting materials research and integrating disruptive schemes.
• Lead the advancement of process technology development across various vendors, local fabrication facilities, and coordination with our Japanese facilities.
• Evaluate, select, and oversee the implementation of new process equipment for wafer fabrication, ensuring alignment with technology roadmaps and quality standards.
• Harness advanced RIE (Reactive Ion Etching) processing techniques, focusing on high aspect ratio dielectric and conductor etching for semiconductor memory device fabrication.
• Spearhead research and development efforts on innovative processes and materials to enhance technology capabilities.
• Analyze structural data using cutting-edge SEMs/TEMs and employ statistical analysis software to optimize process parameters.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional engineering teams, including design, integration, and device, to ensure seamless process integration and product development.
• Occasionally travel to fabs in Yokkaichi, Japan, for short-to-mid stay engagements.

Qualifications

REQUIRED:

• This is an experienced position seeking a candidate with either a master’s degree with at least 9 years of relevant experience, or a PhD degree with at least 6 years of relevant experience in the fields of Chemical Engineering, Materials Science & Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or equivalent engineering discipline with Semiconductor Fabrication background.
• The individual candidate will have an industry experience in high aspect ratio etching using advanced Dielectric and Conductor etch tools and possess in-depth knowledge of plasma physics.
• The individual should have good knowledge of fundamental device physics and processing that are used in the semiconductor industry (RIE, Lithography, Thin Films, Metrology etc.) so that they can solve process related issues.
• Knowledge and experience with Metrology and Optical characterization techniques is desired.
• The ideal individual must have proven ability to achieve results in a fast moving, dynamic environment, be self-motivated and self-directed, and have demonstrated the ability to work well with people and have a strong track record in innovation.
• A proven desire to work as a team member, both on the same team and outside of the team is critical.

SKILLS:

• Ability to troubleshoot and analyze complex problems, ability to multi-task and meet deadlines is required.
• Excellent communication (written and verbal) and interpersonal skills are a pre-requisite.
• Fluency in Japanese language is a plus, facilitating seamless communication with team members and partners in Japan.

Additional Information

Western Digital is committed to providing equal opportunities to all applicants and employees and will not discriminate based on their race, color, ancestry, religion (including religious dress and grooming standards), sex (including pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, breastfeeding or related medical conditions), gender (including a person’s gender identity, gender expression, and gender-related appearance and behavior, whether or not stereotypically associated with the person’s assigned sex at birth), age, national origin, sexual orientation, medical condition, marital status (including domestic partnership status), physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, protected medical and family care leave, Civil Air Patrol status, military and veteran status, or other legally protected characteristics. We also prohibit harassment of any individual on any of the characteristics listed above. Our non-discrimination policy applies to all aspects of employment. We comply with 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.

Western Digital 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.

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Compensation & Benefits Details

• An employee’s pay position within the salary range may be based on several factors including but not limited to (1) relevant education; qualifications; certifications; and experience; (2) skills, ability, knowledge of the job; (3) performance, contribution and results; (4) geographic location; (5) shift; (6) internal and external equity; and (7) business and organizational needs.
• The salary range is what we believe to be the range of possible compensation for this role at the time of this posting. We may ultimately pay more or less than the posted range and this range is only applicable for jobs to be performed in California, Colorado, New York or remote jobs that can be performed in California, Colorado and New York. This range may be modified in the future.
• You will be eligible to participate in Western Digital’s Short-Term Incentive (STI) Plan, which provides incentive awards based on Company and individual performance. Depending on your role and your performance, you may be eligible to participate in our annual Long-Term Incentive (LTI) program, which consists of restricted stock units (RSUs) or cash equivalents, pursuant to the terms of the LTI plan. Please note that not all roles are eligible to participate in the LTI program, and not all roles are eligible for equity under the LTI plan. RSU awards are also available to eligible new hires, subject to Western Digital’s Standard Terms and Conditions for Restricted Stock Unit Awards.
• We offer a comprehensive package of benefits including paid vacation time; paid sick leave; medical/dental/vision insurance; life, accident and disability insurance; tax-advantaged flexible spending and health savings accounts; employee assistance program; other voluntary benefit programs such as supplemental life and AD&D, legal plan, pet insurance, critical illness, accident and hospital indemnity; tuition reimbursement; transit; the Applause Program, employee stock purchase plan, and the Western Digital Savings 401(k) Plan.
• Note: No amount of pay is considered to be wages or compensation until such amount is earned, vested, and determinable. The amount and availability of any bonus, commission, benefits, or any other form of compensation and benefits that are allocable to a particular employee remains in the Company's sole discretion unless and until paid and may be modified at the Company’s sole discretion, consistent with the law.