Principal Engineer, Process Integration

About the Role

Join Western Digital as a key player in advancing HDD technology. This position focuses on the integration, qualification, and manufacturing transfer of new wafer technologies and read/write head designs. You will be instrumental in ensuring optimal performance, reliability, and quality for WD's expansive portfolio of storage solutions, catering to businesses, creative professionals, and consumers alike.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Integrate new wafer technologies and read/write head designs into new HDD products, ensuring optimal performance and reliability.
• Lead the introduction and qualification of new wafer products, and transfer to manufacturing according to product schedule, while maintaining strict quality standards.
• Responsible for building product qualification wafers per schedule according to product roadmap, and creating comprehensive wafer data packages for analysis and documentation.
• Demonstrate strong communication skills and work with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless integration of new technologies and processes.
• Develop and implement process improvements to enhance wafer yield, quality, and cost-effectiveness.
• Conduct failure analysis on wafer products and implement corrective actions to address any identified issues.
• Collaborate with research and development teams to evaluate and incorporate emerging wafer technologies into product designs.
• Monitor and analyze key performance indicators (KPIs) related to wafer production and quality, providing regular reports to management.
• Participate in technology roadmap planning and contribute to long-term strategic initiatives for wafer development.
• Ensure compliance with industry standards, safety regulations, and company policies throughout all wafer-related processes.
• Mentor and train junior engineers and team members on wafer technologies and best practices.
• Stay current with industry trends and advancements in wafer technology through continuous learning and professional development.

Qualifications

Required:

• Education: MS/PhD in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, or Physics required.
• Experience: Semiconductor wafer process experience.
• Technical Knowledge: In-depth understanding of semiconductor wafer processes and integration techniques.
• Analytical Skills: Proficiency in data analysis using tools such as JMP and SQL/Python.
• Project Management: Demonstrated ability to lead and manage complex technical projects.
• Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present technical information to diverse audiences.
• Teamwork: Proven ability to work effectively in cross-functional team settings.
• Problem-Solving: Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to troubleshoot complex technical issues.
• Software Proficiency: Experience with semiconductor manufacturing software and tools.
• Quality Control: Familiarity with quality assurance processes and standards in semiconductor manufacturing.
• Leadership: Ability to mentor and guide junior engineers and team members.
• Continuous Learning: Commitment to ongoing professional development and staying current with industry advancements.
• Attention to Detail: Meticulous approach to work, ensuring accuracy in data collection and analysis.
• Adaptability: Flexibility to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and adapt to changing priorities.

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary Range: $164,000.00 - $218,700.00
• Compensation Factors: Pay position within the salary range is based on relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, knowledge, performance, contribution, results, geographic location, shift, internal/external equity, and business needs.
• Bonus Eligibility: Eligible for bonuses under WD’s Short Term Incentive Plan (“STI Plan”) or Sales Incentive Plan (“SIP”). May be eligible for annual Long-Term Incentive (LTI) program (RSUs or cash equivalents), subject to role eligibility.
• Comprehensive Benefits Package: Includes paid vacation, sick leave, medical/dental/vision insurance, life, accident, and disability insurance, flexible spending/health savings accounts, employee assistance program, voluntary benefits (supplemental life, legal plan, pet insurance, critical illness, etc.), tuition reimbursement, transit, Applause Program, employee stock purchase plan, and the WD Savings 401(k) Plan.

Company Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion

WD is committed to providing equal opportunities and fostering an inclusive environment where every individual can thrive. They champion diversity and believe that varied perspectives lead to the best outcomes. Accommodation requests for candidates with disabilities can be directed to [email protected].

Application Information

• Anticipated Application Deadline: 2026-07-27 (subject to early closure if position is filled)
• Note: WD and its subsidiaries will never request payment for job applications or offers. Report any suspicious requests to WD Ethics Helpline or [email protected].