Intern, Advanced Media R&D Characterization and Recording Physicist
Confirmed on the employer's own hiring board on Oct 20, 2026. First seen by Alion on Oct 14, 2026.
About our group:
You will work in the HAMR Media Recording Physics and Advanced Development group at the Seagate Recording Media Research Center in Fremont, CA. Our team develops state-of-the-art magnetic, optical, thermal and spin-stand characterization techniques to advance recording physics understanding and guide the design of HAMR magnetic recording media for continued growth in data storage capacity. We collaborate closely with sputtering, testing, metrology, equipment, and materials science teams, as well as colleagues across Seagate worldwide. Together, we develop next-generation storage technologies for cloud infrastructure and emerging applications.
About the role - you will:
The candidate will work in the Recording Physics and Advanced Development group at the Seagate Recording Media R&D Center to develop and improve magnetic characterization methods, spin-stand recording tests, and data analytics used to study the magnetic, electrical, and thermal properties of advanced media. The role also involves comparing simulation and recording results to better understand the physics of HAMR (Heat-Assisted Magnetic Recording) and future recording technologies such as ferroelectric media.
Responsibilities include:
- Develop metrology capabilities for characterizing ferroelectric media using electrical and imaging techniques such as Piezoresponse Force Microscopy (PFM), P-E loop measurements, and Raman spectroscopy.
- Develop characterization techniques for HAMR and next-generation ferroelectric recording media by leveraging existing test methods and creating novel measurement capabilities.
- Apply data analytics and AI-based techniques to compare experimental measurements with modeling results and improve understanding of recording physics and media design.
- Translate characterization insights into innovative designs that improve the magnetic, electrical, and thermal performance of HAMR and ferroelectric media.
- Integrate hardware and software for testing and data acquisition systems used in recording demonstrations and evaluation of advanced media designs and architectures.
About you:
- Programming
- Data analysis
- Excellent communication skills
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a creative environment
Your experience includes:
- Strong background in physics, particularly magnetism or ferroelectricity, with hands-on experience using high-field magnetic characterization tools (PPMS and MOKE), as well as electrical, optical, and thermal measurement systems.
- Familiarity with optics, ferroelectric materials, recording physics, and programming languages such as Python, LabVIEW, Visual Basic, C, or related languages is preferred.
- Experience designing and integrating novel instrumentation.
- Strong experience with electrical characterization and PFM imaging of ferroelectric materials.
- Demonstrated ability to develop and integrate new metrology or testing tools for advanced characterization of magnetic or ferroelectric materials.
- Strong background in Magnetism and data analysis
- Ph.D. or M.S. in Physics, Applied Physics, Materials Science, Electrical Engineering, Applied Optics, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field preferred.
Location:
Our Gold LEED-certified Fremont product-design campus drives innovation, bringing together a diverse set of engineering, design, operations, support, and administrative teams. The site is equipped with a state-of-the-art clean room and lab space. On-site social activities are popular, including our annual BBQ, ice cream social, and holiday events. Wellness programs, gaming rooms, and the on-site fitness center help round out and balance your Seagate work-life experience, along with opportunities to give back to our local community.
The estimated base wage range for this position is $41 - $48/hr. The individual base wage is based on work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. Seagate offers comprehensive benefits to its eligible Interns, including, but not limited to, medical, dental, vision, and participation in the employee stock purchase plan. Seagate also offers Interns 12 paid holidays and a minimum of 48 hours of paid sick leave. The benefits for this position are based on a 24 to 40-hour-per-week schedule for a full calendar year and may differ depending on work location and tenure with the Company.
Location: Fremont USA Research Center
Travel: None