{"id":3496131,"url":"https://alion.io/job/western-digital-senior-engineer-process-development-sustaining-engineering","title":"Senior Engineer, Process Development & Sustaining Engineering","company":{"id":8924,"name":"Western Digital","domain":"wdc.com","url":"https://alion.io/company/wdc","size_band":"5000+","is_staffing_agency":false,"employer_type":"direct","is_intermediary":false,"listed_via":null,"ats_vendor":"SmartRecruiters","truth_index":{"grade":"B","score":76,"open_postings":24,"ghost_share":0,"stale_share":0.958,"repost_share":0,"time_to_fill_p50_days":36,"computed_at":"2026-11-02T06:13:15Z"}},"role":"Industrial Engineering","role_family":"Industrial Engineering","seniority":"senior","employment_type":"full_time","work_mode":"on_site","remote_scope":null,"remote_scope_basis":null,"remote_working_hours":null,"hiring_geo_confidence":"structured","locations":["George Town, Malaysia"],"countries":["MY"],"hiring_countries":[],"hiring_countries_total":0,"salary":null,"salary_estimate":{"min_usd":17000,"max_usd":39000,"period":"year","method":"global_role_cell_scaled_by_country","sample_n":8444},"experience_years_min":5,"visa_sponsorship":false,"relocation_package":false,"has_equity":false,"technologies":[{"name":"Design of Experiments","optional":false},{"name":"FMEA","optional":false},{"name":"JMP","optional":false},{"name":"Minitab","optional":false},{"name":"Statistical Process Control","optional":false}],"status":"live","first_seen_at":"2026-10-30T00:55:38Z","employer_posted_date":"2026-10-30","last_verified_at":"2026-11-03T02:34:50Z","board_verified":true,"closed_at":null,"days_open":4,"trust":{"level":"ok","repost_count":null,"flags":[],"days_open":4},"description":"WD is building the infrastructure behind the AI-driven data economy.\nAs 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.\nWe 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.\nThis isn’t theoretical work. It’s real systems, at real scale, people solving some of the hardest challenges in technology today.\nWe’re looking for people who want to build, solve, and operate at that level.\nJoin us and let’s shape the future of data.\n Job Description\nThe Senior Engineer, Process Development & Sustaining will lead the development, optimization, and sustaining of manufacturing processes for WD's HDD storage products. This is a technically deep, cross-functional role requiring strong foundation in chemistry, materials science, or chemical engineering.\nYou will drive process characterization, chemical/material qualification, and yield improvement initiatives while ensuring manufacturing processes remain stable, compliant, and cost-competitive. You are expected to operate with high technical autonomy, interface with global R&D and process teams, and mentor junior engineers on the Penang floor.\nThis role is ideal for a Master's, or Bachelor's graduate in Chemical Engineering or Materials Science who is passionate about translating lab-scale science into high-volume manufacturing solutions.\nKey Responsibilities\nProcess Developmen t\nDesign and develop new manufacturing processes or significantly improve existing ones for HDD production\nConduct Design of Experiments (DOE) to characterize process windows, identify critical process parameters (CPPs), and optimize process outputs\nEvaluate and qualify new chemicals, materials, and process consumables for manufacturing use\nDevelop process recipes, control plans, and standard operating procedures (SOPs)\nTranslate R&D/lab-scale processes into robust, scalable, high-volume manufacturing processes\nProcess Sustaining\nOwn sustaining engineering for assigned process modules - ensure processes remain stable, in control, and within specification\nMonitor Statistical Process Control (SPC) charts; respond to out-of-control signals with structured problem-solving\nLead Engineering Change Orders (ECOs) for process changes, chemical substitutions, and material updates\nManage process deviation requests and ensure timely resolution\nMaintain process documentation, control plans, and work instructions per WD QMS\nChemical & Material Engineering\nLead chemical/material qualification activities including incoming material testing, process compatibility studies, and shelf-life evaluations\nEvaluate alternative chemistries and materials for cost reduction, sustainability, or supply chain risk mitigation\nWork with EHS team to ensure safe handling, storage, and disposal of process chemicals per regulatory requirements\nSupport RoHS, REACH, and PFAS compliance reviews for process chemicals and materials\nYield & Quality Improvement\nLead yield loss analysis and drive structured RCCA (Root Cause and Corrective Action) for process-related defects\nApply Six Sigma / SPC / Lean methodologies to reduce process variation and improve Cpk\nPartner with Quality Engineering to resolve customer escapes and field returns linked to process issues\nDrive continuous improvement projects with measurable cost and quality impact\nNPI & Technology Transfer\nSupport New Product Introduction (NPI) process readiness - from process concept to mass production release\nLead or support technology transfer of new processes from R&D/HQ to Penang manufacturing\nDevelop process qualification protocols (PQ), installation qualification (IQ), and operational qualification (OQ) plans\nCross-Functional Collaboration\nInterface with R&D, Product Engineering, Quality, EHS, Supply Chain, and Equipment Engineering teams globally\nPresent process data, findings, and recommendations to senior management and global stakeholders\nCollaborate with equipment engineers on process-equipment interactions and optimization\nPeople & Mentorship\nMentor and coach junior and mid-level process engineers\nLead technical reviews, knowledge-sharing sessions, and engineering forums\nSupport capability building within the Penang process engineering team\n Academic Qualification :\nBachelor's Degree (BSc/BEng) in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or related discipline with strong industry experience\nMaster's Degree (MSc/MEng) in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Chemistry, Polymer Science, or related field\nExperience and Skills Required :\nMinimum 5-10 years experience in process or manufacturing environment.\nKnowledge on HDD media cleaning technology will be added advantage.\nKnowledge in SPC, FMEA, Technical Report Writing and DOE run.\nGreen Belt or Lean Six Sigma will be and added advantages.\nGood technical presentation skill.\nGood communication skill.\nTechnical Skills - Core\nStrong fundamentals in chemistry, materials science\nProficiency in DOE methodologies (full factorial, RSM, Taguchi)\nWorking knowledge of Statistical Process Control (SPC) and statistical analysis tools (JMP, Minitab, or equivalent)\nFamiliarity with thin film, surface treatment, wet chemical, cleaning\nUnderstanding of failure analysis techniques (SEM, EDX, XRD, FTIR, or equivalent)\nKnowledge of chemical safety, EHS regulations, and REACH/RoHS compliance\n WD 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.\nWD 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  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.\nNotice To Candidates: Please be aware that WD and its subsidiaries will never request payment as a condition for applying for a position or receiving an offer of employment. 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