Staff Engineer, Manufacturing Equipment 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.

As a Staff Equipment Engineer specializing in sputter media, you will be responsible for overseeing the operation, maintenance, and continuous improvement of sputtering equipment used in the production of hard disk media. You will work closely with cross-functional teams to ensure optimal equipment performance, minimize downtime, cycle time improvement and contribute to the development of new processes and technologies.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Oversee day-to-day equipment maintenance activities, troubleshooting, and line issue management to ensure high equipment availability and minimal production downtime.
• Lead equipment reliability, maintenance, and engineering improvement initiatives to support stable and efficient manufacturing operations.
• Drive preventive and predictive maintenance strategies to improve equipment reliability, reduce failures, and sustain long-term operational performance.
• Lead equipment upgrades, machine conversions, and technology improvements to support next-generation HDD product requirements.
• Manage new equipment installation, commissioning, and acceptance testing to ensure systems meet operational, safety, and process specifications before production release.
• Monitor and analyze equipment performance, reliability, and OEE data to identify improvement opportunities and drive operational excellence.
• Lead root cause analysis for equipment failures, implementing effective corrective and preventive actions to prevent recurrence.
• Collaborate with Process Engineering and Sputter Yield teams to improve yield performance, reduce defects, and enhance process capability.
• Coordinate closely with Production, Quality, Facilities, and other cross-functional teams to ensure smooth production operations and achieve manufacturing targets.
• Manage engineering projects related to equipment upgrades, modifications, and system improvements, ensuring timely execution within scope and budget.
• Provide technical leadership, guidance, and mentorship to junior engineers and technicians to strengthen team capability and technical competency.
• Develop and maintain engineering documentation, including SOPs, maintenance procedures, and best practices for equipment operation and sustainment.
• Ensure all equipment and related systems comply with safety regulations, company policies, and industry standards.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives by introducing new technologies, automation solutions, and engineering best practices.
• Strengthen knowledge sharing and technical skill development within the engineering team to build a high-performing equipment engineering organization.
• Maintain strong collaboration with OEM suppliers and technical partners to support equipment upgrades, troubleshooting, and technology development.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned by management.

REQUIRED:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Electronic, Materials Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
• Minimum 8-12 years of experience in equipment engineering, preferably in sputter media, semiconductor, vacuum coating, or advanced manufacturing environments.
• Strong knowledge of vacuum systems, sputtering equipment, automation systems, and equipment control architecture.
• Strong analytical and data analysis skills to evaluate equipment performance, reliability trends, and OEE improvements.
• Excellent project management skills, with the ability to lead cross-functional teams.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Access) and ability to analyze and present technical data effectively.

PREFERRED:

• Experience in a sputter media or semiconductor manufacturing environment.
• Knowledge of high-vacuum technology and plasma physics.

SKILLS:

• Knowledge of vacuum systems and thin-film deposition processes, with the ability to support sputtering equipment operation and performance optimization.
• Experience with PLC systems, automation, and equipment control systems, including supporting system modifications and interface improvements.
• Proficiency in using diagnostic tools and equipment for troubleshooting.
• Solid understanding of Statistical Process Control (SPC), equipment performance analysis, and data-driven decision-making.
• Ability to work independently while also contributing effectively to a team environment
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to clearly present technical information to engineers, technicians, and management.
• Strong technical writing skills for creating detailed reports and documentation

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.

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