Engineer, System Design Engineering

“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 and capture the first-ever picture of a black hole.

We offer an expansive portfolio of technologies, HDDs, and platforms for business, creative professionals, and consumers alike under our Western Digital®, WD®, WD_BLACK™, and SanDisk® Professional brands.

We are a key partner to some of the largest and highest-growth organizations in the world. From enabling systems to make cities safer and more connected, to powering the data centers behind many of the world’s biggest companies and hyperscale cloud providers, to meeting the massive and ever-growing data storage needs of the AI era, Western Digital is fueling a brighter, smarter future.

Today’s exceptional challenges require your unique skills. Together, we can build the future of data storage.”

Responsible for investigating and determining root causes of hard disk drive failures across development, qualification, manufacturing, and field operations. This role focuses on electromechanical, magnetic recording, firmware, and media-related failures, and works cross-functionally to drive corrective and preventive actions that improve product reliability, quality, and customer satisfaction.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provides verbal and written status including clear and accurate FA summaries and test reports to the Lead Engineer and the Department Manager.
• Maintain proper documentation of test procedures and results & update failure tracking databases and spreadsheets.
• Cross-Functional Exposure:
• Work closely with:
• Failure Analysis Engineers (senior/principal)
• Manufacturing and process engineering teams
• Design and reliability engineering teams
• Gain exposure to factory, lab, and NPI environments
• Support internal FA reviews and technical discussions
• Perform structured root cause analysis (8D, 5-Why, Fishbone)
• Identify whether failures are:
• Design-related
• Process/manufacturing-related
• Supplier-related
• Usage or system-integration-induced
• Drive corrective and preventive actions (CAPA) with design, manufacturing, and suppliers
• Validate fixes through FA closure and re-testing

REQUIRED:

• Bachelor’s degree in Electronic Engineering, Physics, or a related engineering discipline is required. Applications from fresh graduates are encouraged.

PREFERRED:

• Ability to read basic schematics and technical documentation
• Familiarity with laboratory equipment is an advantage
• Strong analytical and problem-solving mindset
• Willingness to learn complex HDD technologies
• Hands-on attitude and attention to detail
• Good written and verbal communication skills
• Able to follow structured troubleshooting steps
• Comfortable working in lab/factory environments
• Productivity tools such MS Office a must
• Proficient in programming languages such as C/C++, Python, and TCL; additional languages are an advantage.

SKILLS

• Technical Proficiency:
• Semiconductor/device physics, materials science, and reliability engineering
• Failure analysis techniques (e.g., Oscilloscope probe, multimeter usage, waveform analysis, trigger setting)
• Root cause analysis methodologies (e.g. 8D, FMEA)
• Knowledge of PCB, IC packaging, and microelectronics manufacturing processes
• Analytical & Problem-Solving Skills:
• Data interpretation and correlation of electrical, mechanical, and material test results
• Ability to identify, isolate, and resolve complex failure mechanisms
• Statistical analysis and use of tools like Minitab, JMP, or MATLAB
• Soft Skills:
• Strong communication for cross-functional collaboration and reporting
• Attention to detail with a methodical, documentation-driven approach
• Adaptability in fast-paced, high-priority investigation environments

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.

WD 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.

Notice 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. Should you encounter any such requests, please report it immediately to WD Ethics Helpline or email [email protected].