(NEW GRAD ONLY) Engineer, Software Development 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®, and WD_BLACK™.

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.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Participate in defining AI-driven Software Architecture and System Architecture for Automated HDD Assembly systems, including AI-enabled decision support and autonomous operations.
• Design, develop, and maintain AI/ML and GenAI solutions for manufacturing use cases such as:• Machine diagnostics and predictive maintenance

• Process optimization and yield improvement

• Anomaly detection and root cause analysis

• Intelligent automation and autonomous operation support

• Develop and integrate GenAI applications (e.g. LLM-based agents, AI assistants, knowledge retrieval systems) to support:

• Engineering troubleshooting

• Manufacturing analytics

• Technical documentation generation

• Operational decision-making

• Build and maintain Data Engineering pipelines including data collection, cleansing, transformation, and storage from:

• HDD Assembly Machines

• Robotics, Vision Systems, Sensors, and Logs

• Manufacturing execution and control systems

• Collaborate with Software, Process, and Equipment teams to enable data-driven manufacturing improvements, focusing on yield, downtime, scrap reduction, and process stability.

• Develop and maintain AI models lifecycle including data preparation, model training, validation, deployment, monitoring, and continuous improvement.

• Integrate AI solutions with existing Machine Control Software, Automation Frameworks, and Manufacturing Systems.

• Execute experiments, analyze large-scale manufacturing data, and translate insights into actionable engineering recommendations.

• Generate and maintain technical documentation including:

• AI model design and performance reports

• Data pipeline architecture

• Software and AI release notes

• System specifications and user guidelines

• Validate and test AI-enabled software releases to ensure robustness, reliability, and manufacturing readiness.

• Serve as a technical AI resource and mentor for junior engineers, providing guidance on AI, data, and software best practices.

• Maintain effective communication with cross-functional technical teams and stakeholders, including presenting AI insights and recommendations.

• Comply with 6S activities to ensure good housekeeping and disciplined engineering practices.

• Comply with EH&S policies to ensure workforce safety and a sustainable working environment.

This position is part of our Early Career program at WD. Our Early Career program is designed to support individuals beginning their professional career by providing the foundational training through a structured onboarding, mentorship, and development curriculum.

REQUIRED:

• Currently pursuing or recently completed Bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Data Science, AI Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering or equivalent experience

• Experience or strong academic / project background in one or more of the following areas:

• AI / Machine Learning / GenAI

• Software development and programming for automation systems

• Data processing, data analysis, or data engineering fundamentals

• Integration of AI or analytics with Automation, Robotics, Vision, or Manufacturing systems

• Basic knowledge of AI concepts such as:

• Machine Learning fundamentals

• Data preprocessing and feature engineering

• Model evaluation and validation

• Introduction to Generative AI / LLM concepts

PREFERRED:

• Experience or academic projects in AI / Machine Learning / Deep Learning / GenAI (e.g. predictive models, anomaly detection, intelligent automation, LLM-based applications).

• Knowledge of Object-Oriented Programming (OOP) and UML Design.

• Experience with Data Engineering tools or concepts, such as:

• Database systems (SQL / NoSQL)

• Data pipelines, ETL, or log data processing

• Data visualization or analytics tools

• Hands-on experience with Automation or Prototype Systems, including:

• Windows, Linux, RTOS, Arduino or embedded platforms

• PLC systems (Beckhoff, Keyence, Mitsubishi)

• Vision, robotics, and HMI systems programming

• Exposure to AI-enabled vision systems, image processing, or sensor data analytics is a strong plus.

SKILLS:

• Good command of English (Verbal and Written) for global technical communication.
• Ability to develop software using OOP principles, and integrate AI solutions with PLC, HMI, or automation systems.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to:• Analyze data-driven problems

• Apply AI or analytics to identify root causes

• Propose corrective and preventive actions to meet customer and manufacturing requirements

• Willingness to learn and adapt to AI, GenAI, and data-driven manufacturing technologies in a fast-paced engineering environment.

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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].