Principal Engineer, Test 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.

The Test Principal Engineer leads a high-performing team in a fast-paced manufacturing environment, overseeing test engineering processes, ensuring product quality, and driving continuous improvement in test methodologies and efficiency.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop and implement comprehensive test strategies and plans for product lines
• Lead resource planning and allocation for test operations to meet production targets and quality standards
• Spearhead troubleshooting efforts to resolve complex test-related issues and equipment malfunctions
• Collaborate with quality assurance teams to ensure products meet all necessary specifications through rigorous testing
• Enforce health and safety compliance in all test engineering processes
• Identify and facilitate training programs to enhance test engineering team capabilities
• Manage test department budget, drive cost optimization, and reduction initiatives in test processes
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement and innovation in test methodologies
• Coordinate with cross-functional teams to integrate test processes seamlessly into the production flow
• Oversee documentation of test processes and prepare performance reports on test yields and efficiency

REQUIRED:

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related field (required)
• 10+ years of experience in test engineering within high-volume manufacturing environments (preferred)
• Proven leadership and team management skills in a test engineering context
• Strong analytical skills, including statistical analysis and test data interpretation
• Expertise in test automation, test equipment, and relevant software tools
• Excellent project management and communication skills
• Adaptability to rapidly changing technologies and test requirements

PREFERRED:

• Strategic test planning and execution
• Advanced proficiency in test automation software and data analysis tools
• Effective supervisory and mentoring abilities in a technical environment
• Strong problem-solving skills with a focus on test process optimization
• Ability to balance quality requirements with production efficiency

SKILLS: 

• Experience with statistical process control (SPC) and design of experiments (DOE)
• Familiarity with industry standards and compliance requirements (e.g., ISO, RBA, BCMS, IEC)
• Proficiency in data analysis and visualization tools (e.g., Minitab, JMP)
• Excellent project management skills, including resource allocation and timeline management

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].