• Prepare and maintain work instructions, process specifications, and change documents for sputter processes to ensure compliance with corporate quality systems and customer requirements

• Establish and continuously optimize CPK and process windows for critical parameters to ensure stable, consistent, and repeatable mass production processes

• Support to evaluate impact of new materials, structures, and parameters on defect and yield performance

• Work with QC, FA lab, and equipment engineering to analyze defect samples, identify root causes, and drive closure of corrective actions

• Lead sputter‑related defect reduction projects, use data analysis and DOE to identify key factors, and implement action plans to improve yield KPIs

• Collaborate with sputter hardware/equipment teams to drive OEE improvement and Cost-saving projects

• Track and analyze key KPOVs and other performance metrics, benchmark against reference and previous generations, and drive continuous sputter process optimization

• Participate in building and maintaining the media process roadmap, providing technical input for new products and process upgrades

• English: Bachelor’s degree or above in Materials Science, Physics, Microelectronics, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or related fields.

• Experience in thin‑film processes; experience in magnetic media, semiconductor, panel, or vacuum deposition (sputter/PVD) is a plus.

• Experience in mass production process development, yield improvement, or NPI projects is preferred

• Familiar with sputter/PVD fundamentals and vacuum systems; experience on Anelva or Intevac platforms is a strong plus.

• Good understanding of magnetic and thin‑film characterization (e.g., VSM, XRR, AFM) and ability to interpret related data.

• Proficient in statistical tools (JMP/Minitab, etc.) and capable of using DOE and CPK methods for process optimization

• Strong problem‑solving skills and ability to drive issue closure in a high‑volume manufacturing environment.

• Good cross‑functional communication and project management skills; willing to collaborate in multi‑site/multi‑team environments.

• Good English reading and writing skills to handle technical documents and basic communication.

• experience in HDD media manufacturing or related magnetic recording / vacuum coating industries.

• Proven track record in Cost reduction, OEE improvement, or large‑scale defect reduction projects with measurable results

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 jobs.accommodations@wdc.com 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 compliance@wdc.com.

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™ 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.