Staff Manufacturing Engineer (Operation Material & Cost Engineering)

Company Description

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.

Job Description

Position Overview

We are seeking a strategic Operation/Production Material & Cost Engineer to lead comprehensive OSRM (Operating Supply & Raw Material) and spare parts management initiatives. This role combines financial acumen, operational excellence, and digital innovation to drive significant cost optimization while ensuring seamless production continuity. You will spearhead transformational projects that leverage AI and automation to enhance inventory efficiency, cost transparency, and decision-making across the organization.

Key Responsibilities

1. Strategic OSRM & Spare Parts Cost Management

• Own end-to-end OSRM and spare parts cost planning, monitoring, and control to achieve or exceed annual financial targets.
• Conduct comprehensive cost driver analysis and variance investigations; identify and execute high-impact cost reduction and optimization initiatives.
• Lead strategic OSRM cost improvement projects, including consumption reduction, supplier rationalization, and lifecycle cost optimization.

2. Demand, Supply & Inventory Planning

• Develop and manage integrated OSRM demand and supply plans aligned with production requirements and operational capacity.
• Oversee procurement and distribution of production cleanroom consumables and OSRM to ensure uninterrupted operational continuity.
• Manage company spare parts inventory strategically, including stock profiling, safety stock optimization, and inventory location management.
• Control inventory aging and excess materials to maximize working capital efficiency and operational agility.

3. Inventory Management Systems & Data Governance

• Ensure data integrity, accuracy, and reliability across the Spare Parts Inventory Management System (SPIMS).
• Develop and maintain comprehensive inventory monitoring dashboards, KPIs, and analytical reports tracking aging, usage patterns, and cost trends.
• Champion SPIMS long-term enhancement initiatives, including system optimization, data governance frameworks, and process automation.
• Oversee Store 5S implementation and safety compliance standards across all SPIMS operations.

4. Digital Transformation & AI-Enabled Innovation

• Drive AI-enabled and digital transformation initiatives across OSRM and SPIMS planning, inventory management, and cost control functions.
• Identify and implement advanced solutions including:
  • Predictive usage forecasting and demand sensing algorithms
  • Automated replenishment and inventory optimization systems
  • Real-time digital dashboards for OSRM cost and KPI monitoring
  • Advanced data analytics for non-moving inventory, aging material, and lifecycle cost analysis
• Collaborate with IT, Digital Transformation, and Engineering teams to design, deploy, and sustain automated workflows and AI-driven decision support tools.
• Continuously enhance planning accuracy, response time, and cost transparency through process automation and digitalization.

5. Operational Governance & Performance Management

• Conduct regular OSRM usage and KPI reviews, compile performance data, and monitor key operational metrics.
• Establish and maintain robust monitoring systems for critical OSRM used in production operations.
• Supervise technical teams and ensure effective execution of daily OSRM and SPIMS operations.
• Support production teams on used spare part scheduling, waste handling, and scrap disposal in compliance with SPIMS requirements.

6. Cross-Functional Leadership & Collaboration

• Partner strategically with Production, Warehouse, Inventory Control, and Procurement teams on OSRM initiatives including RTV management, on-hold materials, aging inventory, on-time issuance, staging area optimization, and chemical transfer scheduling.
• Collaborate closely with Process Engineering, NPI, and Procurement on new material introduction for mass production, usage algorithm verification, and implementation timelines.
• Lead non-moving parts disposition planning with Equipment teams using SPIMS data analytics.
• Support tooling and logistics improvement projects that enhance production operational efficiency.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Supply Chain Management, Operations Management, Industrial Engineering, or related field.
• Senior Engineer: Minimum 3–5 years of experience in manufacturing supply planning, OSRM, inventory, or cost management.
• Experience in high‑volume manufacturing, cleanroom environment, or HDD / semiconductor‑related industry is strongly preferred.

 Skills

• Strong knowledge of OSRM planning, spare parts inventory management, and cost control methodologies.
• Hands‑on experience with inventory systems (SPIMS or equivalent ERP/MES/WMS).
• Proven ability in data analysis, KPI development, and performance reporting.
• Demonstrated involvement in AI, digitalization, automation, or data analytics projects in manufacturing or supply chain.
• Proficiency in Excel, data visualization tools, and basic analytics concepts; experience with Python, SQL, Power BI, or similar tools is an advantage.
• Strong project management, stakeholder engagement, and problem‑solving skills.

Preferred

• Results‑driven with strong financial and cost ownership mindset.
• Analytical, structured thinker with a passion for continuous improvement and digital innovation.
• Ability to lead change and influence cross‑functional teams.
• Strong communication skills to interface with operations, engineering, and management.
• High integrity, safety awareness, and discipline in data and process governance.

Additional Information

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.