Principal Engineer, Quality Assurance 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

The System Application HDD Diagnostic Engineer is responsible for enterprise HDD system behavior, diagnostics, customer integration, and root‑cause analysis. This role partners closely with China‑based cloud, OEM/ODM, and hyperscale customers to ensure successful HDD qualification, debug complex system‑level issues, and drive improvements into product design and validation. Staff and Principal levels differ in technical depth, leadership scope, and strategic influence.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Lead system‑level diagnostics for HDD functional, electrical, mechanical, firmware, and host‑interaction issues.
• Perform root‑cause analysis using SMART logs, protocol traces, system logs, error signatures, performance data, and platform‑dependent behavior.
• Act as primary technical interface for customer qualifications in China; triage and resolve customer‑reported issues end‑to‑end.
• Conduct specification gap analysis, feature validation, interoperability testing, and workload‑based behavior characterization.
• Collaborate with global FW/ASIC/Servo/Mechanical/Reliability/Manufacturing/Quality teams to drive corrective actions and feature improvements.
• Support customer sample planning, execution, tracking, and qualification deliverables.
• Evaluate Engineering Changes (ECs) and Product Change Notifications (PCNs) for system impact and customer risk.
• Validate fixes and enhancements in customer environments and ensure robust closure.
• Prepare and deliver technical reports, failure analysis summaries, and update presentations to internal teams and customers.
• Develop internal troubleshooting guides, diagnostic scripts, test methodologies, and platform‑specific best practices.
• Influence product architecture, drive long‑term diagnostic strategy, lead cross‑functional initiatives, and mentor regional/global technical teams.

Qualifications

• BS/MS/PhD in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Physics, or related field.
• Typically 12+ years experience and recognized expertise in HDD system debugging, qualification, and architecture‑level influence.
• Strong ability to isolate complex system‑level issues involving firmware, mechanics, electronics, and host interactions.
• Experience with SAS/SATA protocol analyzers, signal integrity tools, performance profiling, environmental stress testing, or HDD diagnostic instrumentation.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English; Mandarin strongly preferred for customer engagement.

Additional Information

Because Western Digital thrives on the power of diversity and is committed to an inclusive environment where every individual can thrive through a sense of belonging, respect, and contribution, we are committed to giving every qualified applicant and employee an equal opportunity.  Western Digital does not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on their protected class status and complies with all federal and state laws against discrimination, harassment, and retaliation, as well as the laws and regulations set forth in the "Equal Employment Opportunity is the Law" poster.

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.