Senior Engineer, Equipment 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

As a Senior Equipment Engineer specializing in sputter media, you will be responsible for leading equipment sustaining, reliability, and continuous improvement activities to support high-volume hard disk media manufacturing. You will play a key role in driving equipment performance, improving operational efficiency, and supporting new technology implementation. This role requires strong technical leadership to guide technicians in maintaining stable manufacturing operations, reducing equipment downtime, and enabling next-generation product and process requirements.
 
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead day-to-day equipment sustaining activities, including troubleshooting, failure analysis, and resolution of equipment-related production issues.
• Drive equipment reliability improvement initiatives to enhance equipment uptime, reduce chronic failures, and improve overall operational stability.
• Develop, implement, and optimize preventive and predictive maintenance strategies to improve long-term equipment performance.
• Lead root cause analysis (RCA) for major equipment failures and implement effective corrective and preventive actions.
• Support equipment upgrades, hardware modifications, and machine conversion activities to meet product and technology roadmap requirements.
• Coordinate new equipment installation, commissioning, qualification, and acceptance to ensure systems meet operational and safety standards.
• Monitor and analyze equipment performance indicators such as OEE, MTBF, MTTR, and downtime trends to identify improvement opportunities.
• Collaborate closely with Process Engineering, Yield Engineering, Production, and Quality teams to improve process capability and manufacturing performance.
• Drive engineering projects related to equipment improvements, automation enhancement, and productivity optimization.
• Develop and maintain equipment documentation including SOPs, maintenance procedures, troubleshooting guides, and best practices.
• Work closely with OEM vendors and suppliers to resolve technical issues, implement upgrades, and support equipment technology development.
• Support cost reduction initiatives through engineering optimization, reliability improvements, and maintenance efficiency.
• Ensure all equipment operations comply with company safety policies, regulatory requirements, and industry standards.
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives, including Lean manufacturing, automation deployment, and digitalization programs.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned by management.

Qualifications

REQUIRED:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Electronic, Materials Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
• Minimum 5–8 years of experience in equipment engineering within semiconductor, sputter media, vacuum coating, or advanced manufacturing industries.
• Strong understanding of vacuum systems, sputtering equipment, and manufacturing equipment control systems.
• Experience in equipment troubleshooting, reliability improvement, and manufacturing support.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to perform data analysis and technical investigations.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Excel, PowerPoint, Word) and ability to present technical information clearly.
• Ability to work effectively in a cross-functional manufacturing environment.

PREFERRED:

• Experience in a sputter media or semiconductor manufacturing environment.
• Knowledge of high-vacuum technology, plasma processes, or thin-film deposition systems.
• Experience with equipment automation, PLC systems, and equipment control interfaces.

SKILLS:

• Strong knowledge of vacuum systems and thin-film deposition equipment, including troubleshooting and performance optimization.
• Experience with PLC systems, automation control, and equipment interface systems.
• Ability to perform equipment failure analysis and implement reliability improvement actions.
• Good understanding of Statistical Process Control (SPC), equipment data analysis, and performance monitoring.
• Strong collaboration skills with the ability to work effectively with engineers, technicians, and cross-functional teams.
• Good communication skills to clearly explain technical issues and solutions to different levels of the organization.
• Ability to manage multiple technical tasks and support fast-paced manufacturing operations.
• Strong technical documentation and reporting skills.

Additional Information

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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.

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