Senior Automation Engineer

Company Description

At WD, 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, WD 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™.

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, WD is fueling a brighter, smarter future.

Today’s exceptional challenges require your unique skills. Together, we can build the future of data storage.

Job Description

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Responsible for HDD tooling automation across all cleanroom production area
• Provide technical support and troubleshooting for tooling and fixture maintenance, including containment actions and long-term corrective solutions.
• Maintain strong knowledge of process flows.
• Monitor and drive performance using key indices such as Cpk, MTBF, and MTTR, and respond promptly to any abnormalities.
• Support product and technology transfers between sites.
• Deliver technical training to technicians and manufacturing personnel in relevant areas.
• Provide guidance and supervision to the technical team to ensure effective execution.
• Ensure compliance with safety standards, minimizing risks, incidents, and equipment damage.

Qualifications

REQUIRED:

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Mechanical, Mechatronics, Electrical, Software, Robotics, Electronics, Telecommunications, Computer Engineering or related.
• 2+ years of experience  in tool/machine design, automation systems, software development, or PLC programming
• Strong proficiency in English communication and presentation
• Positive attitude with strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Solid foundation in Artificial Intelligence (AI), data analytics, automation systems, and data mining techniques
• Familiarity with Digital Twin concepts for equipment, process modeling, or manufacturing systems

PREFERRED:

• Experience with C/C++, Python, or related automation programming languages
• Experience developing or deploying Digital Twin applications for predictive maintenance, process optimization, or virtual commissioning
• Practical experience in data mining, feature engineering, and statistical analysis for manufacturing data
• Advanced proficiency in SolidWorks and ANSSYS, including GD&T and tolerance analysis

SKILLS:

• Ability to coordinate with cross-functional teams and drive clear communication during tool/machine implementation
• Strong understanding of process and tool design principles, including equipment release timing and manufacturing readiness
• Proven capability to create data-driven solutions to improve quality, cost, scrap rate, yield, and productivity
• Ability to apply Deep machine learning, Digital Twin simulation, and data analytics to automation and manufacturing challenges
• Experience using data mining and visualization tools (e.g., Power BI, Python, SQL, Kibana, JMP, Minitab) is an advantage
• Strong active listening and technical questioning skills to identify true problem statements
• Ability to make logical, fact-based decisions with consideration to both short-term and long-term business impact
• Demonstrated ability to achieve results through collaboration, influence, and coordination across teams

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.

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.