AI & Metrology Development Engineer – Magnetic Recording Head

Western Digital•Fremont, CA

About The Position

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. Essential Duties & Responsibilities: We are looking for a curious and driven candidate to join our Advanced Metrology team supporting magnetic recording head wafer fabrication. This is a hands-on technical role where you will apply data science, AI/ML, and programming skills to develop next-generation measurement solutions — while learning the fundamentals of semiconductor-class metrology tools and hard drive manufacturing processes. You will be part of a team advancing measurement science at the intersection of AI and precision manufacturing for the hard drive industry. This role is part of WD's early career development program. WD's early career development program is ideal for individuals at the early stages of their professional career. Participants receive foundational training through structured onboarding, mentorship, and a curated development curriculum. The responsibilities of this role are typically aligned with candidates who have approximately 0–2+ years of relevant professional experience, though candidates of all experience levels are encouraged to apply.

Requirements

Currently pursuing or recently completed BS or MS degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Physics, or a closely related field (recent graduate or graduating within 6 months)
Programming proficiency in Python or LabVIEW; comfort working with real-world datasets
Familiarity with machine learning or data analysis concepts (coursework, projects, or internship experience counts)
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills; ability to work with complex, noisy data
Collaborative mindset and willingness to learn in a cross-functional team environment

Nice To Haves

Coursework or project experience in image processing, computer vision, or signal analysis
Exposure to semiconductor, optics, or materials characterization topics

Responsibilities

Develop and apply data analysis algorithms and models to improve measurement accuracy and capability
Use AI/ML techniques to extract insights from metrology images and measurement datasets
Support development of new measurement methods in collaboration with senior engineers
Write scripts and tools to automate data collection, processing, and reporting workflows
Apply AI/ML techniques to optimize measurement workflows and maximize tool throughput
Work alongside experienced metrology specialists in CDSEM, AFM, and optical measurement
Partner with wafer process and R&D engineers to understand measurement requirements and support DOE execution
Participate in data reviews, technical meetings, and cross-functional project teams
Support routine measurement tasks across multiple active projects
Learn to operate and troubleshoot metrology tools under guidance of senior team members
Document results, maintain data quality, and contribute to technical reports

Benefits

paid vacation time
paid sick leave
medical/dental/vision insurance
life, accident and disability insurance
tax-advantaged flexible spending and health savings accounts
employee assistance program
other voluntary benefit programs such as supplemental life and AD&D, legal plan, pet insurance, critical illness, accident and hospital indemnity
tuition reimbursement
transit
the Applause Program
employee stock purchase plan
the WD Savings 401(k) Plan