Spring 2027 Co-Op - AI Systems Strategy

Western Digital•Rochester, MN

9d•$31 - $41•Onsite

About The Position

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. WD combines 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. WD is looking for people who want to build, solve, and operate at that level. Join us and let’s shape the future of data. WD's CTO System Architecture is at the forefront of defining the next generation of HDD storage technology. As a Co-op Engineer on the System Architecture team, you will work alongside senior engineers and technology leaders to shape long-range technology strategy, develop intelligent tools to manage complex engineering programs, and deliver competitive insights that inform critical business decisions. This is a high-impact, high-visibility role suited for a graduate student who combines strong technical depth with a passion for systems thinking, data-driven decision making, and emerging technology.

Requirements

Currently pursuing a MS in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a closely related field
Strong analytical and systems thinking skills — ability to work through ambiguous problems and build structured frameworks
Experience with data analysis and visualization
Strong written and verbal communication skills — ability to present complex technical topics clearly to mixed audiences
Self-directed with the ability to manage multiple workstreams concurrently

Nice To Haves

Background or coursework in storage systems, computer architecture, or semiconductor technology
Experience building LLM applications, AI agents, agentic workflows, or ML systems
Experience with project management tools
Prior industry internship or co-op experience in a technology or engineering environment

Responsibilities

Assist with evaluating and documenting system architecture trade-off decisions across storage technology domains
Research and model performance, cost, and feasibility dimensions for emerging technology options
Support cross-functional architecture reviews and help synthesize findings into clear technical recommendations
Help maintain and evolve the team's technology roadmap tools and associated data infrastructure
Develop and improve data pipelines, dashboards, and visualization tools to support roadmap planning and gap analysis
Assist with technology maturation tracking across the component and system lifecycle (TCP0 through TCP2)
Design and build AI agents to help manage technology projects, automate status tracking, and surface insights from large volumes of engineering and program data
Leverage LLMs, agent frameworks, and retrieval/tool integrations to prototype intelligent assistants for engineering workflows
Collaborate with the team to identify high-value automation opportunities within the technology development lifecycle
Research competitive storage technology trends, industry standards activity, and academic publications
Synthesize competitive intelligence into structured reports and briefings for senior technology leadership
Track key technology indicators (areal density, interface evolution, component trends) and benchmark against internal roadmap targets

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