Equipment Engineering Manager - Wet process

Western Digital•San Jose, CA

About The Position

The Sr. Equipment Manager for the Wet Process area will be responsible for overseeing all operations related to electroplating, resist strip/liftoff, and Chemical Mechanical Planarization (CMP) equipment. This role is critical for ensuring maximum tool uptime, reducing process scrap, and driving continuous improvement initiatives. The successful candidate will manage a team of equipment engineers and technicians, coordinate preventive and corrective maintenance activities, and implement best practices to enhance equipment performance and reliability. Key responsibilities include developing and executing strategies to minimize equipment downtime, analyzing failure data to identify root causes, and leading projects aimed at process optimization and cost reduction. The Sr. Equipment Manager will collaborate closely with process engineering, manufacturing, and EHS teams to ensure all equipment meets operational and safety standards. Additionally, the manager will oversee personnel development, set clear performance expectations, and foster a culture of accountability and innovation within the wet process group.

Requirements

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical, or related field preferred).
Minimum 8 years of experience in semiconductor equipment engineering, with at least 3 years in a people management role.

Responsibilities

Lead daily operations and maintenance of electroplating, resist strip/liftoff and CMP tools, ensuring high availability and reliability.
Monitor and drive reduction of equipment-induced scrap and yield loss through data-driven problem solving and corrective actions.
Manage, mentor, and develop a team of equipment engineers and technicians, including performance reviews and training plans.
Plan and execute equipment upgrades, retrofits, and capacity expansion projects in alignment with business needs.
Establish and track key performance indicators (KPIs) for tool uptime, maintenance response, and cost savings initiatives.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams to support process changes, new technology introductions, and compliance with environmental, health, and safety requirements.
Drive continuous improvement culture by leveraging Lean, Six Sigma, or similar methodologies.

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 Western Digital Savings 401(k) Plan