Hardware Engineer

Western Digital•San Jose, CA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

This posting supports current and anticipated early-career hiring needs. Applying allows our recruiting team to consider you for opportunities that align with your qualifications, preferences, and availability. An immediate opening or interview is not guaranteed. 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.

Requirements

Currently pursuing or recently completed a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Ph.D. degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Software Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Mechatronics, Materials Engineering, Data Science, or a related engineering or technical discipline.
Experience developing technical skills through coursework, internships, co-ops, research, laboratory work, capstone projects, hackathons, or personal projects in one or more areas such as software development, embedded systems, firmware, ASIC/SoC design, hardware development, systems engineering, mechanical design, manufacturing, automation, data analysis, testing, validation, or related engineering disciplines.
Familiarity with engineering fundamentals and one or more relevant technical areas, including programming (C, C++, Python, Java, Go, SQL, JavaScript, or similar), digital logic, embedded systems, computer architecture, electronics, mechanical design, CAD, manufacturing processes, automation, testing, simulation, verification, debugging, data analysis, or systems integration.
Demonstrated analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills with the ability to collaborate effectively in a cross-functional engineering environment.
Strong analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills with a passion for learning new technologies.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively in a team environment.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office and common software development tools (such as Git, Linux, or IDEs) is a plus.
Interest in storage technologies, semiconductors, embedded systems, cloud computing, AI, data analytics, or other emerging technologies.

Responsibilities

Design and verify ASIC architectures and digital logic
Build simulations and validate complex hardware designs
Support the ASIC development lifecycle—from architecture through synthesis, place-and-route, and timing closure
Optimize performance, power, and reliability
Collaborate across hardware, firmware, and systems engineering teams
Design and develop electronic hardware and magnetic recording systems
Create validation strategies and automated test solutions
Perform reliability, stress, and performance testing
Analyze circuit boards, processors, sensors, and other hardware components
Improve products from prototype through manufacturing
Design, develop, and debug embedded firmware
Write software in C, C++, Assembly, and other low-level languages
Integrate firmware with analog and digital hardware
Troubleshoot hardware-software interactions
Improve system performance, functionality, and reliability
Define system requirements and technical specifications
Integrate hardware, firmware, and software components
Coordinate subsystem development across engineering teams
Troubleshoot complex system-level issues
Improve product performance, compatibility, and reliability
Design mechanical components, assemblies, and packaging
Develop prototypes and evaluate new concepts
Perform engineering analysis and design validation
Conduct testing to improve performance and reliability
Partner with manufacturing teams to prepare products for production
Install, upgrade, and optimize manufacturing equipment
Improve equipment uptime, reliability, and process performance
Investigate equipment failures and implement corrective actions
Develop preventive maintenance strategies
Partner with manufacturing and process engineers to drive continuous improvement
Design, integrate, and validate SoC components and subsystems
Develop and verify digital logic, interfaces, and IP blocks
Support simulation, debugging, and hardware bring-up
Analyze system performance, power, timing, and reliability
Collaborate with ASIC, firmware, hardware, and systems engineering teams

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