Photomask Design Architect

Western Digital•San Jose, CA

About The Position

We are seeking a Photomask Design Architect to join our innovative Mask Design team in San Jose, CA. In this critical role, you will be responsible for designing and optimizing photomasks for Wafer Development and Manufacturing based on electrical/ optical/ magnetic design specifications and process requirements, including post-wafer processing. Design photomasks for magnetic HDD head wafers to enable technology leadership and on-time new product launch Engage with wafer process integration & photo-lithography teams to define mask sequences (wafer alignment tree) and metrology requirements for new processes, new designs, and assure the electrical integrity of the head build Define new wafer formats and wafer technology platforms. Interlock with wafer, slider, HGA, and staging teams to define electrical configuration, pad orientation/ assignments Work with post-wafer teams to design ELG's, alignment marks for new product requirements to enable strategic roadmaps Collaborate with cross-functional teams to optimize mask designs for manufacturability, high yields, and process robustness; engage in F/A activities Maintain design rule decks for various wafer formats, head design, test structure and other wafer features Interface with mask vendors to assure mask quality and delivery time reduction; enable multiple suppliers when possible Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior team members Contribute to the development of new photomask design methodologies, best practices and automation

Requirements

Master's degree in Physics/ Chemistry/ Engineering.
10+ years of experience in wafer process integration, photolithography and/or mask design
Experience with HDD head wafer products is needed
Strong analytical skills for interpreting electrical, optical, and magnetic design requirements, data analysis
Exceptional attention to detail and precision in design work
Excellent project management and problem-solving abilities in a complex technical and fast-paced environment
Effective communication and collaboration skills; team player

Nice To Haves

Prior work history within WD is preferred

Responsibilities

Design photomasks for magnetic HDD head wafers to enable technology leadership and on-time new product launch
Engage with wafer process integration & photo-lithography teams to define mask sequences (wafer alignment tree) and metrology requirements for new processes, new designs, and assure the electrical integrity of the head build
Define new wafer formats and wafer technology platforms.
Interlock with wafer, slider, HGA, and staging teams to define electrical configuration, pad orientation/ assignments
Work with post-wafer teams to design ELG's, alignment marks for new product requirements to enable strategic roadmaps
Collaborate with cross-functional teams to optimize mask designs for manufacturability, high yields, and process robustness; engage in F/A activities
Maintain design rule decks for various wafer formats, head design, test structure and other wafer features
Interface with mask vendors to assure mask quality and delivery time reduction; enable multiple suppliers when possible
Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior team members
Contribute to the development of new photomask design methodologies, best practices and automation

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