Semiconductor Memory Research and Qualification Staff Engineer

Seagate Technology•Shakopee, MN

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Seagate’s Research & Development organization drives long-term technology strategy and innovation. The Emerging Memory Group identifies, evaluates, and develops next-generation memory and storage technologies for future Seagate products, working with semiconductor design houses, startups, universities, research consortia, and internal teams to turn promising technologies into manufacturable solutions. The Semiconductor Memory Research and Qualification Staff Engineer identifies, evaluates, and qualifies advanced memory technologies across the lifecycle, from early-stage research and proof-of-concept demonstrations through component qualification and product integration. The role assesses technology readiness, identifies risks and opportunities, develops qualification strategies, and helps guide technology decisions affecting future products. The engineer develops and executes electrical characterization, reliability, and qualification plans aligned with applicable industry standards; investigates device and array behavior, performance tradeoffs, and failure mechanisms using design of experiments; and translates findings into actionable feedback for process, materials, and design teams. The role also develops and improves test infrastructure, including methodologies, laboratory capabilities, test programs and software, and data-analysis frameworks. It analyzes complex datasets, presents risk assessments and recommendations to engineering teams and leadership, monitors industry and academic developments, and contributes to broader R&D initiatives while building knowledge of Seagate storage technologies. The role is based at Seagate’s Shakopee campus. The position may require up to 10% travel.

Requirements

Hands-on experience characterizing and qualifying one or more memory technologies, such as DRAM, NAND Flash, MRAM, ReRAM, PCRAM, Optane-class memory, or Ferroelectric Memory (FeRAM/FeFET).
Deep expertise in semiconductor memory devices, characterization methodologies, reliability engineering, and qualification processes.
Hands-on knowledge of laboratory test equipment, automated probers, and ATE memory testers.
Strong programming and automation skills using C/C++ and Python for tester and test program development.
Experience with statistical analysis and large-scale data processing.
Strong problem-solving, communication, and cross-functional collaboration skills; self-driven and able to work with global teams.
Bachelor’s degree in a related engineering field and 8 or more years of experience; or a master’s degree in the same fields and 6 or more years of experience; or a PhD and 3 or more years of experience; or equivalent experience and education.
Related fields include Electrical, Chemical, or Computer Engineering, Materials, Physics, or Information Technology.

Nice To Haves

Track record of adopting AI tools to streamline technical work.
Familiarity with semiconductor manufacturing, wafer fabrication processes, process integration, and technology development workflows.
Experience working with external research organizations, universities, startups, or semiconductor ecosystem partners.

Responsibilities

Identify, evaluate, and qualify advanced memory technologies for future Seagate products.
Drive technology assessments from early-stage research and proof-of-concept demonstrations through component qualification and product integration.
Work with memory suppliers, startups, research institutions, and internal engineering teams to evaluate technology readiness, identify risks and opportunities, and develop qualification strategies.
Collaborate with device engineering, system architecture, product engineering, reliability, and test organizations to guide technology decisions.
Develop and execute electrical characterization, reliability, and qualification plans aligned with applicable industry standards.
Investigate device and array behavior, performance tradeoffs, and failure mechanisms through design of experiments.
Translate experimental findings into actionable feedback for process, materials, and design teams.
Present risk assessments and recommendations to engineering teams and leadership.
Develop, validate, and enhance test infrastructure, including test methodology, laboratory capabilities, test programs and software, and data-analysis frameworks.
Analyze large and complex datasets to identify trends, characterize risk, and recommend process, design, and product improvements.
Monitor industry and academic developments in memory technologies through conferences and external collaborations, and identify opportunities relevant to future Seagate products.
Build knowledge of Seagate storage technologies and contribute to broader research and development initiatives.
Use engineering judgment to provide technical direction for memory technology decisions.
Use experimental data, statistical methods, and root-cause analysis to resolve complex technical problems.
Build productive relationships and collaborate with cross-functional teams and departments globally.

Benefits

Discretionary bonus program eligibility.
Medical insurance.
Dental insurance.
Vision insurance.
Life insurance.
Short- and long-term disability coverage.
401(k).
Employee stock purchase plan.
Health savings account.
Dependent care account.
Healthcare spending account.
Paid time off, including 12 holidays, flexible time off pursuant to Seagate policy, and at least 48 hours of paid sick leave.
16 weeks of paid parental leave.
On-site fully equipped fitness center, wellness programs, tournaments, and group workouts.
On-site café.