Senior IT Technologist, Applications Engineering

Western Digital • San Jose, CA

2d • Onsite

About The Position

At Western Digital, our vision is to power global innovation and push the boundaries of technology to make what you thought was once impossible, possible. At our core, Western Digital is a company of problem solvers. People achieve extraordinary things given the right technology. For decades, we’ve been doing just that—our technology helped people put a man on the moon and capture the first-ever picture of a black hole. We offer an expansive portfolio of technologies, HDDs, and platforms for business, creative professionals, and consumers alike under our Western Digital®, WD®, WD_BLACK™, and SanDisk® Professional brands. We are a key partner to some of the largest and highest-growth organizations in the world. From enabling systems to make cities safer and more connected, to powering the data centers behind many of the world’s biggest companies and hyperscale cloud providers, to meeting the massive and ever-growing data storage needs of the AI era, Western Digital is fueling a brighter, smarter future. Today’s exceptional challenges require your unique skills. Together, we can build the future of data storage.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Information Systems, or related field.
• Minimum 12 years of experience in IT architecture design and implementation, with a strong focus on the manufacturing domain.
• Minimum 15 total years' experience in other technical roles such as developer or system analyst.
• Proven experience in designing and implementing MES, industrial automation, and other manufacturing systems.
• Experience with MES and Manufacturing workflow and process technologies.
• Knowledge of industrial automation protocols and standards (e.g., Secs Gem, Modbus, OPC UA).
• Experience with data analytics and visualization tools.
• Proficiency in Agile development methodologies and Project Management methodologies.
• Deep understanding of IT security principles and best practices in the manufacturing environment.
• Expertise in cloud computing platforms (e.g., AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud) and their application in manufacturing IT.
• Strong knowledge of IoT technologies and their integration with manufacturing systems.
• Experience with ERP systems and their integration with manufacturing processes.
• Proficiency in programming languages relevant to manufacturing IT (e.g., Python, Java, C++).
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively collaborate with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Strong leadership skills with experience in managing cross-functional teams.

Nice To Haves

• PhD in a relevant field such as Computer Science, Engineering, or Information Systems.
• Industry certifications such as CISSP, PMP, or ITIL.
• Experience with lean manufacturing principles and Six Sigma methodologies.
• Knowledge of semiconductor manufacturing processes and technologies.
• Experience with digital twin technology and its application in manufacturing.

Responsibilities

• Trusted Business Partner and single point-of-contact accountable to Wafer Business Leadership for all IT MFG Wafer requests, project deliverables and timelines, and Service Level Agreements necessary to provide MFG Operations 24x7 IT Systems availability
• Conduct thorough analyses of Wafer manufacturing processes and workflows to pinpoint opportunities for IT-driven automation and optimization.
• Effectively manage and prioritize a portfolio of IT projects within the wafer manufacturing domain.
• Liaison to all IT Support Functions to ensure consistent integrity of IT end-to-end solution architecture and foster functional relationships with other project and supporting application owners.
• Work with IT MFG Architecture team to develop and oversee the IT architecture roadmap for the Wafer manufacturing domain, ensuring seamless alignment with the overarching enterprise architecture strategy.
• Maintain comprehensive documentation for Wafer IT architecture and systems.
• Assure IT MFG Change Process Guidelines are followed to assure no unplanned MFG impacts due to changes to any component within the IT infrastructure and application sphere.
• Foster a DevOps culture that nurtures digital transformation and optimizes application delivery timelines while minimizing effort and costs.
• Keep abreast of emerging technologies and trends in the manufacturing IT landscape.
• Possess a deep understanding of current technology, solutions, and industry trends, and conceptualize solutions that effectively address business needs, opportunities, and challenges.
• Lead discussions on solution options/alternatives and their associated impacts.
• Validate the alignment of Wafer IT MFG solutions with corporate standards and compliance requirements.
• Establish and enforce IT security standards and protocols specific to the manufacturing domain.
• Spearhead the preparation of Wafer IT architecture plans and documentation for the architectural review process (e.g., ARB) and architecture team to facilitate discussions regarding necessary modifications to project solution architecture, overcoming design challenges, or addressing deviations observed in project design.
• Lead IT MFG Wafer efforts to provide digital transparency for all IT MFG application solutions and meaningful KPI Metrics that provide the business with necessary insights to make the appropriate financial decisions that optimize revenue.
• Foster a DevOps culture that nurtures digital transformation and optimizes application delivery timelines while minimizing effort and costs.
• Constant business interfacing requires on-site presence at either Great Oaks San Jose, or Fremont MFG Factories 5 days per week.

Benefits

• We offer a comprehensive package of benefits including 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; and the Western Digital Savings 401(k) Plan.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees