Staff Engineer, Wafer Metrology

Western Digital•San Jose, CA

2d•$115,200 - $153,600•Onsite

About The Position

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

B.S., M.S., or Ph.D. in physics, chemistry, engineering (chemical, mechanical, electrical), material science
Programming/scripting experience in any of SQL, Python, Matlab, JSL, C#, etc.
Strong detail-oriented work habits.
Ability to complete projects on schedule

Nice To Haves

Clean room and wafer fabrication/processing experience is needed, preferably in a manufacturing environment.
Experience with spectra analysis and film stack modeling strongly preferred: visible light reflectometry, spectroscopic ellipsometry, x-ray fluorescence.
Experience with application of atomic force microscopy in a production environment preferred.
Knowledge of tunneling electron microscopy including practical experience with sample preparation, extraction/handling, and imaging.

Responsibilities

Develop and implement precise, robust, and high-throughput solutions to control high volume manufacturing of complex, three dimensional thin film magnetic read/write head structures.
Develop spectroscopic ellipsometer models to measure thin film thickness and index of refraction.
Create recipes for atomic force microscopes.
Analyze x-ray fluorescence spectra.
Collaborate closely with process engineering teams that support wafer manufacturing operations.
Develop, document, optimize, and sustain automated inspection recipes and process control solutions.
Develop and refine technical methods/processes to identify root causes of operational issues, process inefficiencies, and measurement deviations.
Establish accurate baseline measurements and qualification of metrology solutions by collaborating with cross-functional teams across the fab.
Deploy robust metrology system calibration and correlation strategies.
Identify and resolve equipment issues, collaborating with equipment engineering teams and tool vendors to ensure optimal tool performance.
Cross-train within Metrology Engineering to ensure seamless support coverage across teams.
Partner with engineering and quality teams to analyze real-time metrology data, identify process deviations, and implement automated corrective strategies to improve yield and reduce cycle time.
Summarize, document, and present results to technical and executive audiences to drive data-driven improvements.
Communicate effectively with both management and shop floor.
Display comfort and skill in presenting issues/findings.