Summer 2026 Intern - SOT Reader Film Research

Western Digital • San Jose, CA

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The CTO office focuses on developing and accessing next-generation materials and device technologies for scalable manufacturing. This includes areas such as spintronics, magnetic thin films, spin–orbit torque (SOT) materials, advanced deposition processes, nanoscale characterization, device integration, and emerging memory solutions.
We are seeking a highly motivated Research Intern to join our team, focusing on Spin–Orbit Torque (SOT) thin-film development for HDD read-head magnetic sensor applications. This role emphasizes SOT film research and development, test-chip fabrication and testing, device performance, and manufacturability. The responsibilities of this position include:
Collaborate with researchers and engineers to develop and optimize SOT thin film stacks compatible with semiconductor manufacturing requirements
Support thin film deposition and process tuning using industry-standard tools (e.g., sputtering, PVD), with attention to uniformity, repeatability, and yield
Perform electrical, magnetic, and structural characterization to evaluate film quality, SOT efficiency, switching current, and reliability metrics
Analyze device performance and variability using experimental data, statistical methods, and compact modeling approaches
Assist in integrating SOT thin films into prototype devices and test structures, working closely with fabrication and test teams
Document processes, results, and best practices in technical reports to support technology transfer and scale-up efforts
Contribute to cross-functional meetings with device, integration, and reliability teams to review results and align on development goals
This position is part of our Early Career program at WD. Our Early Career program is designed to support individuals beginning their professional career by providing the foundational training through a structured onboarding, mentorship, and development curriculum.

Requirements

• Currently pursuing BS in Engineering, Physics, Computer Science, or Mathematics or related field
• Knowledge of programming languages like Python or MATLAB and statistical analysis, and experience in system control and electrical testing.
• Passionate about problem-solving, research, and tackling complex technical challenges
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with researchers and engineers to develop and optimize SOT thin film stacks compatible with semiconductor manufacturing requirements
• Support thin film deposition and process tuning using industry-standard tools (e.g., sputtering, PVD), with attention to uniformity, repeatability, and yield
• Perform electrical, magnetic, and structural characterization to evaluate film quality, SOT efficiency, switching current, and reliability metrics
• Analyze device performance and variability using experimental data, statistical methods, and compact modeling approaches
• Assist in integrating SOT thin films into prototype devices and test structures, working closely with fabrication and test teams
• Document processes, results, and best practices in technical reports to support technology transfer and scale-up efforts
• Contribute to cross-functional meetings with device, integration, and reliability teams to review results and align on development goals

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

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Intern