System Integration Test (SIT) Lab Program Manager

Western Digital•Rochester, MN

5d•Onsite

About The Position

The SIT Lab is at the center of WD's product quality story. Our team validates WD's HDD products against the world's most demanding hyperscale and enterprise customers—ensuring that what ships is ready for the real world. As a Program Manager in our PMO, you'll work at the intersection of engineering, program management, and customer engagement, with visibility across WD's product roadmap and direct influence on the decisions that matter. You'll be part of a team that's actively transforming how we work through new tools, processes, and technologies—and you'll have the opportunity to help shape that transformation. A SIT Lab Program Manager serves as the primary bridge between the SIT Lab and the broader cross-functional organization—owning the SIT Lab's validation plans for multiple development and sustaining programs, influencing program-level decisions, and driving the lab's readiness for product launches across WD's HDD portfolio. The ideal candidate operates with a high degree of independence, brings expert-level knowledge of SIT Lab processes and HDD storage technologies, and has a demonstrated ability to influence decisions and drive outcomes across organizational boundaries without formal authority.

Requirements

Excellent understanding of HDD storage technologies—interface protocols, recording technology, firmware architecture, and storage sub-components
Advanced understanding of firmware architecture and firmware features
Mastery of defect tracker usage and best practices
Expert ability to understand, facilitate, and communicate risk assessment discussions
Expert ability to prepare and deliver executive-level summaries and program communications
Expert understanding and application of effective program management methods and processes
Demonstrated ability to own and manage complex, multi-customer validation programs end-to-end with minimal direction
Proven ability to proactively identify program risks and drive resolution across organizational boundaries
Ability to lead and coordinate large-scale projects with cross-functional impact
Expert understanding of WD customer segments and markets
Expert understanding of the HDD storage landscape and WD's technology and roadmap
Strong understanding of functional areas within and outside the SIT Lab
Advanced understanding of the future of storage technologies and industry trends
Demonstrated ability to influence decisions and outcomes across multiple departments without formal authority
Experience formally leading and mentoring others
Ability to contribute to organizational strategy and identify areas for process improvement
Comfortable presenting to senior and executive leadership
Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical field
10+ years of related experience in program management, product validation, or a related engineering role within the HDD or data storage industry
Demonstrated expertise in HDD storage technologies and product validation processes
Proven track record of managing complex programs across multiple customers and organizational boundaries

Nice To Haves

Master's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical field
Experience in a SIT Lab or Quality organization within WD or a comparable data storage company
Familiarity with WD's product development lifecycle, Core Team structure, and qualification processes
Experience leading cross-functional transformation or continuous improvement initiatives

Responsibilities

Own the SIT Lab validation plan for assigned Development and Sustaining programs from staging through QSR
Serve as the primary SIT Lab focal point for one or more Program Core Team(s) on all program-related matters
Partner with the SIT Lab Technology Development team to prepare the SIT Lab for programs in the pipeline and coordinate all activities leading up to QSR
Provide regular communication to SIT Lab teams on code releases, program timelines, and program-related updates
Provide periodic milestone summary communications to SIT Lab management and Core Teams
Actively participate in quarterly program reviews to help the team plan and manage roadmap demands, discuss continuous improvement initiatives, and conduct retrospectives
Proactively identify program risks and issues and drive them to resolution in a timely manner
Represent the SIT Lab in Core Team meetings across multiple programs
Influence the SIT Lab validation plan for products in any phase of the product lifecycle
Influence program-level decisions by understanding the broader development process and its dependencies on SIT Lab outputs
Participate in and contribute to release discussions and phase gate decisions based on SIT Lab quality data and business needs
Drive cross-functional influence across multiple departments to resolve issues, align on plans, and deliver on commitments
Regularly present program status, risks, and milestone summaries to SIT Lab staff and Quality Management; occasionally present to the Executive Leadership Team
Lead and coordinate large-scale projects that have impact within and outside the SIT Lab
Actively participate in transformational initiatives that shape the long-term strategy and success of the SIT Lab
Participate in cross-functional continuous improvement projects and process improvement initiatives
Formally lead and mentor other team members within the SIT Lab PMO and broader organization
Contribute to the SIT Lab's technical direction and identify opportunities to improve processes and systems

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