Staff Engineer - Vacuum Coating Equipment Design

Company Description

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.

Job Description

Position Summary / 职位概述

Join our next-generation Sunshine Sputter Platform as a Senior Vacuum Coating Equipment Design Engineer. You will lead the mechanical design and industrialization of advanced PVD magnetron sputtering and CVD deposition equipment, taking products from concept and prototype through production release and factory deployment in Shenzhen and Penang. Working closely with process, automation, manufacturing, and supplier teams, you will play a key role in delivering high-performance vacuum coating systems for volume manufacturing.

Key Responsibilities / 主要职责

• Lead the mechanical design of vacuum chambers, pumping systems, target assemblies, wafer/disk handling mechanisms, and thermal management modules using Creo/Pro-E.
• Perform structural, thermal, vacuum stress, and CFD simulations using Ansys to optimize chamber performance, vacuum integrity, pumping efficiency, and coating uniformity.
• Drive prototype development from fabrication through supplier assembly, system integration, equipment qualification, and production commissioning.
• Investigate and resolve mechanical issues including vacuum leaks, thermal deformation, motion reliability, interference, and cable routing.
• Develop DOE validation plans, engineering reports, 8D corrective actions, and engineering change documentation.
• Collaborate with process engineers, PLC/automation engineers, manufacturing teams, and suppliers to deliver integrated mechanical and electrical solutions.
• Prepare and maintain engineering documentation including BOMs, assembly procedures, maintenance manuals, and localization packages in both English and Chinese.
• Support equipment installation, startup, and engineering activities at manufacturing sites in Shenzhen and Penang.

Qualifications

Qualifications / 任职资格

Education

• Master's degree or above in Mechanical Engineering, Vacuum Engineering, Precision Manufacturing, or a related discipline.

Experience

• 5–10 years of mechanical design experience for PVD/CVD vacuum coating equipment or other high-vacuum precision equipment.
• Proven experience in complete vacuum chamber and equipment design.
• Experience in HDD carbon overcoat sputtering equipment is highly desirable.

Technical Skills

• Expert in Creo/Pro-E for 3D modeling, assembly design, and engineering drawing release.
• Proficient in Ansys for structural, thermal, and fluid simulations.
• Strong knowledge of turbomolecular pumps, high-vacuum chamber design, sealing technology, and vacuum piping systems.
• Familiar with stainless steel fabrication, aluminum precision machining, welding processes, and cleanroom-compatible equipment design.
• Strong understanding of Design for Manufacturing (DFM), Design for Assembly (DFA), and engineering change management.

Language

• Professional English communication skills, including technical documentation, engineering meetings, and collaboration with global suppliers and manufacturing teams.

Additional Information

WD thrives on the power and potential of diversity. As a global company, we believe the most effective way to embrace the diversity of our customers and communities is to mirror it from within. We believe the fusion of various perspectives results in the best outcomes for our employees, our company, our customers, and the world around us. We are committed to an inclusive environment where every individual can thrive through a sense of belonging, respect and contribution.

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Notice To Candidates: Please be aware that WD and its subsidiaries will never request payment as a condition for applying for a position or receiving an offer of employment. Should you encounter any such requests, please report it immediately to WD Ethics Helpline or email compliance@wdc.com.