Industrial Engineer (IE), Manufacturing

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

The Senior Industrial Engineer (IE) is responsible for leading the analysis, design, and optimization of manufacturing processes to drive productivity, cost efficiency, and operational excellence within the HDD components manufacturing facility. This role leverages deep industrial engineering expertise to spearhead capacity planning, line optimization, and strategic improvement initiatives while mentoring junior engineers and collaborating across functions to achieve plant-wide performance goals.
 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead time and motion studies, establish standard times, and drive cycle time reduction initiatives across production lines.
• Perform advanced line balancing, manpower optimization, and resource planning to maximize throughput and minimize waste.
• Develop, maintain, and enhance capacity models to support strategic production planning, capital expenditure justification, and long-term site roadmaps.
• Analyze complex production data sets to identify systemic inefficiencies, yield loss drivers, and cost reduction opportunities.
• Lead continuous improvement projects using Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and Kaizen methodologies; drive projects from concept to validated results.
• Design and optimize factory layouts, material flow, and workstation ergonomics to support current and future production requirements.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (Manufacturing, Quality, Process Engineering, Maintenance, Planning) to implement sustainable process improvements.
• Support new product introduction (NPI) by defining manufacturing processes, cycle times, headcount, and equipment requirements.
• Mentor and guide junior IE engineers on methodologies, tools, and project execution.
• Develop and present IE performance metrics, project business cases, and cost-saving results to management.
• Drive standardization of best practices and SOPs across production areas.

Qualifications

REQUIRED:

• Bachelor's Degree in Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related discipline.
• 3–5 years of progressive working experience in an industrial engineering role within a high-volume manufacturing environment.
• Proven track record of leading and delivering productivity improvement or cost reduction projects.
• Strong expertise in time study, line balancing, capacity analysis, and process optimization.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (advanced Excel, PowerPoint, Word); strong data analysis and visualization skills.
• Solid understanding of Lean Manufacturing principles and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, process flow diagrams, and equipment specifications.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and critical-thinking skills.
• Good written and verbal communication skills in English with the ability to present to management.

PREFERRED:

• Experience in HDD, semiconductor, electronics, or precision manufacturing industries.
• Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD or factory layout design software.
• Experience with simulation tools (e.g., FlexSim, Arena) or statistical software (e.g., Minitab, JMP).
• Knowledge of ERP/MES systems and manufacturing data platforms.
• Experience leading cross-functional project teams in a multicultural environment.
• Familiarity with automation concepts and Industry 4.0 initiatives.

Additional Information

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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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