Principal Engineer, Equipment Engineering

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

As a Principal Equipment Engineer specializing in sputter media manufacturing, you will serve as the technical authority and strategic leader for sputtering equipment, manufacturing technology, and engineering innovation within the organization. You will lead advanced equipment engineering initiatives, drive long-term technology roadmaps, and provide expert-level support for equipment reliability, manufacturing excellence, and next-generation HDD product development. This role requires strong technical expertise in sputtering systems, vacuum technology, automation, and advanced manufacturing processes, along with the ability to influence cross-functional organizations, mentor engineering teams, and lead large-scale strategic projects across multiple manufacturing areas.
 
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead strategic equipment engineering initiatives to improve equipment reliability, manufacturing efficiency, OEE performance, and long-term operational sustainability.
• Lead complex equipment troubleshooting and advanced root cause analysis for critical manufacturing issues, implementing robust corrective and preventive actions.
• Develop and standardize best-in-class engineering practices, maintenance strategies, and equipment performance optimization methodologies across manufacturing operations.
• Lead major equipment upgrades, system redesigns, automation integration, and machine conversion programs to enhance manufacturing capability and productivity.
• Provide technical leadership for new equipment development, factory expansion projects, equipment qualification, commissioning, and production ramp activities.
• Collaborate closely with Process Engineering, Yield Engineering, Production, Quality, Facilities, and Global Engineering teams to achieve manufacturing and technology objectives.
• Drive predictive maintenance, reliability engineering, and data analytics initiatives using SPC, equipment monitoring systems, and advanced failure analysis techniques.
• Lead engineering evaluations for new technologies, automation solutions, AI-driven manufacturing applications, and Industry 4.0 initiatives to improve operational performance.
• Establish equipment standards, technical specifications, engineering governance, and operational guidelines to ensure consistency across manufacturing operations.
• Provide expert guidance in vacuum systems, plasma generation, sputtering processes, automation controls, robotics, and equipment architecture optimization.
• Lead supplier technical engagements, OEM partnerships, and external engineering collaborations to support technology development, equipment enhancement, and problem resolution.
• Mentor and develop engineers, technical specialists, and engineering leaders by strengthening technical competencies, leadership capabilities, and knowledge-sharing culture.
• Drive cost reduction initiatives through equipment optimization, spare part management, energy efficiency improvements, and operational excellence programs.
• Lead engineering reviews, failure analysis discussions, and technical presentations for senior management and global engineering organizations.
• Ensure compliance with all safety regulations, company policies, environmental requirements, and industry standards related to equipment operation and engineering activities.
• Promote continuous improvement culture through Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma methodologies, and engineering innovation programs.

Qualifications

REQUIRED:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Electronic, Materials Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
• Minimum 15–20 years of experience in equipment engineering within sputter media, semiconductor, vacuum coating, or advanced manufacturing industries.
• Strong technical expertise in sputtering systems, vacuum technology, plasma physics, thin-film deposition, automation systems, and equipment control architecture.
• Proven experience leading large-scale engineering projects, factory technology upgrades, and cross-functional strategic initiatives.
• Strong knowledge of equipment reliability engineering, predictive maintenance methodologies, and manufacturing performance optimization.
• Experience in data analytics, SPC, equipment performance monitoring, and OEE improvement initiatives.
• Excellent leadership, communication, technical presentation, and stakeholder management skills.
• Strong project management capability with experience managing complex engineering programs and technical teams.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and engineering data analysis tools.

PREFERRED:

• Experience in a sputter media or semiconductor manufacturing environment.
• Knowledge of high-vacuum technology and plasma physics.
• Experience with PLC programming, robotics integration, SECS/GEM communication, and manufacturing execution systems (MES).

SKILLS:

• Expert knowledge of vacuum systems, sputtering technology, plasma processes, and thin-film deposition equipment.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with ability to resolve highly complex technical challenges.
• Advanced understanding of automation systems, PLC controls, robotics, sensors, and machine interface systems.
• Strong equipment reliability engineering and predictive maintenance expertise.
• Excellent leadership and mentoring capability to guide engineering teams and technical organizations.
• Strong strategic thinking and decision-making capability aligned with manufacturing and business objectives.
• Ability to drive innovation, technology transformation, and operational excellence initiatives.
• Excellent communication and technical writing skills for reports, procedures, technical reviews, and executive presentations.
• Strong collaboration skills with ability to influence cross-functional and global teams.
• Ability to work effectively in fast-paced manufacturing and technology-driven environments.

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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