Western Digital Technologies

System Integration Test (SIT) Lab Program Manager

Western Digital Technologies • $108K — $130K *
Rochester, MN 55901In-Person
Manufacturing & Automotive
8 - 10 years of experience
Today
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Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.
  • 10+ years of experience in program management, product validation, or engineering in the HDD/data storage sector.
  • Expertise in HDD storage technologies and validation processes.
  • Proven ability to manage complex programs across multiple customers and organizations.
  • Demonstrated skills in leading cross-functional transformations and processes.

Responsibilities

  • Own validation plans for assigned SIT Lab Development and Sustaining programs.
  • Serve as the main contact for program-related matters within the SIT Lab.
  • Coordinate with Technology Development to prepare the lab for upcoming programs.
  • Communicate regularly on program updates and timelines to SIT Lab teams.
  • Participate actively in program reviews and continuous improvement discussions.
  • Identify and resolve program risks in a timely manner.
  • Present program status and risks to management and occasionally to executive leadership.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance packages.
  • Paid vacation and sick leave.
  • Employee assistance and wellness programs.
  • Tuition reimbursement and professional development opportunities.
  • 401(k) retirement plan with company matching contributions.
Full Job Description
Job Description

Why Join Us

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.

About the Role

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.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Program Ownership & Communication
  • 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

Cross-Functional Influence
  • 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

Leadership & Organizational Contribution
  • 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


Qualifications

What We're Looking For

Technical Knowledge
  • 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

Program Management
  • 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

Domain Knowledge
  • 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

Leadership & Influence
  • 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

Minimum Qualifications
  • 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

Preferred Qualifications
  • 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


Compensation & Benefits Details
  • An employee's pay position within the salary range may be based on several factors including but not limited to (1) relevant education; qualifications; certifications; and experience; (2) skills, ability, knowledge of the job; (3) performance, contribution and results; (4) geographic location; (5) shift; (6) internal and external equity; and (7) business and organizational needs.
  • The salary range is what we believe to be the range of possible compensation for this role at the time of this posting. We may ultimately pay more or less than the posted range and this range is only applicable for jobs to be performed in California, Colorado, New York or remote jobs that can be performed in California, Colorado and New York. This range may be modified in the future.
  • If your position is non-exempt, you are eligible for overtime pay pursuant to company policy and applicable laws. You may also be eligible for shift differential pay, depending on the shift to which you are assigned.
  • You will be eligible to be considered for bonuses under either WD's Short Term Incentive Plan ("STI Plan") or the Sales Incentive Plan ("SIP") which provides incentive awards based on Company and individual performance, depending on your role and your performance. You may be eligible to participate in our annual Long-Term Incentive (LTI) program, which consists of restricted stock units (RSUs) or cash equivalents, pursuant to the terms of the LTI plan. Please note that not all roles are eligible to participate in the LTI program, and not all roles are eligible for equity under the LTI plan. RSU awards are also available to eligible new hires, subject to WD's Standard Terms and Conditions for Restricted Stock Unit Awards.
  • We offer a comprehensive package of benefits including 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; and the WD Savings 401(k) Plan.
  • Note: No amount of pay is considered to be wages or compensation until such amount is earned, vested, and determinable. The amount and availability of any bonus, commission, benefits, or any other form of compensation and benefits that are allocable to a particular employee remains in the Company's sole discretion unless and until paid and may be modified at the Company's sole discretion, consistent with the law.

About Western Digital Technologies

Western Technology Investment is a venture capital firm that specializes in offering acquisition financing to revenue-generating firms. The firm provides debt and lease financing to venture capital backed technology companies.

Western Digital Technologies Careers

Join the innovative world of Western Digital Technologies, a leader in data storage solutions, where we are committed to empowering our global team of professionals. This is an unparalleled opportunity to advance your career with a company at the forefront of technological innovation and digital storage.

Work You’ll Do

At Western Digital Technologies, you will be part of a dynamic team that drives data innovation across various industries. Our commitment to excellence and leadership in the technology sector provides a unique platform for professionals to influence the future of digital storage and management solutions.

Explore Job Opportunities and Growth

Western Digital Technologies offers a variety of job opportunities that cater to a range of skills and experiences. Whether you’re looking for an entry-level position or a more senior role, our company is eager to support your professional growth through challenging projects and continuous learning opportunities.

Internship Programs

Kickstart your career with Western Digital Technologies through our internship programs. These positions are designed to give you hands-on experience and insights into our day-to-day operations, preparing you for a full-time role in our company. Interns at Western Digital Technologies gain invaluable industry knowledge, networking opportunities, and professional skills under the guidance of experienced mentors.

Benefits and Culture

We pride ourselves on a culture that fosters diversity, innovation, and leadership. Western Digital Technologies is dedicated to providing employees with a supportive work environment where everyone is encouraged to be their best. Our benefits package is comprehensive, including health, dental, and vision insurance, employee wellness programs, and significant career development opportunities.

Join Our Team

We are continuously hiring creative, curious, and motivated individuals who are ready to drive innovation in the technology space. Explore open positions that match your skills and interests on our careers page. At Western Digital Technologies, we value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

Professional Development and Training

Advance your career with Western Digital Technologies through our professional development programs. We offer a range of training and development options, including leadership training, skills enhancement workshops, and diversity training sessions to help you grow as a leader and innovator in our industry.

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Apply Now

Ready to take the next step in your career? Submit your resume, prepare for your interview, and join a team that’s redefining the future of technology. At Western Digital Technologies, your future is waiting.

SEARCH WESTERN DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES JOBS

Join us at Western Digital Technologies, where your career growth is integrated with innovation and leadership, empowering you to reach new heights in the technology industry.
Learn more about Western Digital Technologies
Size
65,600 employees
Market Cap
$9.9 billion
Industry
Enterprise Technology
Net Income
$167 million
Founded
1970
5 Year Trend
-0.3%
Revenue
$16.3 billion
NASDAQ
WDC
* Ladders Estimates

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