Western Digital Technologies

Tribology engineer

Western Digital Technologies • $100K — $140K *
San Jose, CA 95123In-Person
Consumer Technology
5 - 7 years of experience
3 weeks ago
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • M.S. or Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, EE, Material Science, Physics, Chemistry, or equivalent with 5 years of industry experience.
  • Awareness of magnetic recording fundamentals.
  • Knowledge or experience in tribology, interface design, tribology testing, and material analysis.
  • Familiarity with head/media interface challenges in ePMR and HAMR technology.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities with attention to detail.

Responsibilities

  • Collaborate with design teams to support qualification of tribology enablers for improved interface reliability.
  • Develop and communicate qualification plans to global teams and oversee successful feature deployment.
  • Devise component tests to assess benefits and risks of tribological enablers pre-deployment.
  • Establish evaluation systems for analyzing head overcoat properties and tribological performance.
  • Conduct lifetime analysis and interpret results from nano-scale material analysis techniques.
  • Lead failure mode analysis and implement corrective actions through FMEA and root cause analysis.
  • Coordinate with HDD tribology integration teams to correlate component tests with product outcomes.

Benefits

  • Paid vacation time and paid sick leave.
  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
  • Life, accident, and disability insurance support.
  • Tuition reimbursement and employee assistance programs.
  • Stock purchase programs and 401(k) retirement savings plan.
Full Job Description
Job Description

Western Digital is seeking a Head Tribology Engineer to work on the qualification of innovative magnetic head features that improve head-media interface quality and reliability. You will be working with cross-functional teams to develop and oversee testing of these features, lay down qualification plans and execute them in a timely manner for successful deployment in the HDD product.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Work with Head ABS (Air Bearing Surface), HOC (Head Over Coat) and TM (Thermo-Mechanical) design teams to support qualification of tribology enablers critical to improving interface reliability.
  • Responsible for developing qualification plans, communicating to world-wide teams to get agreement, launch builds and follow up on schedules to ensure successfully deployment of features for the product.
  • Work with characterization teams to devise component tests which help to accurately assess the benefits and risk of enablers before they are deployed in the product.
  • Set up evaluation systems to investigate head overcoat surface properties and tribology performance. Need to have ability to understand and perform complex lifetime analysis including predictions.
  • Devise component level tests to assess head lifetime related to tribological wear. Must be able to interpret results from nano-scale material analysis techniques such as AFM, SEM, TEM, Auger to assess wear and failures.
  • Drive failure mode analysis and implement corrective actions (FMEA, root cause analysis).
  • Work with HDD tribology integration team to qualify enablers in the product. Perform correlations between component and HDD test results.
  • Organize complex technical information and clearly communicate findings either verbally or through written reports and presentations.
  • Participate in design reviews and provide technical expertise to support continuous improvement initiatives.
  • Create detailed technical documentation, including specifications related to head tribology for high volume manufacturing.


Qualifications

REQUIRED
  • M.S. or Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, EE, Material science, Physics, Chemistry, or equivalent with 5 years industry experience.
  • Awareness of magnetic recording fundamentals
  • Knowledge or experience in Tribology, interface design, tribology testing and material analysis.
  • Knowledge of head/media interface challenges in ePMR and HAMR technology
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities with attention to detail.

SKILLS
  • Data analysis and statistical tools such as JMP or Minitab.
  • Knowledge of nano-scale material analysis techniques such as AFM, SEM, TEM, Auger etc.
  • Project management experience and familiarity with cross-functional team coordination.
  • Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple projects efficiently.
  • Ability to be flexible and thrive in fast-paced development environment with a positive, can-do attitude.


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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