At Western Digital, our vision is to power global innovation and push the boundaries of technology to make what you thought was once impossible, possible.

At our core, Western Digital is a company of problem solvers. People achieve extraordinary things given the right technology. For decades, we’ve been doing just that. Our technology helped people put a man on the moon.

We are a key partner to some of the largest and highest growth organizations in the world. From energizing the most competitive gaming platforms, to enabling systems to make cities safer and cars smarter and more connected, to powering the data centers behind many of the world’s biggest companies and public cloud, Western Digital is fueling a brighter, smarter future.

Binge-watch any shows, use social media or shop online lately? You’ll find Western Digital supporting the storage infrastructure behind many of these platforms. And, that flash memory card that captures and preserves your most precious moments? That’s us, too.

We offer an expansive portfolio of technologies, storage devices and platforms for business and consumers alike. Our data-centric solutions are comprised of the Western Digital®, G-Technology™, SanDisk® and WD® brands.

Today’s exceptional challenges require your unique skills. It’s You & Western Digital. Together, we’re the next BIG thing in data.

The Western Digital R&D center in Fremont, CA is a world class research laboratory, wafer fab and manufacturing center at the intersection of San Francisco Bay and Silicon Valley. Research activities focus on all aspects of information storage technology and storage architecture. We are inviting applications for a position in optical-device-fabrication as part of the Advanced Head Development organization, where our mission is to invent and develop technology for future products, such as Heat Assisted Magnetic Recording (HAMR).  This is an opportunity to work where magnetic, optical and plasmonic devices converge on a nanoscale.  We have the capabilities of a fully-functional cleanroom with state-of-the-art equipment and a 24/7 support staff.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Work as a Research Scientist and Engineer in optical-device-fabrication at WD’s wafer fab in Fremont, CA.  
• Candidate will be responsible for developing new processes for fabrication of HAMR devices. 
• Job requires interfacing with engineers and scientists in process, characterization and design groups.

REQUIRED:

• PhD in Engineering, Chemistry, Materials Science, or Physics
• Minimum of four-years experience in semiconductor, optical/plasmonic and/or magnetic device fabrication
• Expertise in wafer processes such as lithography, wet etching, ion milling, reactive etching, thin films and CMP
• Exposure to wafer-level characterization such as SEM, FIB, TEM, AFM and ellipsometry is desirable
• Expertise in JMP or equivalent data analysis software

SKILLS:

• Problem-solving and analytical skills
• Candidate must be innovative, detail-oriented and have strong oral and written communication skills
• Excellent teamwork and people skills are required.

Western Digital is committed to providing equal opportunities to all applicants and employees and will not discriminate based on their race, color, ancestry, religion (including religious dress and grooming standards), sex (including pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, breastfeeding or related medical conditions), gender (including a person’s gender identity, gender expression, and gender-related appearance and behavior, whether or not stereotypically associated with the person’s assigned sex at birth), age, national origin, sexual orientation, medical condition, marital status (including domestic partnership status), physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, protected medical and family care leave, Civil Air Patrol status, military and veteran status, or other legally protected characteristics. We also prohibit harassment of any individual on any of the characteristics listed above. Our non-discrimination policy applies to all aspects of employment. We comply with the laws and regulations set forth in the Equal Employment Opportunity is the Law poster.

Western Digital 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.

Western Digital is committed to offering opportunities to applicants with disabilities and ensuring all candidates can successfully navigate our careers website and our hiring process. Please contact us at [email protected] to advise us of your accommodation request. In your email, please include a description of the specific accommodation you are requesting as well as the job title and requisition number of the position for which you are applying.