Integration Engineer The data powering cloud computing, AI, and enterprise infrastructure relies on hard disk drives (HDDs). At WD, the Read/Write Integration team brings together Head, Media, and Channel technologies to build the next generation of HDDs. You'll work on Heat-Assisted Magnetic Recording (HAMR) —an advanced technology that is increasing storage capacity for data centers worldwide. From testing new features to analyzing performance data, you'll help turn cutting-edge research into products used across the globe.
What You'll Do:
As a Staff Engineer, you'll help develop, validate, and optimize next-generation HAMR drives from prototype through manufacturing.
You'll:
- Develop and validate new HDD features that improve performance, reliability, and capacity
- Test hardware across bench, drive-level, and manufacturing environments using Python, Kiko, and manufacturing test systems
- Analyze manufacturing and quality data using Python, R, and MATLAB to identify trends, optimize performance, and prevent customer issues
- Perform hardware failure analysis, investigate root causes, and partner with firmware engineers to resolve complex issues
- Read and interpret C/C++ manufacturing test code to understand system behavior and troubleshoot problems
- Collaborate with engineers across Firmware, Servo, Manufacturing, and Media teams
- Contribute to patents and innovative technologies that shape future HDD products
This role is part of WD's early career development program. WD's early career development program is ideal for individuals at the early stages of their professional career. Participants receive foundational training through structured onboarding, mentorship, and a curated development curriculum. The responsibilities of this role are typically aligned with candidates who have approximately 0–2+ years of relevant professional experience, though candidates of all experience levels are encouraged to apply.
Qualifications:- RequiredCurrently pursuing or recently completed a PhD in Physics, Materials Science, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field
- Experience programming in Python, R, and/or Matlab
- Ability to read and understand C or C++ code
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills using large engineering datasets
- Excellent collaboration, communication, and learning agility
- PreferredResearch in HAMR, magnetic recording, spintronics, magnetics, or storage technologies
- Hands-on laboratory or hardware testing experience
- Experience applying AI or machine learning to engineering data
- Internship or co-op experience in hardware, semiconductor, or storage engineering
- Publications or conference presentations related to your research