Senior Engineer, Systems Design Engineering

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 Summary

Responsible for investigating and determining root causes of hard disk drive failures across development, qualification, manufacturing, and field operations. This role focuses on electromechanical, magnetic recording, firmware, and media-related failures, and works cross-functionally to drive corrective and preventive actions that improve product reliability, quality, and customer satisfaction.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provides verbal and written status including clear and accurate FA summaries and test reports to the Lead Engineer and the Department Manager.
• Maintain proper documentation of test procedures and results & update failure tracking databases and spreadsheets.
• Cross‑Functional Exposure: Work closely with: Failure Analysis Engineers (senior/principal)
• Manufacturing and process engineering teams
• Design and reliability engineering teams
• Gain exposure to factory, lab, and NPI environments
• Support internal FA reviews and technical discussions
• Perform structured root cause analysis (8D, 5-Why, Fishbone)
• Identify whether failures are: Design-related
• Process/manufacturing-related
• Supplier-related
• Usage or system-integration-induced
• Drive corrective and preventive actions (CAPA) with design, manufacturing, and suppliers
• Validate fixes through FA closure and re-testing

REQUIRED:

• Bachelor’s degree or above in Electronic Engineering, Physics, or a related engineering discipline is required. 
• 0-2 years of relevant working experience; applications from fresh graduates are encouraged.

PREFERRED:

• Ability to read basic schematics and technical documentation
• Familiarity with laboratory equipment is an advantage
• Strong analytical and problem-solving mindset
• Willingness to learn complex HDD technologies
• Hands-on attitude and attention to detail
• Good written and verbal communication skills
• Able to follow structured troubleshooting steps
• Comfortable working in lab/factory environments
• Productivity tools such MS Office a must
• Proficient in programming languages such as C/C++, Python, and TCL; additional languages are an advantage.

SKILLS

• Technical Proficiency: Semiconductor/device physics, materials science, and reliability engineering
• Failure analysis techniques (e.g., Oscilloscope probe, multimeter usage, waveform analysis, trigger setting)
• Root cause analysis methodologies (e.g. 8D, FMEA)
• Knowledge of PCB, IC packaging, and microelectronics manufacturing processes
• Analytical & Problem-Solving Skills: Data interpretation and correlation of electrical, mechanical, and material test results
• Ability to identify, isolate, and resolve complex failure mechanisms
• Statistical analysis and use of tools like Minitab, JMP, or MATLAB
• Soft Skills: Strong communication for cross-functional collaboration and reporting
• Attention to detail with a methodical, documentation-driven approach
• Adaptability in fast-paced, high-priority investigation environments

WD is committed to providing equal opportunities to all applicants and employees and will not discriminate against any applicant or employee 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 "Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal” poster. Our pay transparency policy is available HERE

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.

WD 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 jobs.accommodations@wdc.com 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.

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.

WD 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 jobs.accommodations@wdc.com 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.

Notice To Candidates: Please be aware that WD and its subsidiaries will never request payment as a condition for applying for a position or receiving an offer of employment. Should you encounter any such requests, please report it immediately to WD Ethics Helpline or email compliance@wdc.com.