Staff Engineer, Analytical & Characterization Engineering

Company Description

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 Description

The role involves leading TOF‑SIMS analysis to characterize thin films and surfaces, developing and validating analytical methods to support manufacturing and quality programs, and interpreting mass spectra for insights into process improvements. It includes supporting failure analysis, collaborating with cross-functional teams to apply findings, maintaining and troubleshooting TOF‑SIMS equipment, and training junior engineers and technicians. Additionally, it entails driving continuous improvements in analytical capabilities, preparing technical reports, and ensuring compliance with safety and quality standards in all operations.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead TOF‑SIMS analysis to characterize thin films, surfaces, interfaces, and contamination for media products.
• Develop, optimize, and validate TOF‑SIMS analytical methods to support manufacturing, quality, and development programs.
• Interpret complex mass spectra and depth profiles to provide actionable insights for process and material improvements.
• Support failure analysis and root‑cause investigations for yield loss, reliability issues, and process excursions.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams (Process, R&D, Quality, Reliability) to translate analytical findings into engineering solutions.
• Maintain and troubleshoot TOF‑SIMS equipment to ensure high uptime, accuracy, and calibration integrity.
• Train junior engineers, technicians, and cross‑functional partners on TOF‑SIMS fundamentals, sample preparation, and data interpretation.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives to enhance analytical capability, throughput, and data quality.
• Prepare technical reports, documentation, and presentations for internal stakeholders and global engineering teams.
• Ensure compliance with safety, quality, and data‑integrity standards in all analytical operations.

Qualifications

REQUIRED:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Materials Science, Chemistry, Physics, Chemical Engineering, or related field.

PREFERRED:

• Strong expertise in mass spectrometry and interpretation of complex spectra is a must.
• Experience in TOF‑SIMS operation, surface analysis, or other advanced materials characterization techniques is a plus.
• Proven experience supporting manufacturing processes, yield improvement, or failure analysis.
• Hands‑on experience with analytical instrumentation maintenance, calibration, and troubleshooting.
• Ability to translate analytical data into clear engineering recommendations.
• Experience in magnetic media, semiconductor, data storage, or thin‑film manufacturing.
• Familiarity with complementary techniques such as XPS, AES, SIMS, SEM/EDS, or AFM.
• Experience leading analytical method development or capability expansion projects. 
• Knowledge of statistical analysis, DOE, or SPC tools.

SKILLS:

• Strong communication skills for cross‑functional collaboration and technical reporting.
• Demonstrated ability to mentor or train others in analytical techniques

Additional Information

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