Back to job search

Principal Engineer - HGA Process (Chemical & Material Science)

Western Digital
Western Digital (Ayutthaya, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Thailand)
Ayutthaya, Thailand 🇹🇭
Western Digital
At Western Digital we create data storage solutions that power the technology of today and inspire the innovations of tomorrow.

About this position

The Principal Engineer, Chemical & Material Science (HGA), provides expert technical guidance in the fields of chemistry and material science, specifically related to Head Gimbal Assembly. This role includes advanced research, process development, and material optimization to improve HGA performance and reliability.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the lead technical expert in chemical and material science specifically for HGA technologies, focusing on innovation, process improvements to enhance efficiency, yield, and product performance.
• Drive improvements in process efficiency, aiming to reduce cycle times, cost, and material wastage while maintaining high-quality standards.
• Serve as a primary technical resource to analyze and troubleshoot material-related issues in HGA manufacturing, recommending corrective actions to resolve defects or inefficiencies.
• Analyze test data to diagnose material failures, identify root causes, and implement corrective actions.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate process improvements and ensure seamless implementation.
• Establish and document process standards and specifications for chemical treatments and material applications in HGA.
• Provide technical expertise and support to production teams for troubleshooting and process optimization.
• Identify and integrate new technologies and techniques that could impact HGA production, including automation and digital tools for material science.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemical Science/Engineering, Material Science, or a related field.
• 5+ years of experience in material science, preferably in the hard drive industry.
• Advanced knowledge of chemical and material science principles, with specific expertise in HGA process engineering.
• Understanding in statistical analysis, design of experiments, and root cause analysis.
• Experience with process optimization, control, and lean manufacturing principles.
• Good knowledge of hard drive manufacturing processes, particularly HGA.
• Understanding of clean room environments and contamination control.