Western Digital
Data Storage
PrincipalEngineer,EquipmentEngineering
Neural analysis suggests this role is
optimal for mid candidates.
“Principal Engineer, Equipment Engineering at Western Digital. Skills: Sputtering systems, Vacuum technology, Automation systems, Equipment reliability. Lead strategic equipment engineering initiatives. Lead complex equipment troubleshooting”
What You'll Achieve.
improve equipment reliability, manufacturing efficiency, OEE performance, and long-term operational sustainability; achieve manufacturing and technology objectives; enhance manufacturing capability and productivity; Drive cost reduction initiatives through equipment optimization, spare part management, energy efficiency improvements, and operational excellence programs
Industry & Context.
analytical and problem-solving skills with ability to resolve highly complex technical challenges; Lead complex equipment troubleshooting and advanced root cause analysis for critical manufacturing issues
Ensure compliance with all safety regulations, company policies, environmental requirements, and industry standards related to equipment operation and engineering activities
What They're Looking For.
Must Have
Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Electronic, Materials Engineering, or a related engineering discipline, Minimum 15–20 years of experience in equipment engineering within sputter media, semiconductor, vacuum coating, or advanced manufacturing industries, technical expertise in sputtering systems, vacuum technology, plasma physics, thin-film deposition, automation systems, and equipment control architecture, Proven experience leading large-scale engineering projects, factory technology upgrades, and cross-functional strategic initiatives, knowledge of equipment reliability engineering, predictive maintenance methodologies, and manufacturing performance optimization, Experience in data analytics, SPC, equipment performance monitoring, and OEE improvement initiatives, Excellent leadership, communication, technical presentation, and stakeholder management skills, project management capability with experience managing complex engineering programs and technical teams, Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and engineering data analysis tools
Nice to Have
Experience in a sputter media or semiconductor manufacturing environment, Knowledge of high-vacuum technology and plasma physics, Experience with PLC programming, robotics integration, SECS/GEM communication, and manufacturing execution systems (MES)
What You'll Do.
Lead strategic equipment engineering initiatives
Lead complex equipment troubleshooting
Develop and standardize engineering practices
Lead major equipment upgrades
Provide technical leadership for new equipment development
Collaborate with Process Engineering
and Global Engineering teams
Drive predictive maintenance
reliability engineering
and data analytics initiatives
Lead engineering evaluations for new technologies
Establish equipment standards
technical specifications
engineering governance
and operational guidelines
Provide expert guidance in vacuum systems
and equipment architecture optimization
Lead supplier technical engagements
and external engineering collaborations
Mentor and develop engineers
technical specialists
and engineering leaders
Drive cost reduction initiatives
Lead engineering reviews
failure analysis discussions
and technical presentations
Ensure compliance with all safety regulations
environmental requirements
and industry standards
Promote continuous improvement culture
How You'll Work.
Team & Collaboration
Collaborate closely with Process Engineering, Yield Engineering, Production, Quality, Facilities, and Global Engineering teams; Lead supplier technical engagements, OEM partnerships, and external engineering collaborations; Mentor and develop engineers, technical specialists, and engineering leaders; Lead engineering reviews, failure analysis discussions, and technical presentations for senior management and global engineering organizations; Ability to influence cross-functional and global teams
Communication Scope
Excellent leadership, communication, technical presentation, and stakeholder management skills; Excellent communication and technical writing skills for reports, procedures, technical reviews, and executive presentations
Process & Methodology
Proven experience leading large-scale engineering projects, factory technology upgrades, cross-functional strategic initiatives, project management capability with experience managing complex engineering programs and technical teams
Full Job Description
At WD, 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, WD 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 and capture the first-ever picture of a black hole. We offer an expansive portfolio of technologies, HDDs, and platforms for business, creative professionals, and consumers alike under our Western Digital®, WD®, and WD_BLACK™. We are a key partner to some of the largest and highest-growth organizations in the world. From enabling systems to make cities safer and more connected, to powering the data centers behind many of the world’s biggest companies and hyperscale cloud providers, to meeting the massive and ever-growing data storage needs of the AI era, WD is fueling a brighter, smarter future. Today’s exceptional challenges require your unique skills. Together, we can build the future of data storage. As a Principal Equipment Engineer specializing in sputter media manufacturing, you will serve as the technical authority and strategic leader for sputtering equipment, manufacturing technology, and engineering innovation within the organization. You will lead advanced equipment engineering initiatives, drive long-term technology roadmaps, and provide expert-level support for equipment reliability, manufacturing excellence, and next-generation HDD product development. This role requires strong technical expertise in sputtering systems, vacuum technology, automation, and advanced manufacturing processes, along with the ability to influence cross-functional organizations, mentor engineering teams, and lead large-scale strategic projects across multiple manufacturing areas. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: * Lead strategic equipment engineering initiatives to improve equipment reliability, manufacturing efficiency, OEE perfor
Applying for this Principal Engineer, Equipment Engineering role?
Most applicants get filtered before a human reads their resume. See if yours makes the cut.
How to Apply on SmartRecruiters
- SmartRecruiters often includes a video screening step — check camera and mic permissions.
- Link your GitHub or portfolio directly in the profile section for technical roles.
- Applications may be reviewed by AI scoring before reaching a recruiter — use keywords from the job description.
ANONYMOUS · UNFILTERED
What do employees actually say about Western Digital?
Real rants from real employees. Read before you apply.