Western Digital

Data Storage

TechnologistTribologyEngineering

$164–219k San Jose, California, United States FULL TIME Remote Friendly
Market Sentiment
HIGH DEMAND

Neural analysis suggests this role is
optimal for mid candidates.

The Brief

“Technologist Tribology Engineering at Western Digital. Skills: Tribology, Interface science, Surface/material characterization techniques, Tribological testing and data analysis, Head-media interface (HMI) in HDD systems, Advanced recording technologies (ePMR, HAMR). Investigate and characterize media thermal, optical, mechanical, and magnetic properties and their impact on the head-media interface (HMI) for next-generation HDD products.. Develop and implement advanced surface characterization a”

What You'll Achieve.

Enable robust interface solutions for ePMR and HAMR technologies; Validate and qualify interface designs for production readiness; Improve product reliability; Ensuring smooth ramp of new media/interface designs

Industry & Context.

Data Storage
Problems you'll solve

Problem solvers; Analytical and problem-solving skills

What They're Looking For.

Must Have

Masters or Ph. D. degree in Materials Science, Physics, Chemistry, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering, or related discipline, Min 8-10 years of work experience in Tribology field, Tribology and interface science experience, Surface/material characterization techniques (e. g. , AFM, FTIR, XPS/ESCA, TEM), Tribological testing and data analysis experience, Experience or familiarity with Head-media interface (HMI) in HDD systems

Nice to Have

Advanced recording technologies (ePMR, HAMR) is highly preferred

What You'll Do.

Investigate and characterize media thermal

and magnetic properties and their impact on the head-media interface (HMI) for next-generation HDD products.

Develop and implement advanced surface characterization and tribology evaluation systems to assess media performance

Collaborate cross-functionally with lubrication (lube) and carbon overcoat (COC) design teams to enable robust interface solutions for ePMR and HAMR technologies.

Drive integration efforts with HDD tribology and recording integration teams to validate and qualify interface designs for production readiness.

Perform failure analysis and root cause investigations

leveraging advanced material and surface analysis techniques to improve product reliability.

Support technology transfer from R&D to manufacturing

ensuring smooth ramp of new media/interface designs.

How You'll Work.

Team & Collaboration

Collaborate cross-functionally with lubrication (lube) and carbon overcoat (COC) design teams; Drive integration efforts with HDD tribology and recording integration 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. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES * Investigate and characterize media thermal, optical, mechanical, and magnetic properties and their impact on the head-media interface (HMI) for next-generation HDD products. * Develop and implement advanced surface characterization and tribology evaluation systems to assess media performance, durability, and reliability. * Collaborate cross-functionally with lubrication (lube) and carbon overcoat (COC) design teams to enable robust interface solutions for ePMR and HAMR technologies. * Drive integration efforts with HDD tribology and recording integration teams to validate and qualify interface designs for production readiness. * Perform failure analysis and root cause investigations, leveraging advanced material and surface analysis techniques to improve product reliability. * Support technology transfer from R&D to manufacturing, ensuring smooth ramp of new media/interface designs. ## Qu

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