Senior Engineer, Tribology & Physical Characterization

As a Tribology, Test & Physical Characterization Engineer you will perform a new & exciting function for developing next generational hard disk drive (HDD) Technology, namely Heat Assisted Magnetic Recording (HAMR), through tribological testing and physical characterization. This job will require you to operate advanced electrical testers, analyze test and physical characterization data and direct a team of technicians and operators. In this role you will be directly responsible alongside other specialist engineers in the team for the implementation, development and operation of tribology component head & media testing at the Thailand head operations site, focusing on the new development of HAMR Blade HDD-like testing in environmental chambers. You have experience with hands-on tester operation and working with Technicians and Operators. You are an independent problem solver, and have good communication and organizational skills able to present to audiences in worldwide calls on a weekly basis. You should be proactive, driven and have an R&D and statistically orientated mindset. You are able to multi-task in the co-development of tester capability and to serve the test needs for internal customers from differing departments and worldwide sites. You are able to work under pressure and strive to meet critical business deadlines.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Implementation, development and operation of Hard disk drive and HAMR technology tribology component head and media testing.
• Work on various tribometers and testers, focusing on the new development of Blade HDD-like testing in environmental chambers, to characterize mechanical, electrical and magnetic performance, reliability and lifetime of head designs and media pairings.
• Perform basic scripting and setup of testers to enable the required testing and desired data output.
• Work closely with existing engineers on site and with worldwide teams to execute testing requirements and report evaluations.
• Coach and direct a team of technicians and operators to perform the required testing, data analysis and reporting on a 24-7 operating model.
• Analyse data with statistical software, perform signal analysis, make concise technical reports that summarize the data and present these coherently to worldwide teams.
• Work closely with the onsite metrology and materials characterization lab to design the required analyses of heads post-testing and obtain relevant conclusions that influence design decisions.
• Lead tester statistical process control and preventative maintenance activities per IMS/ISO standards.
• Assist with other adhoc duties as assigned, wider departmental tasks and team building events.
• Attend and participate in conferences, offsite meetings and interlocks as assigned which could be overseas.

REQUIRED:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical / Electrical / Materials / Tribology Engineering / Physics or related fields.

PREFERRED:

• Master’s in Mechanical / Electrical / Materials / Tribology Engineering / Physics or related fields.
• PhD Degree in Mechanical / Electrical / Materials / Tribology Engineering / Physics or related fields.

SKILLS:

• Experience in HDD business, or R&D / Industry or Academic Research / Testing / Characterization or related field.
• Experience with operation of testing, tribometers, electrical test systems and tribology related testers.
• Preferred skills in programs such as Python, Matlab, JMP, Visual Basic, MS Excel, VBA macro.
• Skilled in MS Office and generally computer literate.
• Demonstrate a High-to-fluent level of English proficiency (spoken/reading/written).
• Demonstrate a High-to-Fluent level of Thai proficiency (spoken/reading/written).

Western Digital 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.

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