Staff Engineer, Wafer Metrology

Responsibilities

• Develop, document, and optimize automated inspection recipes and process control solutions for high-volume manufacturing.
• Implement precise metrology solutions to control complex three-dimensional thin film magnetic structures.
• Refine technical methods to identify root causes of operational issues, process inefficiencies, and measurement deviations.
• Establish accurate baseline measurements and qualify metrology solutions through cross-functional collaboration.
• Deploy robust metrology system calibration and correlation strategies.
• Partner with engineering and quality teams to analyze real-time data and implement automated corrective strategies to improve yield.
• Collaborate with equipment engineering teams and tool vendors to resolve equipment issues and ensure optimal performance.

Requirements

• B.S., M.S., or Ph.D. in physics, chemistry, or engineering (chemical, mechanical, electrical, or material science).
• Programming or scripting experience in SQL, Python, Matlab, JSL, or C#.
• Strong detail-oriented work habits and the ability to complete projects on schedule.
• Excellent problem-solving, data analysis, and statistical skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Hands-on clean room and wafer fabrication/processing experience, preferably in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience with spectra analysis and film stack modeling (e.g., visible light reflectometry, spectroscopic ellipsometry, x-ray fluorescence).
• Experience applying atomic force microscopy in a production environment.
• Knowledge of tunneling electron microscopy, including sample preparation and imaging.
• Practical understanding of electronics and mechatronics as applied to industrial measurement tools.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Life, accident, and disability insurance.
• Retirement savings through the WD Savings 401(k) Plan and employee stock purchase plan.
• Performance-based incentive plans (STI or SIP) and potential eligibility for Long-Term Incentive (LTI) programs.
• Paid vacation time and sick leave.
• Tuition reimbursement and various voluntary benefit programs.

About the Company

Western Digital is a global leader in data storage, providing innovative technologies including HDDs and platforms for business, creative professionals, and consumers. We are a company of problem solvers dedicated to pushing the boundaries of technology to fuel a brighter, smarter future in the AI era.