R&D Scientist - Design and Test Engineer

Seagate Technology; Derry/Londonderry; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global data storage company is seeking a Recording Head Design and Test Engineer in Northern Ireland to work within an established R&D team. You will drive research and development for emerging sensor technologies and will collaborate closely with teams to define and test new designs. Candidates should have a strong background in magnetic sensing and programming skills. Competitive benefits include work-life balance and career development programs.

Benefits

Health programs

Work-life balance initiatives

Career development programs

Qualifications

• Knowledge in the areas of magnetic sensing devices.
• Experience with physical and electrical device test and characterization.
• Familiarity with advanced thin film manufacturing techniques.

Responsibilities

• Define and coordinate testing of new concepts and designs.
• Collaborate with process teams for advanced magnetic sensing.
• Design test systems to understand recording processes.

Skills

Magnetic sensing knowledge

Device test and characterization

Thin film manufacturing techniques

Data analysis techniques

Programming (Python/SQL/R)

Education

PhD in physics, materials science, or electrical engineering

Tools

Statistical analysis packages (e.g. JMP)

Job description

Overview

Seagate is a global leader in data storage solutions. This role is for a recording head design and test engineer working within an established R&D team, reporting to the Research & Development Manager. The role involves defining and coordinating the testing of new concepts and designs to help deliver future data storage technologies and products. If you are excited by new technologies and enjoy turning ideas into reality, this is the ideal research role.

About The Role - You Will

Our Heat Assisted Magnetic Recording Technology (HAMR) is a world-leading data storage technology. You will be responsible for research and development of materials and device physics of emerging sensor technologies to meet product performance and reliability requirements. You should be excited by new technologies, creative, and passionate about seeing ideas come to life.

You will be involved in one or more of the following areas:

• Collaborating with process teams to identify potential materials and device configurations for advanced magnetic sensing technologies.
• Magnetic characterization of novel materials and components for next generation data storage systems.
• Design and commissioning of test systems to understand novel magnetic recording processes.
• Develop test strategies and methods to characterize design reliability and performance.
• Use of statistical analysis packages to make data-driven decisions.
• Work with colleagues in other design and process areas to deliver integrated solutions.
• Project planning and collaboration with adjacent teams and internal customers.

About You

You are:

• A good communicator with excellent presentation and written skills.
• A strong team player who works effectively in a cross-functional team environment.
• Able to set your own course in projects and make timely decisions.
• Motivated and excited by technology and the challenge of going beyond.
• Able and willing to introduce your own ideas and solutions for technology progression.

Your Experience Includes

• Knowledge in the areas of magnetic sensing devices.
• Experience with physical and electrical device test and characterization.
• Familiarity with advanced thin film manufacturing techniques.
• Experience with magnetic materials characterization.
• Familiarity with data analysis techniques and packages (e.g. JMP, etc.).
• Programming experience e.g. Python/SQL/R, etc.

You May Also Have

• PhD degree or equivalent qualification in physics, materials science, or electrical engineering.
• Academic research or industrial experience would be considered a distinct advantage.
• Strong analytical skills and proven problem solver.

Application and Location Details

Completed applications should be submitted no later than midnight on Sunday, 28th September 2025. This is a Full-Time position working 39 hours per week. Please demonstrate on your Cover Letter or CV how you meet the criteria set out above. Testing may be used as part of the selection process.

Location: Springtown, Northern Ireland. The site is a large manufacturing facility with a range of on-site benefits and employee groups. Travel: None.

Equal Opportunity and Benefits

Seagate is committed to building a diverse, inclusive and authentic workplace. Seagate welcomes applications from all sections of the community and all applications will be considered on merit. See listed company benefits below, which include health, work-life balance, finance, and career development programs.