Principal Engineer, Manufacturing Engineering

Western Digital Corporation; Bayan Lepas; Hybrid; MYR 180,000 - 270,000; Full time

Job summary

Western Digital Corporation seeks a Principal Engineer in Manufacturing Engineering in Penang, Malaysia. This full-time exempt role focuses on new product transfers, DET measurements, and high-volume manufacturing support for mature HDD products.

You will collaborate with NPI, R&D, and SMO teams, benchmark processes, analyze data, and drive improvements in test modules, equipment readiness, and product performance. Strong analytical skills and knowledge of C++/Python are a plus.

Qualifications

• Degree in Electrical & Electronic Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or Physics.
• 4–5 years of experience in product, process or testing in manufacturing environment of Slider-HGA/Media/HDD.
• Knowledge in magnetic recording and component vs HDD correlation analysis.

Responsibilities

• Liaise with NPI & R&D Sputter or Sputter Process on new product line volume ramp activity.
• Monitor DET results and advise sputter process for tuning when necessary.
• Understand methodology of new test module and buy off prior to release for production use.
• Benchmark on a continuous basis among internal and external disk and be involved in product comparison.
• Resource and tester capacity planning in supporting production SMO activities.
• Responsible for GR&R and tester correlation.
• Work with head division team on HGA requirements to plan for continuous supply.
• Prepare EVT package for SMO to get HDD team agreement for drive build.
• Frequent drive build data analysis and component data correlation to provide opinion on product performance.

Skills

Gauge study

Statistical analysis

Correlation analysis

C++

Python

Excel macros

Education

Electrical & Electronic Engineering

Mechanical Engineering

Physics

Tools

NPI & R&D collaboration

Job description

Principal Engineer, Manufacturing Engineering

• Full-time
• Job Type (exemption status): Exempt position - Please see related compensation & benefits details below
• Business Function: Manufacturing Engineering

WD is building the infrastructure behind the AI-driven data economy.

As AI scales, so does data. Every interaction, every model, every system generates data that must be stored, managed, and made accessible over time. That's where we come in.

We combine deep engineering expertise with global-scale manufacturing to deliver the storage systems that make AI possible, powering hyperscale data centers, cloud platforms, and enterprise infrastructure worldwide.

This isn't theoretical work. It's real systems, at real scale, people solving some of the hardest challenges in technology today.

We're looking for peoplewho want to build, solve, and operate at that level.

Join us and let's shape the future of data.

• This is an individual contributor role focused on new product transfers, specifically handling DET measurements from NPI and Development.
• New test module transfer from US and China.
• Ensure smooth operation for high volume manufacturing for all mature products
• Internal component data and HDD data correlation and analysis.
• Competitor analysis and FA.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Regular

• Liaise with NPI & R&D Sputter or Sputter Process on new product line volume ramp activity.
• Monitor DET results closely and advise sputter process for tuning whenever necessary.
• Understand methodology of new test module and buy off prior to release for production use.
• Responsible for benchmarking on a continuous basis among internal and external disk and be involved in product comparison.
• Resource and tester capacity planning in supporting production SMO activities.
• Responsible for GR&R and tester correlation.
• Work with head division team on HGA requirements to plan for continuous supply
• Prepare and present EVT package for SMO to get HDD team agreement for drive build
• Frequent drive build data analysis as well as internal component data vs drive data correlation analysis to provide valuable opinion to the team on how to improve product performance and component predictability
• Compile and propose DET specification to Product & Sputter group based on product requirements and process capabilities during EEN/FEN/DPPM until mass production.
• Derive and improvise appropriate test process and methodology for production monitoring
• Guide and coach a group of technicians to perform daily task.
• Support Guzik testing for internal process evaluation.
• Understand and accept responsibility to perform all relevant jobs safely
• Follow safety and health rules

Irregular

• Reference generation and head screening for new program.
• Failure analysis for magnetic recording related issue.
• Product benchmarking and comparison.
• Non-sputter product qualification and comparison

REQUIRED:

• Degree in Electrical & Electronic / Mechanical Engineering or Physics.

PREFERRED:

• Minimum 4 to 5 years of experience in product, process or testing in manufacturing environment of Slider-HGA/Media/HDD
• Knowledge in magnetic recording
• Knowledge in component vs HDD correlation analysis

SKILLS

• Knowledge of gauge study and statistical/correlation analysis will be an advantage.
• Experience in C++, Python or Excel macro will be an added advantage.

WD 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.

WD is committed to offering opportunities to applicants with disabilities and ensuring all candidates can successfully navigate our careers website and our hiring process. Please contact us at [e-mail] to advise us of your accommodation request. In your email, please include a description of the specific accommodation you are requesting as well as the job title and requisition number of the position for which you are applying.

Notice To Candidates:

Please be aware that WD and its subsidiaries will never request payment as a condition for applying for a position or receiving an offer of employment. Should you encounter any such requests, please report it immediately to WD Ethics Helpline or email [e-mail].

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