Senior Engineer, Analytical & Characterization Engineering

Western Digital; Bayan Lepas; On-site; MYR 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Western Digital is seeking a Senior Engineer for Analytical & Characterization Engineering in Penang. You will manage the TEM and FIB lab operations, supervise technicians, and deliver failure analysis support to cross-functional teams.

Focus on improving analytical capabilities and ensuring safety and quality standards. The role requires a Bachelor’s or Master’s in a related field, with preferred hands-on TEM/FIB experience and ability to translate data into engineering recommendations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Materials Science, Chemistry, Physics, Engineering, or related field.
• Hands-on experience with TEM and/or FIB instrumentation preferred.
• Ability to supervise or mentor laboratory technicians is an advantage.

Responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day operations of the TEM and FIB lab, ensuring uptime and safety.
• Plan and coordinate preventive maintenance for TEM and FIB instruments.
• Supervise and train laboratory technicians for accurate sample prep and analysis.
• Perform and support failure analysis activities with timely results.
• Prepare and review FA reports, characterization data, and technical docs.
• Collaborate with process, development and quality teams to resolve failures.
• Drive continuous improvement to enhance capabilities and turnaround time.
• Ensure proper handling, storage and documentation of samples and data.
• Coordinate with vendors for repair, calibration and upgrades.
• Ensure compliance with safety, quality and data-integrity standards.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Communication

Independent worker

Detail-oriented

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Materials Science/Engineering

Tools

TEM instrumentation

FIB instrumentation

SEM operation

Job description

Senior Engineer, Analytical & Characterization Engineering

• Full-time
• Job Type (exemption status): Exempt position - Please see related compensation & benefits details below
• Business Function: Analytical & Characterization 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 people who want to build, solve, and operate at that level.

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

We are seeking a motivated and technically skilled Engineer to join our Analytical & Characterization Engineering team. The successful candidate will be responsible for managing the daily operations of the Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) and Focused Ion Beam (FIB) laboratory, supervising laboratory technicians, and providing failure analysis (FA) support.Additionally, it entails driving continuous improvements in analytical capabilities, preparing technical reports, and ensuring compliance with safety and quality standards in all operations.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Manage and oversee the day-to-day operations of the TEM and FIB laboratory, ensuring equipment uptime, safety compliance, and operational efficiency.
• Plan and coordinate preventive maintenance schedules for TEM and FIB instruments.
• Supervise, guide, and train laboratory technicians to ensure accurate sample preparation and analysis.
• Perform and support FAactivities, providing timely and accurate analytical results to cross-functional teams.
• Prepare and review FA reports, characterization data, and technical documentation.
• Collaborate with process, development, and quality engineering teams to investigate and resolve failures.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives within the laboratory to enhance analytical capabilities and turnaround time.
• Ensure proper handling, storage, and documentation of samples and analytical records.
• Coordinate with equipment vendors and service engineers for repair, calibration and upgrades.
• Ensure compliance with safety, quality and data-integrity standards in all analytical operations.

REQUIRED:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Materials Science, Chemistry, Physics, Engineering, or a related field.

PREFERRED:

• Hands‑on experience with TEM and/or FIB instrumentation.
• Proficient in TEM operation, including bright field/dark field imaging, diffraction analysis and EDS/EELS spectroscopy.
• Experienced in FIB sample preparation techniques, including cross‑sectioning and TEM lamella preparation.
• Familiarity with SEM operation and other characterization tools is an added advantage.
• Knowledge of HDD component materials and failure mechanisms is preferred.
• Prior experience in supervising or mentoring technicians is an advantage.
• Ability to translate analytical data into clear engineering recommendations.

SKILLS:

• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Good communication and report‑writing skills.
• Able to work independently and collaboratively in a fast‑paced environment.
• Organized, detail‑oriented, and able to manage multiple priorities.

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 [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.