Sputter Media Equipment Lead | Principal Engineer

Western Digital Corporation; Kuala Lumpur; On-site; MYR 350,000 - 550,000; Full time

Job summary

Western Digital Corporation is seeking a Principal Equipment Engineer specialized in sputter media manufacturing. You will act as the technical authority, leading advanced equipment engineering, driving long-term roadmaps, and mentoring teams across multiple manufacturing sites to enable reliable, high-performance HDD production.

You will influence cross-functional groups, manage large-scale projects, and advance predictive maintenance, automation, and Industry 4.0 initiatives to optimize

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Electronic, Materials Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
• 15–20 years of experience in equipment engineering within sputter media, semiconductor, vacuum coating, or advanced manufacturing industries.
• Strong knowledge of sputtering systems, vacuum technology, plasma physics, thin-film deposition, automation systems, and equipment control architecture.
• Proven experience leading large-scale engineering projects, factory technology upgrades, and cross-functional strategic initiatives.
• Strong knowledge of equipment reliability engineering, predictive maintenance methodologies, and manufacturing performance optimization.
• Experience in data analytics, SPC, equipment performance monitoring, and OEE improvement initiatives.
• Excellent leadership, communication, technical presentation, and stakeholder management skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic equipment engineering initiatives to improve equipment reliability, manufacturing efficiency, OEE performance, and long-term operational sustainability.
• Lead complex equipment troubleshooting and advanced root cause analysis for critical manufacturing issues, implementing robust corrective and preventive actions.
• Develop and standardize best-in-class engineering practices, maintenance strategies, and equipment performance optimization methodologies across manufacturing operations.
• Lead major equipment upgrades, system redesigns, automation integration, and machine conversion programs to enhance manufacturing capability and productivity.
• Provide technical leadership for new equipment development, factory expansion projects, equipment qualification, commissioning, and production ramp activities.
• Collaborate closely with Process Engineering, Yield Engineering, Production, Quality, Facilities, and Global Engineering teams to achieve manufacturing and technology objectives.
• Drive predictive maintenance, reliability engineering, and data analytics initiatives using SPC, equipment monitoring systems, and advanced failure analysis techniques.
• Lead engineering evaluations for new technologies, automation solutions, AI-driven manufacturing applications, and Industry 4.0 initiatives to improve operational performance.
• Establish equipment standards, technical specifications, engineering governance, and operational guidelines to ensure consistency across manufacturing operations.
• Provide expert guidance in vacuum systems, plasma generation, sputtering processes, automation controls, robotics, and equipment architecture optimization.
• Lead supplier technical engagements, OEM partnerships, and external engineering collaborations to support technology development, equipment enhancement, and problem resolution.
• Mentor and develop engineers, technical specialists, and engineering leaders by strengthening technical competencies, leadership capabilities, and knowledge-sharing culture.
• Drive cost reduction initiatives through equipment optimization, spare part management, energy efficiency improvements, and operational excellence programs.
• Lead engineering reviews, failure analysis discussions, and technical presentations for senior management and global engineering organizations.
• Ensure compliance with all safety regulations, company policies, environmental requirements, and industry standards related to equipment operation and engineering activities.
• Promote continuous improvement culture through Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma methodologies, and engineering innovation programs.

Skills

Vacuum systems

Sputtering tech

Plasma processes

Thin-film deposition

Analytical skills

Automation systems

Machine interfaces

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Education

Bachelor or Master in engineering

Tools

PLC programming

Robotics integration

SECS/GEM

MES

Job description

Western Digital Corporation is seeking a Principal Equipment Engineer specialized in sputter media manufacturing. You will act as the technical authority, leading advanced equipment engineering, driving long-term roadmaps, and mentoring teams across multiple manufacturing sites to enable reliable, high-performance HDD production.

You will influence cross-functional groups, manage large-scale projects, and advance predictive maintenance, automation, and Industry 4.0 initiatives to optimize