Staff Engineer, Manufacturing Equipment Engineering

Western Digital Corporation; Kuala Lumpur; On-site; MYR 180,000 - 350,000; Full time

Job summary

Western Digital is seeking a Staff Equipment Engineer specializing in sputter media to oversee operation, maintenance, and continuous improvement of sputtering equipment used in HDD media production. You will work closely with cross-functional teams to ensure optimal equipment performance, minimize downtime, and drive process enhancements.

This role emphasizes leadership, data analysis, and the ability to push OEE improvements, upgrades, testing, and safety.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Electronic, Materials Engineering.
• 8–12 years of experience in equipment engineering, preferably sputter media or vacuum coating.
• Strong knowledge of vacuum systems, sputtering equipment, automation, and data analysis.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day maintenance, troubleshooting, and line issue management to ensure high equipment availability.
• Lead reliability, maintenance, and engineering improvement initiatives for stable operations.
• Drive preventive and predictive maintenance to improve reliability and reduce downtime.
• Lead equipment upgrades, conversions, and tech improvements for next‑gen HDD products.
• Manage new equipment installation, commissioning, and acceptance testing pre‑production.
• Monitor performance and OEE data to identify opportunities and drive excellence.
• Lead root cause analysis for failures and implement corrective actions.
• Collaborate with Process Engineering and Yield teams to improve yield and capability.
• Coordinate with Production, Quality, Facilities and cross‑functional teams to meet targets.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to junior engineers and technicians.
• Develop and maintain SOPs, procedures, and best practices for operation and sustainment.
• Ensure compliance with safety regulations and company policies.
• Drive continuous improvement via new technologies, automation, and best practices.

Skills

Vacuum systems

Sputter equipment

Automation systems

SPC / data analysis

Project management

Communication

Technical writing

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Electronic, Materials Engineering

Tools

PLC systems

Automation control

Microsoft Office

Job description

Staff Engineer, Manufacturing Equipment Engineering

• Full-time


• Job Type (exemption status): Exempt position - Please see related compensation & benefits details below


• Business Function: Manufacturing Equipment 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.

As a Staff Equipment Engineer specializing in sputter media, you will be responsible for overseeing the operation, maintenance, and continuous improvement of sputtering equipment used in the production of hard disk media. You will work closely with cross-functional teams to ensure optimal equipment performance, minimize downtime, cycle time improvement and contribute to the development of new processes and technologies.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Oversee day-to-day equipment maintenance activities, troubleshooting, and line issue management to ensure high equipment availability and minimal production downtime.


• Lead equipment reliability, maintenance, and engineering improvement initiatives to support stable and efficient manufacturing operations.


• Drive preventive and predictive maintenance strategies to improve equipment reliability, reduce failures, and sustain long-term operational performance.


• Lead equipment upgrades, machine conversions, and technology improvements to support next-generation HDD product requirements.


• Manage new equipment installation, commissioning, and acceptance testing to ensure systems meet operational, safety, and process specifications before production release.


• Monitor and analyze equipment performance, reliability, and OEE data to identify improvement opportunities and drive operational excellence.


• Lead root cause analysis for equipment failures, implementing effective corrective and preventive actions to prevent recurrence.


• Collaborate with Process Engineering and Sputter Yield teams to improve yield performance, reduce defects, and enhance process capability.


• Coordinate closely with Production, Quality, Facilities, and other cross-functional teams to ensure smooth production operations and achieve manufacturing targets.


• Manage engineering projects related to equipment upgrades, modifications, and system improvements, ensuring timely execution within scope and budget.


• Provide technical leadership, guidance, and mentorship to junior engineers and technicians to strengthen team capability and technical competency.


• Develop and maintain engineering documentation, including SOPs, maintenance procedures, and best practices for equipment operation and sustainment.


• Ensure all equipment and related systems comply with safety regulations, company policies, and industry standards.


• Support continuous improvement initiatives by introducing new technologies, automation solutions, and engineering best practices.


• Strengthen knowledge sharing and technical skill development within the engineering team to build a high-performing equipment engineering organization.


• Maintain strong collaboration with OEM suppliers and technical partners to support equipment upgrades, troubleshooting, and technology development.


• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned by management.

REQUIRED:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Electronic, Materials Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.


• Minimum 8–12 years of experience in equipment engineering, preferably in sputter media, semiconductor, vacuum coating, or advanced manufacturing environments.


• Strong knowledge of vacuum systems, sputtering equipment, automation systems, and equipment control architecture.


• Strong analytical and data analysis skills to evaluate equipment performance, reliability trends, and OEE improvements.


• Excellent project management skills, with the ability to lead cross-functional teams.


• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Access) and ability to analyze and present technical data effectively.

PREFERRED:

• Experience in a sputter media or semiconductor manufacturing environment.


• Knowledge of high-vacuum technology and plasma physics.

SKILLS:

• Knowledge of vacuum systems and thin-film deposition processes, with the ability to support sputtering equipment operation and performance optimization.


• Experience with PLC systems, automation, and equipment control systems, including supporting system modifications and interface improvements.


• Proficiency in using diagnostic tools and equipment for troubleshooting.


• Solid understanding of Statistical Process Control (SPC), equipment performance analysis, and data-driven decision-making.


• Ability to work independently while also contributing effectively to a team environment


• Excellent communication skills with the ability to clearly present technical information to engineers, technicians, and management.


• Strong technical writing skills for creating detailed reports and documentation

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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