Staff Equipment Engineer: Sputter Media & HDD Manufacturing

Western Digital Corp.; Penang; On-site; MYR 180,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

Western Digital Corp. in Penang invites a Staff Equipment Engineer specializing in sputter media to oversee the operation, maintenance, and continuous improvement of sputtering equipment used in HDD media production.

You will collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure optimal performance and meet production targets. The role demands deep experience in vacuum systems and automation, strong data analytics, and a track record of leading maintenance and equipment upgrade initiatives to

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in related engineering discipline.
• 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.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day maintenance and line issue management to ensure high equipment availability.
• 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.

Skills

Vacuum systems

Sputtering equipment

Automation systems

Equipment control architecture

SPC analysis

Project management

Technical writing

Communication skills

Independent work

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

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

Tools

PLC systems

Diagnostics tools

System interfacing

Office software

Job description

Western Digital Corp. in Penang invites a Staff Equipment Engineer specializing in sputter media to oversee the operation, maintenance, and continuous improvement of sputtering equipment used in HDD media production.

You will collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure optimal performance and meet production targets. The role demands deep experience in vacuum systems and automation, strong data analytics, and a track record of leading maintenance and equipment upgrade initiatives to