Technologist, Product Design Engineering

WD; Bayan Lepas; On-site; MYR 250,000 - 500,000; Full time

Job summary

WD is building the infrastructure behind the AI-driven data economy. The Product Design Engineering Technologist develops robust head-media interfaces for magnetic recording media, which will be integrated into Western Digital's hard disk drive products.

This role involves collaborating with R&D and worldwide teams to innovate and productize recording media designs. Strong technical expertise is required to manage complex manufacturing systems, ensure defect mitigation, quality assurance and

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Materials Science, Chemistry, Physics or related engineering field.
• 15+ years in engineering development or R&D for magnetic recording media in HDD.
• Deep knowledge of carbon overcoat, lubricant processes, and reliability testing.
• Strong vacuum tech knowledge (PVD/CVD).
• Proven head-media interface design for high-volume manufacturing.
• Ability to analyze manufacturing data to drive improvements.

Responsibilities

• Develop head-media interface designs for high-volume manufacturing.
• Improve HDD sputtering to reduce defects and raise yield.
• Optimize areal density while maintaining reliability.
• Test and validate recording media designs per specs.
• Collaborate with manufacturing, QA, and product engineering.
• Document findings and transition designs to production.

Skills

Analytical & problem-solving

Cross-functional leadership

Documentation & presentation

Project management

Education

Master's or PhD in Materials Science / Chemistry / Physics / related engineering field

Tools

Vacuum technology (PVD/CVD)

ANELVA deposition tools

Job description

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.

Job Description

The Product Design Engineering Technologist develops robust head-media interfaces for magnetic recording media, which will be integrated into Western Digital's hard disk drive products. This critical role involves collaborating with R&D and worldwide teams to innovate and productize recording media designs. This role requires strong technical expertise and the ability to manage complex manufacturing systems while ensuring defect mitigation, quality assurance, and reliability standards.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop head-media interface designs that meet product performance requirements and scale into high-volume manufacturing environments.
• Improve hard disk sputtering processes to reduce defects and enhance manufacturing yield.
• Optimize magnetic areal density by reducing head-media spacing while maintaining reliability specifications and performance standards.
• Conduct comprehensive testing and validation of recording media designs to ensure compliance with product specifications and industry standards.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including manufacturing, quality assurance, and product engineering to drive innovation and process improvements.
• Analyze manufacturing data and performance metrics to identify optimization opportunities and implement corrective actions.
• Document technical findings, design specifications, and process improvements through detailed reports and presentations.
• Support the transition of new designs from development to production, ensuring manufacturability and cost-effectiveness.

Qualifications

REQUIRED

• Master's or PhD degree in Materials Science, Chemistry, Physics, or related engineering field.
• 15+ years of engineering development or R&D experience for magnetic recording media in hard disk drive applications.
• In-depth knowledge of hard disk carbon overcoat and lubricant processes, as well as reliability testing methodology.
• Strong technical knowledge in vacuum technology, including physical vapor deposition (PVD) and chemical vapor deposition (CVD) techniques.
• Demonstrated experience in head-media interface design and optimization for high-volume manufacturing environments.
• Proven ability to analyze manufacturing data and performance metrics to identify process optimization opportunities.

PREFERRED

• In-depth understanding of disk sputter equipment operation, preferably with hands-on experience on ANELVA deposition tools.
• Quality Engineering knowledge and experience with defect mitigation strategies.
• Experience transitioning new designs from development to production phases with focus on manufacturability and cost-effectiveness.
• Track record of leading cross-functional collaboration initiatives between manufacturing, quality assurance, and product engineering teams.

SKILLS

• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities with expertise in complex manufacturing systems.
• Excellent cross-functional collaboration and team leadership capabilities.
• Proficiency in technical documentation, data analysis, and presentation of findings to diverse audiences.
• Project management skills with ability to drive innovation and implement corrective actions.

Additional Information

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.

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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].