Engineering Specialist III - D Shift

Seagate Technology; Normandale (AL); On-site; USD 34,000 - 49,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Dental

Vision

Life insurance

401(k)

Employee stock purchase plan

Job summary

Seagate Technology seeks an Engineering Specialist III for the D shift to support wafer process engineering in Normandale, United States. You will analyze tool data, troubleshoot processes, and work with cross-functional teams to improve yield and cycle time while maintaining safety and documentation standards.

The role demands strong analytical skills, data comfort, and the ability to apply structured problem solving in a fast-paced manufacturing environment; night shift schedule is required

Qualifications

• Proven ability to apply quantitative reasoning and mathematical concepts to problem solving and data analysis.
• Strong computer skills and proficiency with Microsoft Office.
• Ability to extract, filter, and interpret tool data logs and KPIV datasets.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in a fast paced environment.
• Familiarity with digital documentation, Teams, and SharePoint workflows.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate tool and wafer datasets using SPC charts and statistics to decide next steps.
• Review qualification data with trend interpretation and simple statistics to verify stability.
• Input, modify, and verify parameter changes in tool software per process control rules.
• Differentiate normal variation from assignable causes using historical baselines.
• Troubleshoot suspect processes using structured problem-solving methods.
• Synthesize findings into evidence-based recommendations for engineering escalation only when needed.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to improve yield and reduce scrap.
• Provide training and document improvements to process engineering documentation.
• Monitor processes, support trials, and assist with manual runs as needed.
• Ensure compliance with health and safety policies.

Education

AA/AAS degree

Tools

Excel

JMP

Internal Seagate platforms

Job description

Job Description

Engineering Specialist III - D Shift

Posting Start Date: 5/14/26

Requisition Id: 14331

About our group

As a Wafer Process Engineering Technician, you play a critical role in supporting Seagate's thinfilm head manufacturing. You will partner closely with process and sustaining engineers to control processes, evaluate tool performance, execute datadriven troubleshooting, and ensure the highest quality of recording head wafers. This position requires strong analytical skills, comfort working with data, and the ability to apply structured problemsolving in a fastpaced production environment.

This role supports a complex, highreliability operating environment where sustained mental focus, continuous learning, and sound judgment are required throughout extended shifts.

1. Process Control, Optimization, and Qualification

• Evaluate tool and wafer datasets using statistical reasoning (SPC charts, distributions, correlation patterns) to determine appropriate next steps.


• Perform analytical review of qualification data using trend interpretation, slope/linefit reasoning, and simple statistical testing to verify process stability before adjusting.


• Apply calculations including ratios, offsets, tolerance windows, and proportional adjustments when determining parameter changes.


• Navigate tool software interfaces to input, modify, and verify parameter changes in alignment with process control requirements.


• Distinguish between normal process variation and true assignable causes using critical thinking and historical baseline comparison.

2. Data Analysis and Troubleshooting

• Use structured problemsolving techniques (cause/effect reasoning, elimination testing, logic trees) when troubleshooting suspect processes.


• Evaluate parameter impacts using quantitative reasoning, including linear relationships, proportional adjustments, and tolerancebased thresholds.


• Use tool data logs, KPIV (Key Process Input Variable) datasets, and wafer parametric information to identify trends, isolate suspect parameters, and support evidencebased problem solving.


• Combine tool logs, wafer data, and historical patterns to differentiate between equipmentdriven and processdriven issues before escalating to engineering.


• Synthesize findings into evidencebased recommendations for engineering, escalating only when analysis indicates nonroutine deviation.


• Participate in crossfunctional teams focused on yield improvement, scrap reduction, and reaction plan effectiveness.

3. Materials Deviation Authorization (MDA)

• Execute established engineering rules and procedures for nonconforming wafers.


• Analyze rework and scrap data to determine root cause and corrective action.


• Apply rootcause analysis grounded in data patterns (trends, distributions, frequency analysis).


• Distinguish between processinduced, equipmentinduced, and materialinduced variation.


• Follow established escalation guidelines and decision frameworks, including notifying Engineers when required.

4. Cycle Time Enhancement

• Collaborate with production teams to analyze bottlenecks and recommend datadriven solutions.


• Resolve factory floor engineering issues, escalating to engineering shift support when necessary.

5. Training and Documentation

• Provide training for new technicians.


• Continuously learn additional manufacturing areas as experience is gained.


• Identify and suggest improvements to process engineering documentation used to control and qualify tools.


• Translate analytical findings into clear documentation that supports engineering decisions and shifttoshift knowledge transfer.

6. Engineering Support

• Monitor special processes, make adjustments, and document results.


• Support engineering staff with trials, experiments, and manual runs.


• Function as the \"eyes and ears\" of the Sustaining organization and process engineering team.


• Identify and elevate issues related to wafers, processes, systems, or documentation.

7. Health and Safety Compliance

• Ensure compliance with all health and safety policies and procedures.

8. Additional Responsibilities

• Apply a growing body of technical and operational knowledge to perform tasks accurately and safely.


• Respond to previously unseen situations that require realtime analysis and judgment rather than reliance on fixed procedures.


• Continuously update personal knowledge as tools, processes, and system behaviors evolve.


• Recognize emerging issues early and take appropriate action through documentation, escalation, or collaboration.


• Operate effectively under conditions of ambiguity while balancing precision and timely decisionmaking.

About you

• Proficient with computers and Microsoft Office.


• Ability to apply quantitative reasoning and mathematical concepts to problem solving and data analysis.


• Able to extract, filter, and interpret tool data logs and KPIV datasets using software tools such as Excel, JMP, or internal Seagate platforms.


• Strong written and verbal communication skills to ensure effective documentation and handoffs.


• Comfortable navigating digital documentation, Microsoft Teams, SharePoint libraries, and structured workflows in a fastpaced manufacturing environment.


• Comfortable with basic statistical concepts, including data interpretation and variability.


• Able to communicate effectively with individuals of varying experience levels.


• Demonstrated ability to maintain focus, accuracy, and mental endurance during extended work periods.


• Quick learner capable of acquiring new concepts through handson training and job shadowing.


• Consistently adheres to established guidelines and escalation criteria, prioritizing product and process integrity.


• Must be able to work a night shift schedule of 6:30 p.m. CST - 6:30 a.m. CST, Friday through Sunday and every other Thursday.


• This position may be eligible for shift differential pay.

Your experience includes

• Typically requires a minimum of 2-4 years of related experience.


• Experience in thinfilm wafer manufacturing environments.


• Understanding of wafer thinfilm processing from an engineering or manufacturing support perspective.


• Strong communication skills and ability to work effectively in a team.


• Experience using tool log viewers, SPC platforms, or engineering dashboards to interpret KPIV trends.


• Ability to perform data manipulation (sorting, filtering, charting) to support troubleshooting and cycletime improvement.


• Experience using data visualization or analysis tools such as Excel, JMP, Minitab, or equivalent.

You Might Also Have

• AA/AAS degree and/or comparable experience with wafer production equipment.


• Capability to learn new data systems quickly and adapt to evolving digital workflows.


• Familiarity with technical concepts and structured problemsolving in STEM environments.


• Ability to perform firstlevel analytical investigations before escalation.


• Ability to recognize when a process is statistically in control but not capable and communicate implications clearly.


• Validates that tool adjustments are supported by data rather than anecdotal evidence.

Estimated base wage range

The estimated base wage range for this position is $24.94 - $35.66/hr. The individual base wage is based on work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.

Benefits

• medical


• dental


• vision


• life insurance


• short- and long-term disability


• eligibility to participate in discretionary bonus program


• 401(k)


• employee stock purchase plan


• flexible and dependent care spending accounts


• health care spending accounts


• paid time off, including 12 holidays, 120 hours of vacation, a minimum of 48 hours of paid sick leave, and 16 weeks of paid parental leave

The benefits for this position are based on a full-time schedule for a full calendar year and may differ depending on work location and tenure with the Company.

Location

Our Normandale campus spans two suburbs, Edina and Bloomington, and serves as the Recording Head development and manufacturing arm of Seagate. Located in the heart of a bustling community, Seagate offers an on-site cafe, or if you prefer, you can drive to one of many restaurants just minutes away. Need to grab a gift over lunch time? Shopping is abundant in the area. If working out is your thing, the on-site fully equipped fitness center hosts wellness programs, outdoor activities, tournaments and group workouts. Looking for something more laid back? Reset in one of our meditation rooms, or simply take a walk around our indoor walking path. On-site cultural festivals, celebrations and community volunteer opportunities also abound.

Location Details

Normandale, United States

Travel: None

Information at a Glance

About Us

With more than four decades of storage innovation, Seagate empowers humanity to thrive in the data age and helps people and businesses navigate the ever-expanding data landscape.

We craft precision-engineered, cutting-edge solutions that help the world store and manage exponential data growth.

Seagate’s core values

Seagate is powered by our talented and passionate workforce of 29,000 employees across the globe who embody our core values: integrity, innovation, and inclusion. Striving towards excellence every single day, we show up with these values for our customers, business partners, shareholders, and communities alike.

Join us and get inspired to make a difference in the datasphere!

Equal Opportunity Statement

Seagate is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, ancestry, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, genetic information, marital status, sex (which includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, religion, military and veteran status, or other status protected by applicable law. We will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. EEO Know Your Rights Poster

Accommodation Statement

Seagate will provide reasonable accommodation with the application process upon request as required to comply with applicable laws. If you need assistance or accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at [e-mail].