Equipment Engineer II

Seagate Technology; BLOOMINGTON (MN); On-site; USD 77,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

On-site café

Fully equipped on-site fitness center

Paid time off and holidays

Job summary

Seagate Technology is seeking an Equipment Engineer at our Normandale campus near Bloomington to modernize semiconductor manufacturing equipment and drive data-driven control strategies and AI-enabled solutions. You will work hands-on while building next-generation automation, data systems, and smart factory capabilities using Python and SQL.

Join a collaborative team that partners with Equipment, Process, Yield, and Data Engineering to improve uptime, throughput, and process stability.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in STEM required; advanced degree beneficial.
• Experience in semiconductor or wafer manufacturing equipment.
• Experience with data-driven monitoring and automation is preferred.
• Strong problem solving and cross-functional collaboration skills.

Responsibilities

• Bridge traditional equipment engineering with modern control strategies and AI-enabled solutions.
• Support development, deployment, and optimization of wafer processing equipment.
• Evaluate equipment health and drive actions to improve uptime, throughput, and stability.
• Assist in implementing factory automation, sensors, and data collection systems.
• Collaborate with Equipment, Process, Yield, and Data Engineering teams on improvement opportunities.
• Provide technical support to technicians and engineers and maintain documentation.

Skills

Strong problem solving

Excellent communication

Fast-paced manufacturing

Automation passion

Collaborative mindset

Education

Bachelor's degree in STEM

Advanced degree beneficial

Tools

Python

SQL

R

Job description

About our group:

Equipment Engineering is the backbone of Seagate's wafer manufacturing excellence. Our team ensures every piece of tooling operates at peak performance to fabricate the Magnetic Recording Heads that power Seagate's world-class HDDs.

We combine deep equipment engineering expertise with advanced factory control systems, sensors, and AI-driven technologies to monitor tool health in real time and enable proactive, automated decision-making.

Join Seagate's Wafer AI vision, where we are transforming traditional manufacturing into a smart factory. You'll work on high-impact initiatives with measurable ROI, collaborating with global experts across engineering, AI, and operations in a culture that values innovation, continuous learning, and teamwork.

About the role - you will:

• As an Equipment Engineer, you will bridge traditional equipment engineering and modernize semiconductor manufacturing equipment while driving adoption of data-driven control strategies and AI-enabled solutions.


• This role is ideal for someone who enjoys hands‑on equipment work while also building next‑generation automation, data systems, and smart factory capabilities.


• Support development, deployment, and optimization of wafer processing equipment across areas such as Photolithography, Electromagnetic Plating, or Metrology


• Support installation, modification, upgrade, and maintenance of manufacturing equipment to improve performance and reliability


• Evaluate equipment health and drive actions to improve uptime, throughput, and process stability


• Assist in developing and implement factory control strategies using automation, sensors, and AI-driven monitoring solutions


• Deploy data collection systems and integrate tools using software (e.g., Python, SQL, AI frameworks) to enhance tool performance and decision-making


• Build or support lightweight AI models and rule-based logic for anomaly detection, predictive maintenance, and automated interlocks


• Partner with Equipment, Process, Yield, and Data Engineering teams to solve complex manufacturing issues and identify high-value improvement opportunities


• Assist or support root cause investigations using engineering fundamentals, statistical analysis, and data insights


• Maintain documentation on tool upgrades, safety issues, and technical notices from equipment suppliers


• Provide technical support to technicians, operators, and engineering teams, and contribute to knowledge sharing across the organization

About you:

• Strong problem‑solving mindset with the ability to translate complex issues into practical solutions


• Excellent communication skills and ability to influence cross‑functional teams


• Comfortable working in a fast‑paced manufacturing environment, including occasional off‑shift support as needed


• Passion for improving manufacturing through automation, data, and intelligent systems


• Collaborative mindset with a willingness to both teach and learn within the team

Your experience includes:

• Experience in semiconductor or wafer manufacturing equipment


• Experience and understanding of equipment systems in areas such as Photolithography, Plating, Metrology, or Inspection


• Understanding of equipment performance, reliability, and maintenance practices


• Experience with statistical analysis tools (e.g., JMP, Minitab, Six Sigma methodologies)


• Proficiency in programming or scripting (e.g., Python, SQL, R, or similar)


• Experience or exposure to implementing equipment control strategies or factory automation systems


• Bachelor's degree in STEM related field (i.e. Electrical, Mechanical, Chemical, Computer Engineering, Materials, Physics, or Information Technology) and 2+ years of experience, Master's degree or PhD and 0+ years' experience or equivalent experience and education.

You might also have:

• Experience integrating sensors, edge devices, or data acquisition systems into manufacturing equipment


• Familiarity with AI/ML concepts applied to equipment monitoring or fault detection


• Background in upgrading legacy tools with modern controls, sensors, or automation capabilities


• Knowledge of SPC, DOE, DMAIC, or structured problem-solving methodologies

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.

The estimated base salary range for this position is $76,856.00 - $109,892.00. The individual salary is based on work location and additional factors, including job‑related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.

Seagate offers comprehensive benefits to its eligible employees, including, but not limited to, , eligibility to participate in discretionary bonus program, medical, dental, vision, and life insurance, short-and long-term disability, 401(k), employee stock purchase plan, health savings account, dependent care, and healthcare spending accounts. Seagate also offers paid time off, including 12 holidays, flexible time off provided pursuant to Seagate policy, 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.

Location: Normandale, United States
Travel: None