Equipment Engineering Specialist IV

Seagate Technology; Fremont (CA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Seagate Technology, located at Fremont, CA, is seeking a technically skilled technician to plan and execute upgrades and installations for advanced sputter deposition equipment. You will lead vacuum maintenance, troubleshooting, and performance optimization while collaborating with engineers and operators to resolve complex issues.

The role requires a hands-on, safety-first mindset, adherence to cleanroom protocols, and the ability to work a 6am–2:30pm schedule.

Qualifications

• Must have vacuum technology expertise including high/ultra‑high vacuum, leak detection and gas flow dynamics.
• Proficient with instrumentation such as Pirani, cold cathode and ion gauges, including data interpretation.
• Strong understanding of electrical & control systems: power supply troubleshooting, PLC interfaces, and ability to read schematics.
• Hands-on mechanical skills with equipment assembly and maintenance; ability to read engineering drawings and layouts.
• Experience with preventive maintenance scheduling, execution, documentation and reporting.
• Must be able to work Monday to Friday 6am to 2:30pm.

Responsibilities

• Plan and execute system upgrades and installation activities, including hardware modifications and post-installation validation.
• Provide daily pass-down reports to ensure effective team communication.
• Lead vacuum system maintenance, troubleshooting, and performance optimization for sputter deposition equipment.
• Collaborate with engineers and operators to diagnose and resolve complex issues.
• Ensure strict compliance with cleanroom protocols, safety standards and procedures.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance equipment reliability and uptime.

Skills

Vacuum technology

Instrumentation

Electrical & control systems

Mechanical & systems

Preventive maintenance

Shift 6am-2:30pm

Job description

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Location: Fremont, CA, US

Posting Date: Aug 10, 2026

Job ID: 14798

About our group:

We are the backbone of Seagate’s media development and technology integration efforts, specializing in sputter deposition coating systems. Our team is responsible for equipment upgrade installation, engineering support, ensuring equipment reliability, performance validation, and process optimization for breakthrough storage technologies. Collaborating globally, we deliver solutions that enable the future of data management.

About the role - you will:

• Plan and execute system upgrades and installation activities, including hardware modifications, configuration changes, and post-installation validation.
• Proactively execute daily tasks with minimal supervision and provide clear, timely daily pass-down reports to ensure effective team communication.
• Lead vacuum system maintenance, troubleshooting, and performance optimization for advanced sputter deposition equipment. Manage reconfiguration projects, preventive maintenance programs, and system readiness to support R&D operations.
• Collaborate closely with engineers, technologists, and operators to diagnose and resolve complex technical issues.
• Ensure strict compliance with cleanroom protocols, safety standards, and operational procedures.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance equipment reliability, uptime, and overall process performance.

About you:

• Safety-First Mindset – You consistently prioritize safety in all operations and decision‑making, ensuring compliance with protocols and fostering a secure work environment.
• Hands-On, Results-Driven Execution – You take a proactive, hands‑on approach to solving problems, focusing on delivering measurable results and maintaining high standards of performance.
• Collaborative Team Player – You are a strong team player who works effectively across cross‑functional teams, demonstrating excellent communication skills and a proactive approach to resolving complex technical challenges.
• Adaptability Under Pressure – You thrive in a dynamic R&D environment, remain effective under pressure, and quickly adapt to changing priorities and high‑impact situations.
• Continuous Learning Mindset – You embrace new technologies, tools, and processes to drive innovation and continuously improve both individual and team performance.

Your experience includes:

• Vacuum Technology Expertise: High/ultra‑high vacuum principles, leak detection, and gas flow dynamics.
• Instrumentation: Pirani, cold cathode, and ion gauges; calibration and data interpretation.
• Electrical & Control Systems: Power supply troubleshooting, PLC interface understanding, and strong electrical fundamentals; ability to read and interpret electrical schematics.
• Mechanical & Systems Knowledge: Strong mechanical aptitude with hands‑on experience in equipment assembly and maintenance; ability to read engineering drawings and understand system layouts.
• Preventive Maintenance: Scheduling, execution, documentation, and performance reporting.
• Must be able to work Monday to Friday 6am to 2:30pm

You might also have:

• Pump Systems: Rotary vane, scroll, turbomolecular, and cryogenic pumps
• Leak Detection: Helium leak testing, analysis, and troubleshooting.
• Bill of Materials (BOM) & System Structure Understanding: Familiarity with BOMs, component relationships, and overall equipment architecture to support troubleshooting and upgrades
• Experience with Sputter Deposition Systems: Strong working knowledge of sputter deposition equipment, processes, and troubleshooting in an R&D or manufacturing environment.
• Automation & Transport Systems: Familiarity with automation systems and material transport mechanisms; ability to diagnose and resolve related issues.
• Software & Documentation Skills: Proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) for data analysis, planning schedules, reporting, and documentation.
• Product Lifecycle & Change Management: Understanding of product lifecycle management (PLM) systems, including engineering change notices (ECN), engineering change control processes, and documentation requirements

Location:

Our Gold LEED-certified Fremont product-design campus drives innovation, bringing together a diverse set of engineering, design, operations, support and administrative teams. The site is equipped with state-of-the‑art cleanroom and lab space. On‑site social activities are popular, including our annual BBQ, ice cream social, and holiday events. Wellness programs, gaming rooms and the on‑site fitness center help round out and balance your Seagate work‑life experience, along with opportunities to give back to our local community.

The estimated base wage range for this position is $31.21 - $45.48/hr. The individual base wage 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, medical, dental, vision, and 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, and health care spending accounts. Seagate also offers 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: Fremont USA Research Center
Travel: None

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 is powered by our talented andpassionate 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!

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

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

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