HAMR Head-Media Interface Sr Staff Engineer

Seagate Technology; Normandale (AL); On-site; USD 133,000 - 194,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Discretionary bonus

Medical, dental, vision

401(k) plan

Employee stock purchase plan

Paid time off

Holidays

Sick leave

Parental leave

Job summary

Seagate Technology invites a Sr Staff Engineer to lead HAMR head‑media interface development. You will guide cross‑functional teams across surface chemistry, tribology, and materials science to advance nanoscale interface designs from modeling to pre‑production.

Strong DOE and data analysis skills are essential. You will collaborate with magnetic, plasmonic, mechanical, and optical groups, applying broad expertise to complex reliability challenges and influencing未来 product performance.

Qualifications

• Strong experimental and analytical skills in surface chemistry, heat transfer, tribology, and materials science.
• Ability to apply DOE and statistical analysis to development work.
• Experience leading technology development projects across engineering disciplines.
• Experience communicating complex technical findings to management.

Responsibilities

• Lead experimental test plans and DOE-based analysis to evaluate interface and thermo‑mechanical designs.
• Drive nanoscale design concepts from modeling through wafer fabrication and pre‑production.
• Collaborate with magnetic, plasmonic, mechanical, and optical teams on HAMR technologies.
• Provide technical guidance to multidisciplinary engineering teams and coordinate activities.

Skills

Surface chemistry

Tribology

Materials science

Design of Experiments

Statistical analysis

Leadership

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Applied Physics, Physical Chemistry, Mechanical Engineering or related field

Master's degree in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Applied Physics, Physical Chemistry, Mechanical Engineering or related field

PhD and 5+ years of experience or equivalent education and experience

Job description

Job Title: HAMR Head-Media Interface Sr Staff Engineer

About our group

To address the growing global demand for data usage and storage, Seagate continues to advance data storage technology by developing solutions that increase storage density in next‑generation Hard Disk Drives (HDDs).

Our design team leads modeling and development efforts focused on device performance and reliability using mechanically driven solutions at the micro- and nanoscale. We focus on the invention, design, development, and demonstration of technologies for future data storage devices.

About the role - you will

• Work with advanced development and product development teams in the areas of surface chemistry, microscale tribology, materials development and performance, surface process development, thin‑film mechanics, and magnetic recording.
• Lead and coordinate experimental test plans, apply Design of Experiments (DOE) methodologies, and use statistical analysis techniques to develop and evaluate the performance and reliability of new interface and thermo‑mechanical designs.
• Drive nanoscale design concepts and surface processes from modeling through wafer fabrication, testing, evaluation, and pre‑production development within a dynamic and cross‑functional environment.
• Collaborate with magnetic, plasmonic, mechanical, and optical design teams to develop and deliver advanced Heat‑Assisted Magnetic Recording (HAMR) technologies.
• Apply broad technical expertise to solve complex problems involving materials, interfaces, device performance and reliability.
• Lead technology development projects involving multiple engineering disciplines and coordinate technical activities across cross‑functional teams.
• Evaluate experimental results, identify technical risks and opportunities, and develop recommendations that influence technology development.
• Provide technical guidance and expertise to engineering teams working on complex micro‑and nanoscale technology challenges.
• Contribute to the technology development pipeline for future data storage devices through materials, mechanical interface, and surface technology innovation.

About you

• You have strong experimental and analytical skills with expertise in areas such as surface chemistry, heat transfer, tribology and contact mechanics, materials science, surface science, or sensor development.
• You apply broad technical knowledge and independent judgment to complex development challenges and can identify effective approaches when multiple technical factors must be considered.
• You have demonstrated leadership and strong teamwork skills and can initiate, execute, and collaborate on complex technology development projects.
• You are comfortable working across disciplines and can build productive relationships with engineering and development teams.
• You can communicate complex technical findings, recommendations, and risks clearly to technical teams and management.
• You enjoy solving significant technical challenges and contributing to technologies that can influence future product performance and capabilities.

Your experience includes

• Bachelor's Degree in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Applied Physics, Physical Chemistry, Mechanical Engineering, or a related engineering or scientific discipline and 12+ years of experience, or Master's degree in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Applied Physics, Physical Chemistry, Mechanical Engineering, or a related engineering or scientific discipline and 8+ years of experience, or PhD and 5+ years of experience or equivalent education and experience.
• Demonstrated success leading the development of new technologies from early‑stage concepts through experimental validation and development.
• Technical expertise in chemical engineering, surface chemistry, materials science, applied physics, physical chemistry, or a related field.
• Experience developing or evaluating micro‑or nanoscale science and technologies.
• Strong experimental design, data analysis, and technical problem‑solving capabilities.
• Experience applying Design of Experiments (DOE) and statistical analysis techniques to technical development work.
• Experience collaborating across diverse engineering and scientific disciplines.
• Ability to communicate complex technical concepts, experimental findings, and recommendations effectively across engineering teams and management.

You Might Also Have

• Experience with Heat‑Assisted Magnetic Recording (HAMR), magnetic recording technologies, or advanced data storage technology.
• Experience in surface chemistry, microscale tribology, contact mechanics, or surface science.
• Experience with thin‑film mechanics, materials characterization, or nanoscale materials development.
• Experience developing technologies involving magnetic, plasmonic, mechanical, or optical systems.
• Experience transitioning new technologies from modeling and experimental development through wafer fabrication, validation, and pre‑production stages.
• Experience providing technical guidance or mentoring engineers and scientists within multidisciplinary development teams.

The estimated base salary range for this position is $132,975.00 - $193,816.00. The individual salary is based on work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.

Benefits

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

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: Normandale, United States
Travel: Up to 10%

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 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 Employer 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 (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), gender (including gender identity and expression), sexual orientation, religion, military and veteran status, or any other classification 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 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].

All Seagate jobs will remain open for a minimum of seven days.

For information on how Seagate collects and uses your personal information during the application process, please review the Applicant Privacy Statement.