Senior Wafer Manufacturing Lead: Optimize High-Scale Ops

Western Digital; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 84,200 - 112,300; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonuses: STI/SIP

LTI program

401(k) plan

Healthcare benefits

Job summary

Western Digital is seeking a Senior Production Supervisor for Wafer Manufacturing in San Jose, CA. This role leads 30–45 staff across thin-film/photolithography and related processes, coordinating with engineering, maintenance and tooling teams.

The position emphasizes Lean manufacturing, Kaizen events, and data-driven decision making to boost throughput and quality while controlling downtime and costs. Requires prior semiconductor experience and strong leadership.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related field.
• Use knowledge of wafer manufacturing processes to drive production.
• Strong understanding of SPC systems and rules.
• Familiarity with Shop Floor Control (MESA) concepts.
• Ability to extract and interpret process data for decision making.
• Proficiency in Six Sigma and Lean principles.

Responsibilities

• Lead a department of 30–45 operators and leads to meet production goals.
• Coordinate between manufacturing, maintenance, and engineering teams.
• Monitor tool performance and respond to out-of-control situations.
• Drive continuous improvement to improve throughput and reduce risk.
• Coach and develop direct reports; conduct periodic reviews.
• Promote Lean and Kaizen activities across the line.

Skills

BS in Engineering

Wafer manufacturing

Statistical Process Control

MESA Shop Floor

SQL

VBA & Excel

Six Sigma Lean

Project Management tools

Leadership

Problem solving

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor of Science in Engineering

Tools

SQL

VBA

Excel

PowerPoint

Job description

Western Digital is seeking a Senior Production Supervisor for Wafer Manufacturing in San Jose, CA. This role leads 30–45 staff across thin-film/photolithography and related processes, coordinating with engineering, maintenance and tooling teams.

The position emphasizes Lean manufacturing, Kaizen events, and data-driven decision making to boost throughput and quality while controlling downtime and costs. Requires prior semiconductor experience and strong leadership.