Technologist, R&D Engineering

Western Digital; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a full-time Research Staff Member to join their cutting-edge device fabrication team. This role involves building innovative nanoscale devices for various applications, including non-volatile memories and AI architectures. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in nanoscale device processing and integration, with hands-on experience in cleanroom environments. The position offers the opportunity to work on groundbreaking projects that shape the future of data storage technology. Join a collaborative team dedicated to pushing the boundaries of what's possible in technology.

Benefits

Paid vacation time

Paid sick leave

Medical/dental/vision insurance

Life insurance

Accident insurance

Disability insurance

Flexible spending accounts

Health savings accounts

Employee assistance program

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience with a Master’s or 5+ years with a Ph.D. in a related field.
• Hands-on experience with nanofabrication and device integration.

Responsibilities

• Build nanoscale devices for exploratory projects in memory and sensor applications.
• Conduct research in a state-of-the-art cleanroom environment.

Skills

Nanoscale device processing

Device integration

Cleanroom process tools

Strong communication skills

Self-direction in research projects

Education

Master’s degree in Physics

Ph.D. in related field

Tools

Nanofabrication process equipment

Job description

Company Description

At Western Digital, our vision is to power global innovation and push the boundaries of technology to make what you thought was once impossible, possible.

At our core, Western Digital is a company of problem solvers. People achieve extraordinary things given the right technology. For decades, we’ve been doing just that—our technology helped people put a man on the moon and capture the first-ever picture of a black hole.

We offer an expansive portfolio of technologies, HDDs, and platforms for business, creative professionals, and consumers alike under our Western Digital, WD, WD_BLACK, and SanDisk Professional brands.

We are a key partner to some of the largest and highest-growth organizations in the world. From enabling systems to make cities safer and more connected, to powering the data centers behind many of the world’s biggest companies and hyperscale cloud providers, to meeting the massive and ever-growing data storage needs of the AI era, Western Digital is fueling a brighter, smarter future.

Today’s exceptional challenges require your unique skills. Together, we can build the future of data storage.

Job Description

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The job opening is for a full-time Research Staff Member in the Western Digital Corporation emerging device fabrication group.

• Build nanoscale devices for a range of exploratory projects such as non-volatile memories, novel magnetic sensor applications, AI memory/compute architectures, etc.
• We are looking for a scientist/engineer with a strong background in nanoscale device processing.
• Candidates with expertise in device integration, especially BEOL (back end of line) device integration, BEOL materials, or advanced lithography are particularly sought after.

The device fabrication is performed in a state-of-the-art research cleanroom on our San Jose headquarters campus.

Qualifications

Minimum of a Master’s degree in Physics, Materials Science, Electrical Engineering, or closely related field with 10+ years of professional experience or a Ph.D. with 5+ years is required.

The successful candidate will have:

• Hands-on experience with a range of nanofabrication process equipment
• Demonstrated ability to self-direct a research project.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work both independently and in a team environment
• Hands-on experience with cleanroom process tools is preferred
• Experience in device integration (CAD/mask layout/designing process flows/running process lots)

Additional Information

Western Digital is committed to providing equal opportunities to all applicants and employees and will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on their race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, gender, age, national origin, sexual orientation, medical condition, marital status, physical disability, mental disability, genetic information, or other legally protected characteristics.

We also prohibit harassment of any individual on any of the characteristics listed above. Our non-discrimination policy applies to all aspects of employment.

Western Digital thrives on the power and potential of diversity. As a global company, we believe the most effective way to embrace the diversity of our customers and communities is to mirror it from within. We believe the fusion of various perspectives results in the best outcomes for our employees, our company, our customers, and the world around us. We are committed to an inclusive environment where every individual can thrive through a sense of belonging, respect, and contribution.

Western Digital is committed to offering opportunities to applicants with disabilities and ensuring all candidates can successfully navigate our careers website and our hiring process.

Based on our experience, we anticipate that the application deadline will be 5/12/25 (3 months from posting), although we reserve the right to close the application process sooner if we hire an applicant for this position before the application deadline.

Compensation & Benefits Details

• An employee’s pay position within the salary range may be based on several factors including but not limited to relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, ability, knowledge of the job, performance, contribution and results, geographic location, shift, internal and external equity, and business and organizational needs.
• The salary range is what we believe to be the range of possible compensation for this role at the time of this posting.
• You will be eligible to participate in Western Digital’s Short-Term Incentive (STI) Plan, which provides incentive awards based on Company and individual performance.
• We offer a comprehensive package of benefits including paid vacation time; paid sick leave; medical/dental/vision insurance; life, accident and disability insurance; tax-advantaged flexible spending and health savings accounts; employee assistance program; and other voluntary benefit programs.