Senior Engineer, Failure Analysis Engineering

WD is building the infrastructure behind the AI-driven data economy.

As AI scales, so does data. Every interaction, every model, every system generates data that must be stored, managed, and made accessible over time. That’s where we come in.

We combine deep engineering expertise with global-scale manufacturing to deliver the storage systems that make AI possible, powering hyperscale data centers, cloud platforms, and enterprise infrastructure worldwide.

This isn’t theoretical work. It’s real systems, at real scale, people solving some of the hardest challenges in technology today.

We’re looking for people who want to build, solve, and operate at that level.

Join us and let’s shape the future of data.

Job Description

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Conduct and supervise Failure Analysis (FA) activities for Production and New Product Introduction (NPI) samples, including trend analysis, reporting, and defect characterization.
• Manage and mentor a team of technicians for media FA analysis and defect characterization using first level FA equipment.
• Coordinate second-level analysis with analytical lab teams.
• Generate and communicate comprehensive FA findings to stakeholders, including quarterly defect pareto reports
• Collaborate with Yield/Defect Engineering, Process Teams, QC Teams, and Analytical Teams to drive yield and quality improvements
• Participate in cross-functional meetings and global FA initiatives to share knowledge and best practices, including FA Database
• Drive defect unification initiatives and FA methodology improvements
• Maintain & update defect library when necessary.
• Carry out simulations & experiments to understand the mechanism of defect formation.

Qualifications

Requirement:

• Minimum Bachelor Degree in Science, Engineering or related technical field
• 2+ years of experience

Preferred :

• Strong problem-solving and analytical thinking capabilities
• Excellent communication skills for cross-functional collaboration
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities
• Detail-oriented with strong documentation and reporting skills
• Ability to conduct experiments and simulations for defect mechanism understanding

Skills :

• Proficiency with FA equipment including Optical Microscopy (OM), Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), Zygo, and OSA
• Experience with analytical tools such as SEM-EDX, FIB-SEM, Raman spectroscopy, ESCA, and TOF-SIMS
• Strong understanding of defect characterization techniques and failure mode analysis
• Knowledge of statistical analysis and data interpretation methods
• Experience with Test Database systems and data visualization tools (Spotfire)
• Familiarity with FA database systems and IT enhancement projects

Additional Information

WD 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.

WD is committed to offering opportunities to applicants with disabilities and ensuring all candidates can successfully navigate our careers website and our hiring process. Please contact us at [email protected] to advise us of your accommodation request. In your email, please include a description of the specific accommodation you are requesting as well as the job title and requisition number of the position for which you are applying.

Notice To Candidates: Please be aware that WD and its subsidiaries will never request payment as a condition for applying for a position or receiving an offer of employment. Should you encounter any such requests, please report it immediately to WD Ethics Helpline or email [email protected].