Sr. Vacuum Process Engineer

About our group:

Process engineering is responsible for controlling all tooling on the factory floor that is used to fabricate Magnetic Recording Heads used within Seagate HDDs. We employ traditional process-control methods as well as novel Advanced Process Control (APC) algorithmic systems to analyze the health of our processes in real time and make automated adjustments. We also manage manual and automated systems to disposition recording heads for conformality to product specifications.

This position will work with the Vacuum Process Engineering team in our Bloomington, MN facility to control and optimize the processes and tooling used to build the recording heads that go into every Seagate Hard Disc Drive (HDD).

• Develop, implement, optimize, and control vacuum processes (deposition, reactive etching, ion milling, or magnetic annealing) within a manufacturing setting. Ownerships will change over time, allowing for professional growth.
• Make extensive use of metrology, defect analysis, and statistics to ensure processes are capable and targeted.
• Support and optimize new processes developed to build the latest generation of magnetic recording heads based on HAMR technology.
• Continually use Six Sigma methodologies and techniques to maximize the performance, and minimize the variability, of product through active hands‑on completion of structured experiments and OFATs (One Factor at a Time) experiments on the vacuum processes you manage.
• Develop systematic and automated methods for maintaining process control across multiple tools, including implementing SPC charts and Out-of‑Control Action Plans (OCAPs) and Material Dispositioning instructions. You will also be able to learn and design new Automated Process Control methods and systems that you will implement onto your toolsets to enable real‑time and error‑free adjustments as needed.
• You will also be expected to maintain all process documentation and ensure process congruency across Seagate's recording‑head manufacturing sites. You will evaluate and introduce new production equipment into the manufacturing line and create all necessary associated manufacturing documentation, instructing and certifying production personnel during all working shifts on documented process procedures.
• Overseeing manufacturing issues (scrap, rework, cycle‑time reduction, multiple‑path maintenance) will also be a top priority.

• Have a background in vacuum science or processing.
• Have an understanding about how to determine key process input variables using statistical DoE (Design of Experiment) methods to maximize performance and yield of product.
• Demonstrated ability to statistically analyze data and perform defect analysis to increase process capability and to optimize process yields.

• An understanding of magnetic principles and phenomena especially in relation to thin films.
• Working with, or formal education of, applying engineering statistics to solve engineering problems.
• Knowledge of design of experiments (methods of design).
• Demonstrated experience developing and optimizing vacuum-based processes, preferably via Design of Experiment.
• Hands‑on familiarity with vacuum related tooling and processing.
• PVD deposition processing or ion etching (reactive and/or ion mill) or thermal annealing wafer processing.
• Sputter deposition with a preference to reactive sputter deposition.
• Bachelor's Degree in Material Science, Chemistry, Chemical & Electrical Engineering or Physics and 5+ years of experience, or Master's degree in a similar field and 3+ years of experience, or PHD and 0+ years of experience or equivalent education and experience.

You might also have:

• A fundamental understanding of the propagation of light through materials and the resonant responses that are induced.
• Experience in ion etching (reactive and/or ion mill) wafer processing.
• Experience in a manufacturing setting or in process development employing vacuum technics and processes.
• Experience with Six Sigma, as a Green or Brown belt.
• Interest developing skills in Machine Learning, Generative AI, and Data Science.
• Support and Develop Automation with Training using…