Staff Engineer, Wafer Manufacturing Metrology

Staff Engineer, Wafer Manufacturing Metrology

At Western Digital, we empower engineers to develop precise, high‑throughput solutions for high‑volume manufacturing of complex, three‑dimensional thin‑film magnetic read/write head structures. This role requires collaboration with process engineering teams to create and optimize automated inspection recipes and metrology systems for wafer manufacturing operations.

• Work independently with minimal supervision in the Manufacturing Metrology group to
  • Develop, document, optimize, and sustain automated inspection recipes and process control solutions
  • Develop and refine technical methods/processes to identify root causes of operational issues, process inefficiencies, and measurement deviations
  • Establish accurate baseline measurements and qualification of metrology solutions by collaborating with cross‑functional teams across the fab
  • Deploy robust metrology system calibration and correlation strategies
  • Identify and resolve equipment issues, collaborating with equipment engineering teams and tool vendors to ensure optimal tool performance
• Cross‑train within Metrology Engineering to ensure seamless support coverage across teams
• Partner with engineering and quality teams to analyze real‑time metrology data, identify process deviations, and implement automated corrective strategies to improve yield and reduce cycle time
• Summarize, document, and present results to technical and executive audiences to drive data‑driven improvements
• Communicate effectively with both management and shop floor
• Display comfort and skill in presenting issues/findings

• B.S., M.S., or Ph.D. in physics, chemistry, engineering (chemical, mechanical, electrical), or material science
• Minimum of 3–6 years of work experience depending on education
• Programming/scripting experience in SQL, Python, Matlab, JSL, C#, or equivalent
• Strong detail‑oriented work habits
• Ability to complete projects on schedule

• Hands‑on experience with equipment, wafers, clean‑room, and wafer fabrication/processing, preferably in a manufacturing environment
• Experience with spectra analysis and film stack modeling (visible light reflectometry, spectroscopic ellipsometry, x‑ray fluorescence)
• Experience applying atomic force microscopy in a production environment
• Knowledge of tunnelling electron microscopy, including sample preparation, extraction/handling, and imaging

• Excellent problem‑solving, data analysis, statistical skills, and both written and oral communication
• Practical understanding of electronics and mechatronics as applied to modern industrial measurement tools

Western Digital is committed to providing equal opportunities to all applicants and employees and will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, gender, age, national origin, sexual orientation, medical condition, marital status, physical disability, mental disability, genetic information, protected medical and family care leave, civil air patrol status, military and veteran status, 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. We comply with the laws and regulations set forth in the "Know Your Rights:
Workplace Discrimination is Illegal” poster. Our pay transparency policy is available here.

Western Digital thrives on the power and potential of diversity. We believe the fusion of various perspectives results in the best outcomes for employees, the company, 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 hiring process. Please contact us at  to advise us of your accommodation request. In your email, include a description of the specific accommodation you are requesting as well as the job title and…