Director, Hardware Development Engineering

Overview

Western Digital is a company focused on powering global innovation and technology. We offer technologies, HDDs, and platforms for business, creative professionals, and consumers under the Western Digital®, WD®, and ™ brands. We partner with large, high-growth organizations to enable systems, power data centers, and meet the data storage needs of the AI era. Today’s challenges require your unique skills as we build the future of data storage.

The Director, Hardware Development Engineering serves as a Module Manager and as a leader overseeing 2-4 first-line managers across Manufacturing Process and Equipment disciplines.

The Module Manager must set direction, establish priority, and coordinate between manufacturing, maintenance, logistics/supply chain, process and equipment engineering groups to resolve issues that affect wafer cycle time and quality.

Additionally, the Module Manager will provide leadership, coaching, and mentorship to create a cohesive, self-sustaining team. Maintain oversight of issues related to process and equipment and drive resolution of problems that arise. Drive systematic and engineering solutions to improve the manufacturing process. Adapt to changes on the fly and pursue alternate paths when necessary to achieve objectives.

• Manage a cross-functional module team of process and equipment engineers to sustain and improve manufacturing output
• Identify and drive resolution of problems that could impact output, quality and/or cost
• Monitor tool performance as needed and respond to out-of-control situations
• Approach and drive solutions with cross-functional groups
• Track employee performance and deliverables to ensure expectations are met
• Provide timely coaching to develop and enhance the performance of direct reports
• Conduct periodic performance reviews and ensure assessments are fair and consistent
• Address performance problems in a timely fashion and take appropriate actions
• Ensure the consistent application of appropriate disciplinary actions when warranted
• Promote and implement Lean manufacturing methodologies, sustainability and scalability

REQUIRED:

• BS/MS/PhD in Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Materials Engineering, Magnetics, Chemical Engineering, Data Analysis, Statistics, Chemistry, Physics and/or Business Administration/Management or equivalent experience
• Minimum 10+ years in wafer manufacturing and management
• Strong knowledge of semiconductor wafer manufacturing processes and operations
• Able to extract, summarize, interpret, and present data to support decision making
• Project management experience
• Proficiency in Excel, PowerPoint, data analytics, and statistics
• A history of problem solving and driving issues to resolution
• Understanding of manufacturing and factory systems and their interactions
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Western Digital is committed to equal opportunities for all applicants and employees and will not discriminate based on characteristics protected by law. Our non-discrimination policy applies to all aspects of employment. We comply with applicable laws. The notice to candidates includes information on accommodations and ethics helpline. Applicants are asked to contact us for accommodation requests and to review the specific job title and requisition number.

We anticipate an Final date to receive applications of 04/28/2026, but reserve the right to close early if a suitable candidate is hired. If we are not able to hire for this role before the deadline, we will update the posting with a new anticipated deadline.

Compensation and Benefits Details:
We provide a comprehensive package including competitive pay, various benefits, and eligibility for incentive programs. Notes on compensation and benefits are provided in accordance with company policy and applicable laws.

Notice to Candidates:
Western Digital will never request payment for applying for a position or receiving an offer. If you encounter such requests, please report them to the Western Digital Ethics Helpline or