Summer Intern- Material Scientist​/Thin Film Processes Engineer; Ph.D

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.

We are a key partner to some of the largest and highest growth organizations in the world. From energizing the most competitive gaming platforms, to enabling systems to make cities safer and cars smarter and more connected, to powering the data centers behind many of the world’s biggest companies and public cloud, Western Digital is fueling a brighter, smarter future.

Binge-watch any shows, use social media or shop online lately? You’ll find Western Digital supporting the storage infrastructure behind many of these platforms. And, that flash memory card that captures and preserves your most precious moments? That’s us, too.

We offer an expansive portfolio of technologies, storage devices and platforms for business and consumers alike. Our data-centric solutions are comprised of the Western Digital®, G-Technology™, San Disk® and WD® brands.

Today’s exceptional challenges require your unique skills. It’s You & Western Digital. Together, we’re the next BIG thing in data.

We are seeking a Material Scientist Intern to contribute to our development team in Fremont, United States. This internship position focuses on the critical areas of materials synthesis modeling and thin film processes, providing exposure to advanced materials research and Heated Assisted Magnetic Recording product development. This role is ideal for PhD candidates nearing graduation who have experience in one or more of the following areas: materials modeling, atomic simulations, molecular dynamics, and density functional theory (DFT).

The intern will work on advanced materials modeling projects, leveraging analytical tools to predict material properties.

• Work with analytical tools such as TEM, SEM, and AFM for materials characterization.
• Utilize atomic simulations, molecular dynamics, and DFT to analyze material behavior
• Employ open-source material databases to conduct rigorous predictions of plasmonic properties and utilize analytical tools to design and optimize plasmonic materials and processes
• Contribute to design and execution of experiments pertaining to thin film deposition and characterization
• Perform comprehensive material analysis using various sophisticated characterization techniques
• Systematically collect, analyze, and interpret experimental data to support ongoing research initiatives
• Engage in cross-functional collaboration to advance research projects and meet organizational objectives
• Actively participate in regular team meetings and deliver formal presentations of research findings

This position is part of our Early Career program  Early Career program is designed to support individuals beginning their professional career by providing the foundational training through a structured onboarding, mentorship, and development curriculum.

• PhD candidate in Materials Science, Physics, Chemistry, or related field
• Strong background in Computational Materials Science and thin film processes
• Proficiency in data analysis and interpretation using MATLAB, Python, or similar
• Familiarity with analytical tools (TEM, SEM, AFM) for materials characterization.
• Experience in atomic simulation, molecular dynamics, and DFT.

• Research experience in materials science; familiarity with semiconductor industry preferred

• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills

Western Digital is committed to providing equal opportunities to all applicants and employees and will not discriminate based on their race, color, ancestry, religion (including religious dress and grooming standards), sex (including pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, breastfeeding or related medical conditions), gender (including a person’s gender identity, gender expression, and…