Senior Engineer, Process Development & Sustaining Engineering

Company Description

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

Job Description

The Senior Engineer, Process Development & Sustaining will lead the development, optimization, and sustaining of manufacturing processes for WD's HDD storage products. This is a technically deep, cross-functional role requiring strong foundation in chemistry, materials science, or chemical engineering.

You will drive process characterization, chemical/material qualification, and yield improvement initiatives while ensuring manufacturing processes remain stable, compliant, and cost-competitive. You are expected to operate with high technical autonomy, interface with global R&D and process teams, and mentor junior engineers on the Penang floor.

This role is ideal for a Master's, or Bachelor's graduate in Chemical Engineering or Materials Science who is passionate about translating lab-scale science into high-volume manufacturing solutions.

Key Responsibilities

Process Development

Design and develop new manufacturing processes or significantly improve existing ones for HDD production

Conduct Design of Experiments (DOE) to characterize process windows, identify critical process parameters (CPPs), and optimize process outputs

Evaluate and qualify new chemicals, materials, and process consumables for manufacturing use

Develop process recipes, control plans, and standard operating procedures (SOPs)

Translate R&D/lab-scale processes into robust, scalable, high-volume manufacturing processes

Process Sustaining

Own sustaining engineering for assigned process modules — ensure processes remain stable, in control, and within specification

Monitor Statistical Process Control (SPC) charts; respond to out-of-control signals with structured problem-solving

Lead Engineering Change Orders (ECOs) for process changes, chemical substitutions, and material updates

Manage process deviation requests and ensure timely resolution

Maintain process documentation, control plans, and work instructions per WD QMS

Chemical & Material Engineering

Lead chemical/material qualification activities including incoming material testing, process compatibility studies, and shelf-life evaluations

Evaluate alternative chemistries and materials for cost reduction, sustainability, or supply chain risk mitigation

Work with EHS team to ensure safe handling, storage, and disposal of process chemicals per regulatory requirements

Support RoHS, REACH, and PFAS compliance reviews for process chemicals and materials

Yield & Quality Improvement

Lead yield loss analysis and drive structured RCCA (Root Cause and Corrective Action) for process-related defects

Apply Six Sigma / SPC / Lean methodologies to reduce process variation and improve Cpk

Partner with Quality Engineering to resolve customer escapes and field returns linked to process issues

Drive continuous improvement projects with measurable cost and quality impact

NPI & Technology Transfer

Support New Product Introduction (NPI) process readiness — from process concept to mass production release

Lead or support technology transfer of new processes from R&D/HQ to Penang manufacturing

Develop process qualification protocols (PQ), installation qualification (IQ), and operational qualification (OQ) plans

Cross-Functional Collaboration

Interface with R&D, Product Engineering, Quality, EHS, Supply Chain, and Equipment Engineering teams globally

Present process data, findings, and recommendations to senior management and global stakeholders

Collaborate with equipment engineers on process-equipment interactions and optimization

People & Mentorship

Mentor and coach junior and mid-level process engineers

Lead technical reviews, knowledge-sharing sessions, and engineering forums

Support capability building within the Penang process engineering team

Qualifications

Academic Qualification :

Bachelor's Degree (BSc/BEng) in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or related discipline with strong industry experience

Master's Degree (MSc/MEng) in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Chemistry, Polymer Science, or related field

Experience and Skills Required :

Minimum 5-10 years experience in process or manufacturing environment.

Knowledge on HDD media cleaning technology will be added advantage.

Knowledge in SPC, FMEA, Technical Report Writing and DOE run.

Green Belt or Lean Six Sigma will be and added advantages.

Good technical presentation skill.

Good communication skill.

Technical Skills — Core

Strong fundamentals in chemistry, materials science

Proficiency in DOE methodologies (full factorial, RSM, Taguchi)

Working knowledge of Statistical Process Control (SPC) and statistical analysis tools (JMP, Minitab, or equivalent)

Familiarity with thin film, surface treatment, wet chemical, cleaning

Understanding of failure analysis techniques (SEM, EDX, XRD, FTIR, or equivalent)

Knowledge of chemical safety, EHS regulations, and REACH/RoHS compliance

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 jobs.accommodations@wdc.com 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 compliance@wdc.com.