Equipment Engineering Manager - Vacuum

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.

The Sr. Equipment Manager for the Vacuum Process area will be responsible for overseeing all operations related to ion mill/ion scan and ion beam deposition . This role is critical for ensuring maximum tool uptime, reducing process scrap, and driving continuous improvement initiatives. The successful candidate will manage a team of equipment engineers and technicians, coordinate preventive and corrective maintenance activities, and implement best practices to enhance equipment performance and reliability.

Key responsibilities include developing and executing strategies to minimize equipment downtime, analyzing failure data to identify root causes, and leading projects aimed at process optimization and cost reduction. The Sr. Equipment Manager will collaborate closely with process engineering and manufacturing to ensure all equipment meets operational and safety standards. Additionally, the manager will oversee personnel development, set clear performance expectations, and foster a culture of accountability and innovation within the wet process group.

Responsibilities

Lead daily operations and maintenance of ion mill/ion scan and ion beam deposition tools; Monitor and drive reduction of equipment-induced scrap and yield loss through data-driven problem solving and corrective actions.; Manage, mentor, and develop a team of equipment engineers and technicians, including performance reviews and training plans.; Plan and execute equipment upgrades, retrofits, and capacity expansion projects in alignment with business needs.; Establish and track key performance indicators (KPIs) for tool uptime, maintenance response, and cost savings initiatives.; Collaborate with cross-functional teams to support process changes, new technology introductions, and compliance with environmental, health, and safety requirements.; Drive continuous improvement culture by leveraging Lean, Six Sigma, or similar methodologies.

Requirements

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical, or related field preferred).; Minimum 8 years+ of experience in semiconductor equipment engineering, with at least 3+ years in a people management role.

Benefits

An employee’s pay position within the salary range may be based on several factors including but not limited to (1) relevant education, qualifications, certifications, and experience, (2) skills, ability, knowledge of the job, (3) performance, contribution and results, (4) geographic location, (5) shift, (6) internal and external equity, and (7) business and organizational needs.; The salary range is what we believe to be the range of possible compensation for this role at the time of this posting. We may ultimately pay more or less than the posted range and this range is only applicable for jobs to be performed in California, Colorado, New York or remote jobs that can be performed in California, Colorado and New York. This range may be modified in the future.; If your position is non-exempt, you are eligible for overtime pay pursuant to company policy and applicable laws. You may also be eligible for shift differential pay, depending on the shift to which you are assigned.; You will be eligible to be considered for bonuses under either WD’s Short Term Incentive Plan (“STI Plan”) or the Sales Incentive Plan (“SIP”) which provides incentive awards based on Company and individual performance, depending on your role and your performance. You may be eligible to participate in our annual Long-Term Incentive (LTI) program, which consists of restricted stock units (RSUs) or cash equivalents, pursuant to the terms of the LTI plan. Please note that not all roles are eligible to participate in the LTI program, and not all roles are eligible for equity under the LTI plan. RSU awards are also available to eligible new hires, subject to WD's Standard Terms and Conditions for Restricted Stock Unit Awards.; We offer a comprehensive package of benefits including paid vacation time, paid sick leave, medical/dental/vision insurance, life, accident and disability insurance, tax-advantaged flexible spending and health savings accounts, employee assistance program, other voluntary benefit programs such as supplemental life and AD&D, legal plan, pet insurance, critical illness, accident and hospital indemnity, tuition reimbursement, transit, the Applause Program, employee stock purchase plan, and the WD Savings 401(k) Plan.; Note: No amount of pay is considered to be wages or compensation until such amount is earned, vested, and determinable. The amount and availability of any bonus, commission, benefits, or any other form of compensation and benefits that are allocable to a particular employee remains in the Company's sole discretion unless and until paid and may be modified at the Company’s sole discretion, consistent with the law.