Senior Engineer, Analytical & Characterization Engineering

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.

We are seeking a motivated and technically skilled Engineer to join our Analytical & Characterization Engineering team. The successful candidate will be responsible for managing the daily operations of the Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) and Focused Ion Beam (FIB) laboratory, supervising laboratory technicians, and providing failure analysis (FA) support. Additionally, it entails driving continuous improvements in analytical capabilities, preparing technical reports, and ensuring compliance with safety and quality standards in all operations.

Responsibilities

Manage and oversee the day-to-day operations of the TEM and FIB laboratory, ensuring equipment uptime, safety compliance, and operational efficiency.; Plan and coordinate preventive maintenance schedules for TEM and FIB instruments.; Supervise, guide, and train laboratory technicians to ensure accurate sample preparation and analysis.; Perform and support FA activities, providing timely and accurate analytical results to cross-functional teams.; Prepare and review FA reports, characterization data, and technical documentation.; Collaborate with process, development, and quality engineering teams to investigate and resolve failures.; Drive continuous improvement initiatives within the laboratory to enhance analytical capabilities and turnaround time.; Ensure proper handling, storage, and documentation of samples and analytical records.; Coordinate with equipment vendors and service engineers for repair, calibration, and upgrades.; Ensure compliance with safety, quality, and data‑integrity standards in all analytical operations.

Requirements

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Materials Science, Chemistry, Physics, Engineering, or a related field.; Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.; Good communication and report-writing skills.; Able to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.; Organized, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple priorities.

Nice to have

Hands-on experience with TEM and/or FIB instrumentation.; Proficient in TEM operation, including bright field/dark field imaging, diffraction analysis, and EDS/EELS spectroscopy.; Experienced in FIB sample preparation techniques, including cross-sectioning and TEM lamella preparation.; Familiarity with SEM operation and other characterization tools is an added advantage.; Knowledge of HDD component materials and failure mechanisms is preferred.; Prior experience in supervising or mentoring technicians is an advantage.; Ability to translate analytical data into clear engineering recommendations.