Advanced HDD Technology Designs and Integration (Hardware/Firmware Engineer)

About the role

Join us and let’s shape the future of data. This role is part of WD's early career development program.

Responsibilities

• Development of enabling emerging technologies for next-generation Hard Disk Drive (HDD) products.
• Advanced HDD system design, optimization, and integration of emerging technologies into new product platforms.
• Contribute to the development of next-generation Heat-Assisted Magnetic Recording (HAMR) technology, applying innovative engineering solutions to challenging system design problems.
• Participate in the design, development, integration, and validation of hardware and firmware solutions.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including hardware engineers, firmware engineers, validation teams, and system architects, to define requirements and deliver products aligned with project objectives.
• Develop clean, efficient, and maintainable code in C/C++ and other relevant programming languages.
• Perform system-level debugging, root cause analysis, and issue resolution to improve product performance, reliability, and manufacturability.
• Develop Python-based automation tools for testing, log analysis, data processing, and validation activities.
• Contribute to technical documentation, architecture reviews, design specifications, and code reviews throughout the product development lifecycle.
• Leverage AI-assisted development and coding tools to improve engineering productivity, code quality, and debugging efficiency.

Qualifications

• Currently pursuing or recently completed a Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
• Right to work in the US without requiring WD to commence or sponsor an immigration case in order to employ you now or at any point in the future.
• Strong foundation in electrical engineering fundamentals, including electromagnetics, electronic circuits, signal integrity, and power integrity analysis.
• Proficiency in C/C++ programming, including debugging and testing.
• Experience with Python or MATLAB for scripting, test automation, and data analysis.
• Familiarity with laboratory instrumentation and signal measurement tools such as oscilloscopes.
• Solid understanding of embedded systems and hardware-software interaction.
• Academic knowledge of microcontrollers, peripherals, and communication interfaces (e.g., UART).
• Familiarity with firmware testing methodologies and test-driven development practices.
• Interest in or experience with AI-assisted software development and engineering productivity tools.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience or academic background related to HDD systems, HAMR technology, magnetic recording systems, lasers, or optoelectronics is a plus.

What We Offer

• Hands-on experience developing breakthrough HDD technologies, including prototype system design, optimization, bring-up, functional verification, failure analysis, and manufacturing support.
• Opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge HAMR and advanced storage technology innovations.
• Exposure to challenging real-world hardware, firmware, and systems engineering projects.
• Mentorship and technical guidance from experienced industry experts and engineering leaders.
• A collaborative, innovative, and inclusive culture that supports continuous learning and professional growth.

Additional Information

• WD is committed to providing equal opportunities to all applicants and employees and will not discriminate against any applicant or employee 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 gender-related appearance and behavior, whether or not stereotypically associated with the person’s assigned sex at birth), age, national origin, sexual orientation, medical condition, marital status (including domestic partnership status), physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, protected medical and family care leave, Civil Air Patrol status, military and veteran status, or other legally protected characteristics.
• We also prohibit harassment of any individual on any of the characteristics listed above.
• Our non-discrimination policy applies to all aspects of employment.
• We comply with the laws and regulations set forth in the "Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal” poster.
• Our pay transparency policy is available here.