Associate, Corporate Strategy Analyst

About the role

Western Digital is entering a new chapter as an independent deep-tech company focused on magnetics, photonics, nanofabrication, and machine learning. The Strategy & Corporate Development team bridges technology to markets, strengthening core HDD business, setting long-term strategy, and executing partnerships, investments, and acquisitions.

Responsibilities

• Independently own and lead strategic projects spanning core data storage and New Ventures (photonics, magnetics, nano-fabrication), including market sizing, competitive landscaping, end-customer and segment analysis, GTM frameworks, and build-buy-partner assessments.
• Track timelines, synthesize cross-functional inputs, and deliver executive-quality outputs with minimal supervision while escalating critical decisions.
• Conduct primary and secondary research: market sizing, competitive landscaping, customer and partner dynamics, technology trend tracking, and peer benchmarking.
• Develop executive-quality deliverables: structured slide decks, one-pagers, briefing notes, and read-outs for C-suite and Board audiences.
• Build and maintain financial and analytical models including market sizing, scenario analysis, business case development, and GTM economics.
• Partner closely with commercial, product, and finance stakeholders to align on strategic priorities and drive recommendations to decisions.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3–6 years of experience overall with at least 2 years in consulting, corporate strategy, investment banking, or a research-intensive analytical role; progressive career trajectory with increasing scope and ownership.
• Demonstrated ability to own and lead complex strategic projects end-to-end with C-suite output quality.
• Strong financial and analytical acumen including models, scenario analysis, and business case development.
• Experience conducting primary research (expert interviews, customer conversations, channel checks) and secondary research (industry reports, analyst research, public filings).
• Strong cross-functional collaborator who builds trusted relationships and drives alignment independently.
• Experience working with senior leaders and delivering executive-level deliverables independently.
• Solid Excel and PowerPoint skills; data visualization a plus.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience supporting or embedded in commercial, GTM, or sales organizations preferred.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience in deep technology, data storage, semiconductor, or enterprise infrastructure.
• Experience with competitive intelligence or market research tools (e.g., PitchBook, Bloomberg, Gartner).
• MBA or equivalent work experience preferred.
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, Economics, Finance, or a related analytical field.

Location

• San Jose, California (must be willing to relocate).
• Flexibility for remote work within established company policies.
• 10–20% travel including domestic and international travel to meet with targets, advisors, investors, partners, and industry events.

What Makes This Role Unique

This is a high-impact analytical role at the center of Western Digital's corporate strategy function, offering direct exposure to the Executive Leadership Team on the company's most important strategic questions. The Associate will independently drive strategic projects across core business and New Ventures, building deep expertise in AI infrastructure, data storage, and emerging deep technologies while operating with the autonomy and rigor of a top-tier corporate strategy function.

Compensation & Benefits Details

• Salary range: $151,700–$202,200 (California, Colorado, New York or remote roles in those states).
• Eligibility for Short Term Incentive Plan (STI) or Sales Incentive Plan (SIP) based on role and performance.
• Eligibility for Long-Term Incentive (LTI) program with restricted stock units (RSUs) or cash equivalents, subject to plan terms.
• Comprehensive benefits including paid vacation and sick leave; medical/dental/vision insurance; life, accident and disability insurance; flexible spending and health savings accounts; employee assistance program; voluntary benefits (supplemental life/AD&D, legal plan, pet insurance, critical illness, accident and hospital indemnity); tuition reimbursement; transit; Applause Program; employee stock purchase plan; and 401(k) Savings Plan.