Data Scientist – AI & Predictive Analytics

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.

About the role

As an Engineering Data Scientist, you'll work alongside software engineers, hardware engineers, and data scientists to develop predictive diagnostic technologies for enterprise hard disk drives deployed in hyperscale cloud environments. You'll help transform more than 10 TB of manufacturing and telemetry data generated each day into intelligent systems that improve storage reliability and customer uptime.

Why this role is different: Most entry-level data science positions focus on dashboards, reporting, or business analytics. This role is different. You'll use machine learning and engineering principles to solve complex technical problems that improve the reliability of storage systems supporting some of the world's largest cloud environments. You'll write production software. You'll automate engineering decisions. You'll build predictive technologies that help customers avoid downtime before failures occur.

This role is part of WD's early career development program, ideal for individuals at the early stages of their professional career. Participants receive foundational training through structured onboarding, mentorship, and a curated development curriculum. The responsibilities are typically aligned with candidates who have approximately 0–2+ years of relevant professional experience, though candidates of all experience levels are encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities

• Building machine learning models that identify early indicators of drive degradation.
• Developing automated diagnostic algorithms using Python.
• Analyzing large-scale telemetry from enterprise storage systems.
• Creating data visualization and engineering analysis tools.
• Supporting root cause investigations using statistical analysis.
• Improving existing diagnostic software through automation and code refactoring.
• Collaborating with engineering teams across hardware, firmware, and software disciplines.
• Deploying predictive analytics solutions into production environments.

Qualifications

Currently pursuing or recently completed a Ph.D. in Computer Science, Data Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, Applied Mathematics, or a related engineering discipline.

Skills

• Python (required)
• Machine learning
• Data analytics
• Statistical analysis
• SQL or NoSQL databases
• Analytical problem solving
• Software development fundamentals
• Engineering mindset
• Preferred: Hadoop, Hive, Ruby, front-end development, web applications, data visualization
• Interest in storage systems and HDD technology

Benefits

• Paid vacation time
• Paid sick leave
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Life, accident, and disability insurance
• Tax-advantaged flexible spending and health savings accounts
• Employee assistance program
• Voluntary benefit programs (e.g., supplemental life and AD&D, legal plan, pet insurance, critical illness, accident and hospital indemnity)
• Tuition reimbursement
• Transit benefits
• Applause Program
• Employee stock purchase plan
• WD Savings 401(k) Plan
• Short Term Incentive Plan (STI) or Sales Incentive Plan (SIP) bonuses based on company and individual performance
• Annual Long-Term Incentive (LTI) program (restricted stock units or cash equivalents, subject to plan terms)