Integration Engineer

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 data powering cloud computing, AI, and enterprise infrastructure relies on hard disk drives (HDDs). At WD, the Read/Write Integration team brings together Head, Media, and Channel technologies to build the next generation of HDDs. You'll work on Heat-Assisted Magnetic Recording (HAMR)—an advanced technology that is increasing storage capacity for data centers worldwide. From testing new features to analyzing performance data, you'll help turn cutting-edge research into products used across the globe.

Responsibilities

• Develop and validate new HDD features that improve performance, reliability, and capacity
• Test hardware across bench, drive-level, and manufacturing environments using Python, Kiko, and manufacturing test systems
• Analyze manufacturing and quality data using Python, R, and MATLAB to identify trends, optimize performance, and prevent customer issues
• Perform hardware failure analysis, investigate root causes, and partner with firmware engineers to resolve complex issues
• Read and interpret C/C++ manufacturing test code to understand system behavior and troubleshoot problems
• Collaborate with engineers across Firmware, Servo, Manufacturing, and Media teams
• Contribute to patents and innovative technologies that shape future HDD products

This role is part of WD's early career development program, which includes foundational training through structured onboarding, mentorship, and a curated development curriculum. 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.

Requirements

• Currently pursuing or recently completed a PhD in Physics, Materials Science, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field
• Experience programming in Python, R, and/or Matlab
• Ability to read and understand C or C++ code
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills using large engineering datasets
• Excellent collaboration, communication, and learning agility

Preferred Qualifications

• Research in HAMR, magnetic recording, spintronics, magnetics, or storage technologies
• Hands-on laboratory or hardware testing experience
• Experience applying AI or machine learning to engineering data
• Internship or co-op experience in hardware, semiconductor, or storage engineering
• Publications or conference presentations related to your research

Benefits

• Paid vacation time and 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
• Eligibility for bonuses under WD’s Short Term Incentive Plan (STI Plan) or Sales Incentive Plan (SIP), depending on role and performance
• Eligibility to participate in the annual Long-Term Incentive (LTI) program, which includes restricted stock units (RSUs) or cash equivalents

The salary range for this role is applicable for jobs performed in California, Colorado, New York, or remote roles in those states. An employee’s pay position within the range may be based on factors including relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, performance, geographic location, shift, internal and external equity, and business needs.