Materials Research Engineer -- Principal 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. 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.

About the role

This position is in Western Digital Research, a world-class research laboratory in San Jose, California with ~80 employees. Research activities in the lab focus on all aspects of information storage, sensors, spintronics, superconducting devices, non-volatile memory, and AI compute architectures. The materials team’s mission is to develop novel materials for emerging technologies. The team is well-equipped with thin film deposition tools and related characterization tools, located in a fully functional cleanroom with the capability to fabricate a wide array of nanoscale devices using novel materials.

Responsibilities

• Conduct hands-on, experimental research of thin films for emerging technologies such as superconducting qubits, non-volatile memories and novel sensor applications.
• Thin film growth by physical vapor deposition using ultra-high vacuum film deposition tools.
• Characterization of structural, electronic, optical, chemical, magnetic, thermal and mechanical film properties.
• Design of materials for integration into nanoscale devices.
• Collect, analyze, present and report film and device characterization data, results and conclusions.
• Work closely and collaborate within a team of engineers and support staff.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in materials science and engineering, physics, electrical engineering, or closely related field.
• Expertise with materials and devices in the areas of non-volatile memory technologies, superconducting qubits, oxide semiconductor transistors, or novel magnetic or chemical sensors.
• Strong hands-on experience with UHV film deposition equipment.
• Strong hands-on experience with film characterization instrumentation and techniques such as XRD, XRF, XPS, AFM, and electrical transport as a function of temperature.
• Strong knowledge of nanofabrication and general device design and operation.
• Demonstrated ability to self-direct a research project.
• Strong written and oral communication skills, and the ability to work both independently and in a team environment.

Pay

Salary range: $140,300.00 - $187,000.00

Benefits

• Paid vacation time and paid sick leave.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Life, accident, and disability insurance.
• Tax-advantaged flexible spending and health savings accounts.
• Employee assistance program.
• Other voluntary benefit programs such as supplemental life and AD&D, legal plan, pet insurance, critical illness, accident, and hospital indemnity.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Transit benefits.
• Applause Program (employee recognition).
• Employee stock purchase plan.
• WD Savings 401(k) Plan.
• Eligibility for bonuses under WD’s Short Term Incentive Plan (STI Plan) or the Sales Incentive Plan (SIP), depending on role and performance.
• Eligibility to participate in the annual Long-Term Incentive (LTI) program, which consists of restricted stock units (RSUs) or cash equivalents, subject to plan terms.
• RSU awards available to eligible new hires, subject to WD's Standard Terms and Conditions for Restricted Stock Unit Awards.