Sr Engineer - Early Career - Experimental Data Storage Physics

About the role

The Advanced Data Storage and Device Physics group within the Seagate Research Group (SRG) conducts research on advanced data storage and memory technologies through experimentation and physics-based simulation, informing the company's ten‑year storage product roadmap. In this role you will conduct hands‑on research with advanced data recording systems including HAMR, all‑optical magnetic recording, and ferroelectric data storage; design and perform experiments to understand fundamental recording physics using tools such as scanning probe microscopy, spinstand, electrical characterization, or custom test/measure tools; develop experimental methods and custom metrology for evaluating emerging storage technologies such as ferroelectric recording; design, test, and characterize prototype devices, including RF and microwave components; through measurements provide insight into performance limiters, reliability failure modes, and underlying electrical, magnetic, optical, and thermomechanical mechanisms; collaborate with a highly cross‑functional team that includes experts in transducer design, media development, physical characterization, electrical engineering, materials science, signal processing, information theory, and data analysis; work closely with modelers to elucidate recording physics challenges; communicate findings with engineers and leadership at all levels within the company; and contribute to Seagate’s IP portfolio in the form of invention disclosures, patents, trade secrets, peer‑reviewed journal articles, and/or white papers. The position is based at Seagate’s Normandale campus in Bloomington, MN (Edina/Bloomington suburbs) with no travel required.

Responsibilities

• Conduct hands-on research with advanced data recording systems including HAMR, all-optical magnetic recording, and ferroelectric data storage.
• Design and perform experiments to understand the fundamental recording physics of these technologies, using tools such as scanning probe microscopy, spinstand, electrical characterization, or custom test/measure tools.
• Develop experimental methods and custom metrology for evaluating emerging storage technologies such as ferroelectric recording; formulate measurement methods to evaluate device concepts.
• Design, test, and characterize prototype devices, including RF and microwave components.
• Through measurements, provide insight into performance limiters, reliability failure modes, and underlying electrical, magnetic, optical, and thermomechanical mechanisms.
• Collaborate with a highly cross-functional team that includes experts in transducer design, media development, physical characterization, electrical engineering, materials science, signal processing, information theory, and data analysis.
• Work closely with modelers to elucidate recording physics challenges.
• Communicate your findings with engineers and leadership at all levels within the company.
• Contribute to Seagate’s IP portfolio in the form of invention disclosures, patents, trade secrets, peer-reviewed journal articles, and/or white papers.

Requirements

• Self‑motivated with demonstrated ability to adapt to a changing environment and learn new technology.
• Strong collaboration and written and oral communication skills.
• A Ph.D. in physics, electrical engineering, or a closely related discipline.

Skills

• Experience with lab electronics (oscilloscope, SMUs, AWG, spectrum analyzer, VNA, etc.).
• Experience with scanning probe microscopy (AFM, MFM, SKPM, SNDM, SMIM, etc.).
• Experience developing experimental tools or techniques