Staff Process Engineer - Electroplating and CMP

About the Role

Manufacturing engineer owner of wet processes (Electroplating and CMP) in magnetic recording head wafer fabrication. Responsible for statistical process control (SPC) of process, chemistries, and tool parameters (film composition & thickness, deposition / removal rates, pressure, temperature, chemical concentration, pH, etc.).

Responsible for optimizing process performance to ensure uniform deposition or removal of metal/dielectric materials and maintain process margin. Conduct failure analysis for process/tool deviations that result in defects and affect wafer quality.

Participate in the introduction of new processes/materials into manufacturing and take ownership to maintain these under good control and achieve maturity. Participate in the introduction and qualification of new Wet process equipment for capacity improvement or technology advancement.

Responsibilities

• Own and manage wet processes (Electroplating and CMP) in magnetic recording head wafer fabrication.
• Perform statistical process control (SPC) for process, chemistries, and tool parameters (film composition, thickness, deposition/removal rates, pressure, temperature, chemical concentration, pH, etc.).
• Optimize process performance to ensure uniform deposition or removal of metal/dielectric materials and maintain process margin.
• Conduct failure analysis for process/tool deviations causing defects and impacting wafer quality.
• Introduce and qualify new processes/materials into manufacturing, ensuring they remain under control and achieve maturity.
• Participate in the introduction and qualification of new Wet process equipment for capacity improvement or technology advancement.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree with 5+ years or Master’s degree with 3+ years of experience in a related field; Ph.D. preferred.
• Minimum 3+ years of direct hands-on experience with electroplating and CMP processes and equipment.
• Strong working knowledge of operating and maintaining electroplating and CMP tools.
• Proficiency in AI-driven data analytics, smart manufacturing systems, and statistical analysis tools like JMP.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Meticulous attention to detail for precise and accurate process execution.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a cleanroom environment wearing full coverall garments for extended periods.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, problem-solving, and analytical skills.

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 recognition).
• Employee stock purchase plan.
• WD Savings 401(k) Plan.

Pay

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

Non-exempt positions are eligible for overtime pay and shift differential pay, depending on the assigned shift. Eligibility for bonuses under WD’s Short Term Incentive Plan (STI Plan) or Sales Incentive Plan (SIP) is role-dependent and based on company and individual performance. Eligibility to participate in the annual Long-Term Incentive (LTI) program, which includes restricted stock units (RSUs) or cash equivalents, is also role-dependent. RSU awards may be available to eligible new hires, subject to WD's Standard Terms and Conditions for Restricted Stock Unit Awards.