Summer 2026 Intern- Material Scientist Thin Film Processes Engineer (Ph.D. Only)

We are seeking a Material Scientist Intern to contribute to our development team in Fremont United States. This internship position focuses on the critical areas of materials synthesis modeling and thin film processes providing exposure to advanced materials research and Heated Assisted Magnetic Recording product development.  This role is ideal for PhD candidates nearing graduation who have experience in one or more of the following areas: materials modeling atomic simulations molecular dynamics and density functional theory (DFT). The intern will work on advanced materials modeling projects leveraging analytical tools to predict material properties.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Work with analytical tools such as TEM SEM and AFM for materials characterization. 
• Utilize atomic simulations molecular dynamics and DFT to analyze material behavior
• Employ open-source material databases to conduct rigorous predictions of plasmonic properties and utilize analytical tools to design and optimize plasmonic materials and processes
• Contribute to design and execution of experiments pertaining to thin film deposition and characterization
• Perform comprehensive material analysis using various sophisticated characterization techniques
• Systematically collect analyze and interpret experimental data to support ongoing research initiatives
• Engage in cross-functional collaboration to advance research projects and meet organizational objectives
• Actively participate in regular team meetings and deliver formal presentations of research findings

This position is part of our Early Career program at WD. Our Early Career program is designed to support individuals beginning their professional career by providing the foundational training through a structured onboarding mentorship and development curriculum.

Qualifications :

Required:

• PhD candidate in Materials Science Physics Chemistry or related field
• Strong background in Computational Materials Science and thin film processes
• Proficiency in data analysis and interpretation using MATLAB Python or similar
• Familiarity with analytical tools (TEM SEM AFM) for materials characterization.
• Experience in atomic simulation molecular dynamics and DFT.

Preferred:

• Research experience in materials science; familiarity with semiconductor industry preferred

Skills:

• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills

Additional Information :

Western Digital is committed to providing equal opportunities to all applicants and employees and will not discriminate based on their race color ancestry religion (including religious dress and grooming standards) sex (including pregnancy childbirth or related medical conditions breastfeeding or related medical conditions) gender (including a persons gender identity gender expression and gender-related appearance and behavior whether or not stereotypically associated with the persons assigned sex at birth) age national origin sexual orientation medical condition marital status (including domestic partnership status) physical disability mental disability medical condition genetic information protected medical and family care leave Civil Air Patrol status military and veteran status or other legally protected characteristics. We also prohibit harassment of any individual on any of the characteristics listed above. Our non-discrimination policy applies to all aspects of employment. We comply with the laws and regulations set forth in the Equal Employment Opportunity is the Law poster.

Western Digital thrives on the power and potential of diversity. As a global company we believe the most effective way to embrace the diversity of our customers and communities is to mirror it from within. We believe the fusion of various perspectives results in the best outcomes for our employees our company our customers and the world around us. We are committed to an inclusive environment where every individual can thrive through a sense of belonging respect and contribution.

Western Digital is committed to offering opportunities to applicants with disabilities and ensuring all candidates can successfully navigate our careers website and our hiring process. Please contact us at to advise us of your accommodation your email please include a description of the specific accommodation you are requesting as well as the job title and requisition number of the position for which you are applying.

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Compensation & Benefits Details

• An employees pay position within the salary range may be based on several factors including but not limited to (1) relevant education; qualifications; certifications; and experience; (2) skills ability knowledge of the job; (3) performance contribution and results; (4) geographic location; (5) shift; (6) internal and external equity; and (7) business and organizational needs.
• The salary range is what we believe to be the range of possible compensation for this role at the time of this posting.  We may ultimately pay more or less than the posted range and this range is only applicable for jobs to be performed in California Colorado New York or remote jobs that can be performed in California Colorado and New York.  This range may be modified in the future.
• If your position is non-exempt you are eligible for overtime pay pursuant to company policy and applicable laws.  You may also be eligible for shift differential pay depending on the shift to which you are assigned.

• You will be eligible to be considered for bonuses under either WDs Short Term Incentive Plan (STI Plan) or the Sales Incentive Plan (SIP) which provides incentive awards based on Company and individual performance depending on your role and your performance. You may be eligible to participate in our annual Long-Term Incentive (LTI) program which consists of restricted stock units (RSUs) or cash equivalents pursuant to the terms of the LTI plan. Please note that not all roles are eligible to participate in the LTI program and not all roles are eligible for equity under the LTI plan. RSU awards are also available to eligible new hires subject to WDS Standard Terms and Conditions for Restricted Stock Unit Awards.

• We offer a comprehensive package of benefits including paid vacation time; paid sick leave; medical/dental/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; the Applause Program; employee stock purchase plan; and the WD Savings 401(k) Plan.
• Note: No amount of pay is considered to be wages or compensation until such amount is earned vested and determinable. The amount and availability of any bonus commission benefits or any other form of compensation and benefits that are allocable to a particular employee remains in the Companys sole discretion unless and until paid and may be modified at the Companys sole discretion consistent with the law.

Notice To Candidates: Please be aware that WD and its subsidiaries will never request payment as a condition for applying for a position or receiving an offer of employment. Should you encounter any such requests please report it immediately to WD Ethics Helpline or email .

Remote Work :

No

Employment Type :

Full-time