Senior Engineer, Process Development & Sustaining Engineering

Job Description
The Senior Engineer Process Development & Sustaining will lead the development optimization and sustaining of manufacturing processes for WDs HDD storage products. This is a technically deep cross-functional role requiring strong foundation in chemistry materials science or chemical engineering.

You will drive process characterization chemical/material qualification and yield improvement initiatives while ensuring manufacturing processes remain stable compliant and cost-competitive. You are expected to operate with high technical autonomy interface with global R&D and process teams and mentor junior engineers on the Penang floor.

This role is ideal for a Masters or Bachelors graduate in Chemical Engineering or Materials Science who is passionate about translating lab-scale science into high-volume manufacturing solutions.

Key Responsibilities

Process Development

• Design and develop new manufacturing processes or significantly improve existing ones for HDD production
• Conduct Design of Experiments (DOE) to characterize process windows identify critical process parameters (CPPs) and optimize process outputs
• Evaluate and qualify new chemicals materials and process consumables for manufacturing use
• Develop process recipes control plans and standard operating procedures (SOPs)
• Translate R&D/lab-scale processes into robust scalable high-volume manufacturing processes

Process Sustaining

• Own sustaining engineering for assigned process modules ensure processes remain stable in control and within specification
• Monitor Statistical Process Control (SPC) charts; respond to out-of-control signals with structured problem-solving
• Lead Engineering Change Orders (ECOs) for process changes chemical substitutions and material updates
• Manage process deviation requests and ensure timely resolution
• Maintain process documentation control plans and work instructions per WD QMS

Chemical & Material Engineering

• Lead chemical/material qualification activities including incoming material testing process compatibility studies and shelf-life evaluations
• Evaluate alternative chemistries and materials for cost reduction sustainability or supply chain risk mitigation
• Work with EHS team to ensure safe handling storage and disposal of process chemicals per regulatory requirements
• Support RoHS REACH and PFAS compliance reviews for process chemicals and materials

Yield & Quality Improvement

• Lead yield loss analysis and drive structured RCCA (Root Cause and Corrective Action) for process-related defects
• Apply Six Sigma / SPC / Lean methodologies to reduce process variation and improve Cpk
• Partner with Quality Engineering to resolve customer escapes and field returns linked to process issues
• Drive continuous improvement projects with measurable cost and quality impact

NPI & Technology Transfer

• Support New Product Introduction (NPI) process readiness from process concept to mass production release
• Lead or support technology transfer of new processes from R&D/HQ to Penang manufacturing
• Develop process qualification protocols (PQ) installation qualification (IQ) and operational qualification (OQ) plans

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Interface with R&D Product Engineering Quality EHS Supply Chain and Equipment Engineering teams globally
• Present process data findings and recommendations to senior management and global stakeholders
• Collaborate with equipment engineers on process-equipment interactions and optimization

People & Mentorship

• Mentor and coach junior and mid-level process engineers
• Lead technical reviews knowledge-sharing sessions and engineering forums
• Support capability building within the Penang process engineering team

Qualifications :

Required :     

• Bachelors Degree (BSc/BEng) in Chemical Engineering Materials Science or related discipline with strong industry experience
• Masters Degree (MSc/MEng) in Chemical Engineering Materials Science Chemistry Polymer Science or related field

Preferred :

• Minimum 5-10 years experience in process or manufacturing environment.
• Knowledge on HDD media cleaning technology will be added advantage.
• Knowledge in SPC FMEA Technical Report Writing and DOE run.
• Green Belt or Lean Six Sigma will be and added advantages.
• Good technical presentation skill.
• Good communication skill.

Skills : 

• Strong fundamentals in chemistry materials science
• Proficiency in DOE methodologies (full factorial RSM Taguchi)
• Working knowledge of Statistical Process Control (SPC) and statistical analysis tools (JMP Minitab or equivalent)
• Familiarity with thin film surface treatment wet chemical cleaning
• Understanding of failure analysis techniques (SEM EDX XRD FTIR or equivalent)
• Knowledge of chemical safety EHS regulations and REACH/RoHS compliance

Additional Information :

WD 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.

WD 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.

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