Integration Engineer

119,900.00-159,800.00 Business Function: Development Work Location: San Jose Great Oaks Headquarters--LOC_WDT_USCA23 Company Description 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. That’s where we come in. 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. This isn’t theoretical work. It’s real systems, at real scale, people solving some of the hardest challenges in technology today. We’re looking for people who want to build, solve, and operate at that level. Join us and let’s shape the future of data.

The data powering cloud computing, AI, and enterprise infrastructure relies on hard disk drives (HDDs). At WD, the Read/Write Integration team brings together Head, Media, and Channel technologies to build the next generation of HDDs. You'll work on Heat-Assisted Magnetic Recording (HAMR) —an advanced technology that is increasing storage capacity for data centers worldwide. From testing new features to analyzing performance data, you'll help turn cutting-edge research into products used across the globe.

As a Staff Engineer, you'll help develop, validate, and optimize next-generation HAMR drives from prototype through manufacturing. You'll: Develop and validate new HDD features that improve performance, reliability, and capacity Test hardware across bench, drive-level, and manufacturing environments using Python, Kiko, and manufacturing test systems Analyze manufacturing and quality data using Python, R, and MATLAB to identify trends, optimize performance, and prevent customer issues Perform hardware failure analysis, investigate root causes, and partner with firmware engineers to resolve complex issues Read and interpret C/C++ manufacturing test code to understand system behavior and troubleshoot problems Collaborate with engineers across Firmware, Servo, Manufacturing, and Media teams Contribute to patents and innovative technologies that shape future HDD products This role is part of WD's early career development program. WD's early career development program is ideal for individuals at the early stages of their professional career. Participants receive foundational training through structured onboarding, mentorship, and a curated development curriculum. The responsibilities of this role are typically aligned with candidates who have approximately 0–2+ years of relevant professional experience, though candidates of all experience levels are encouraged to apply.

Required Currently pursuing or recently completed a PhD in Physics, Materials Science, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field Experience programming in Python, R, and/or Matlab Ability to read and understand C or C++ code Strong analytical and problem-solving skills using large engineering datasets Excellent collaboration, communication, and learning agility Preferred Research in HAMR, magnetic recording, spintronics, magnetics, or storage technologies Hands-on laboratory or hardware testing experience Experience applying AI or machine learning to engineering data Internship or co-op experience in hardware, semiconductor, or storage engineering Publications or conference presentations related to your research Additional Information WD is committed to providing equal opportunities to all applicants and employees and will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on their race, color, ancestry, religion (including religious dress and grooming standards), sex (including pregnancy, childbirth or