Hardware Development Engineering

Job description

Western Digital is seeking a motivated Early Career Photolithography Process Engineer to join our wafer manufacturing team. This role is ideal for engineers who are passionate about semiconductor manufacturing and processing. development, data analysis, and solving complex technical challenges. As a member of the Photolithography Engineering team, you will work alongside experienced engineers, technicians, equipment specialists, and cross-functional partners to develop, optimize, and sustain advanced lithography processes used in high-volume manufacturing.

This position offers excellent opportunities for technical growth, mentorship, and career development in one of the most critical process areas within semiconductor manufacturing.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Support photolithography process development, optimization, and sustaining activities for high-volume manufacturing.
• Monitor process and equipment performance using statistical analysis and data-driven problem solving.
• Participate in root cause investigations and corrective actions for process excursions, yield issues, and equipment-related events.
• Execute experiments and process characterizations using Design of Experiments (DOE) methodologies.
• Develop and implement process improvements to improve yield, cycle time, quality, and manufacturing robustness.
• Support qualification of new equipment, materials, and process technologies.
• Create and maintain process documentation, operating procedures, and engineering reports.
• Train and support technicians, manufacturing personnel, and equipment owners.
• Collaborate with Integration, Yield Enhancement, Metrology, Maintenance, Manufacturing, and Product Engineering teams.
• Utilize Statistical Process Control (SPC), Advanced Process Control (APC), and data analytics tools to monitor and improve critical process metrics.
• Gain hands-on experience with advanced lithography systems and semiconductor manufacturing equipment.

Qualifications

REQUIRED B.S. or M.S. degree in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Physics, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemistry, or a related technical discipline. Experience in semiconductor manufacturing, microfabrication, research laboratories, or other technology-focused environments. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with demonstrated ability to interpret data and identify trends. Experience with data analysis tools such as JMP, Python, SQL, Minitab, SAS, MATLAB, or similar platforms.

SKILLS

Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Ability to work effectively both independently and in a collaborative team environment. Demonstrated initiative, curiosity, learning agility, and ownership of assigned projects. PREFERRED Internship, co-op, research, or manufacturing experience in semiconductor processing or wafer fabrication. Familiarity with cleanroom environments and semiconductor manufacturing practices.

Exposure to photolithography concepts such as photoresist coating, exposure, development, overlay, and critical dimension control. Knowledge of Design of Experiments (DOE), Statistical Process Control (SPC), and Advanced Process Control (APC). Experience with scripting, automation, machine learning, or data visualization tools is a plus.