Senior Engineer, Process Development & Sustaining Engineering

About the Role

Job Description The Senior Engineer, Process Development & Sustaining will lead the development, optimization, and sustaining of manufacturing processes for WD's 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 Master's, or Bachelor's graduate in Chemical Engineering or Materials Science who is passionate about translating lab-scale science into high-volume manufacturing solutions.Key ResponsibilitiesProcess DevelopmentDesign and develop new manufacturing processes or significantly improve existing ones for HDD productionConduct Design of Experiments (DOE) to characterize process windows, identify critical process parameters (CPPs), and optimize process outputsEvaluate and qualify new chemicals, materials, and process consumables for manufacturing useDevelop process recipes, control plans, and standard operating procedures (SOPs)Translate R&D/lab-scale processes into robust, scalable, high-volume manufacturing processesProcess SustainingOwn sustaining engineering for assigned process modules — ensure processes remain stable, in control, and within specificationMonitor Statistical Process Control (SPC) charts; respond to out-of-control signals with structured problem-solvingLead Engineering Change Orders (ECOs) for process changes, chemical substitutions, and material updatesManage process deviation requests and ensure timely resolutionMaintain process documentation, control plans, and work instructions per WD QMSChemical & Material EngineeringLead chemical/material qualification activities including incoming material testing, process compatibility studies, and shelf-life evaluationsEvaluate alternative chemistries and materials for cost reduction, sustainability, or supply chain risk mitigationWork with EHS team to ensure safe handling, storage, and disposal of process chemicals per regulatory requirementsSupport RoHS, REACH, and PFAS compliance reviews for process chemicals and materialsYield & Quality ImprovementLead yield loss analysis and drive structured RCCA (Root Cause and Corrective Action) for process-related defectsApply Six Sigma / SPC / Lean methodologies to reduce process variation and improve CpkPartner with Quality Engineering to resolve customer escapes and field returns linked to process issuesDrive continuous improvement projects with measurable cost and quality impactNPI & Technology TransferSupport New Product Introduction (NPI) process readiness — from process concept to mass production releaseLead or support technology transfer of new processes from R&D/HQ to Penang manufacturingDevelop process qualification protocols (PQ), installation qualification (IQ), and operational qualification (OQ) plansCross-Functional CollaborationInterface with R&D, Product Engineering, Quality, EHS, Supply Chain, and Equipment Engineering teams globallyPresent process data, findings, and recommendations to senior management and global stakeholdersCollaborate with equipment engineers on process-equipment interactions and optimizationPeople & MentorshipMentor and coach junior and mid-level process engineersLead technical reviews, knowledge-sharing sessions, and engineering forumsSupport capability building within the Penang process engineering teamAcademic Qualification : Bachelor's Degree (BSc/BEng) in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or related discipline with strong industry experienceMaster's Degree (MSc/MEng) in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Chemistry, Polymer Science, or related fieldExperience and Skills Required :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.Technical Skills — CoreStrong fundamentals in chemistry, materials scienceProficiency 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, cleaningUnderstanding of failure analysis techniques (SEM, EDX, XRD, FTIR, or equivalent)Knowledge of chemical safety, EHS regulations, and REACH/RoHS complianceWD 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 jobs.accommodations@wdc.com to advise us of your accommodation request. In 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 compliance@wdc.com.