Solvent Dev Engineer - Hard Disk Drive - Western Digital

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We are a key partner to some of the largest and highest growth organizations in the world. From energizing the most competitive gaming platforms, to enabling systems to make cities safer and cars smarter and more connected, to powering the data centers behind many of the world’s biggest companies and public cloud, Western Digital is fueling a brighter, smarter future.

Binge-watch any shows, use social media or shop online lately? You’ll find Western Digital supporting the storage infrastructure behind many of these platforms. And, that flash memory card that captures and preserves your most precious moments? That’s us, too.

We offer an expansive portfolio of technologies, storage devices and platforms for business and consumers alike. Our data-centric solutions are comprised of the Western Digital®, G-Technology™, SanDisk® and WD® brands.

Today’s exceptional challenges require your unique skills. It’s You & Western Digital. Together, we’re the next BIG thing in data.

• Develop next generation solvents including PFAS free solvents for Lubricants. Formulate these solvents, define recyclability details, and address potential issues during manufacturing ramp up to align with future product roadmaps.
• Develop advanced dipping processes with these solvents to achieve optimal disk performance for HAMR .
• Design and execute multistep organic purification processes to refine targeted lubricants. Lead the conceptualization, design, and implementation of purification techniques on various scales (from milligrams to kilograms). Document, validate the new processes and modify processes as needed.
• Deep understanding of analytical and spectroscopic techniques (NMR, GC-MS, IR, etc al). Accurately interpret the corresponding data and spectra.
• Utilize Design of Experiment (DOE) principles & statistical analysis tools (JMP or Minitab) extensively to develop new processes, recipes, and innovative concepts.
• Work effectively with teams across WD (Hardware, Software, Manufacturing, Failure analysis) to bring improvement ideas and innovative concepts to reality.
• Foster strong relationships with vendors (solvents, lubricants, equipment) to identify and implement best-in-class consumables for advanced lubricant dipping processes.
• Provide technical guidance and training to pilot line operational technicians on operational procedures and troubleshooting.

• PhD in Organics chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Material Science with focus on Organics Chemistry.
• Solid theoretical foundation in organic chemistry, polymer formulation & synthesis, along with hands-on experience in laboratory and process engineering, preferably in a development role.
• Action-orientated with a proven track record of hands-on experience in lab or field environment, with a preference for high volume production environments.
• Proficiency in JMP, Minitab, and a strong understanding of DOE principles.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to influence decisions and achieve results. Strong multi-tasking and time management skills.
• Proven ability to collaborate effectively with external vendors, subject matter experts, and cross-functional teams.

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 person’s gender identity, gender expression, and gender-related appearance and behavior, whether or not stereotypically associated with the person’s 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.

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Compensation & Benefits Details

• An employee’s 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.
• You will be eligible to participate in Western Digital’s Short-Term Incentive (STI) Plan, 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 Western Digital’s 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 Western Digital 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 Company's sole discretion unless and until paid and may be modified at the Company’s sole discretion, consistent with the law.