Staff Engineer, Process Development & Sustaining Engineering

Google Chrome Microsoft Edge Apple Safari Mozilla Firefox Staff Engineer, Process Development & Sustaining EngineeringFull-timeJob Type (exemption status): Exempt position - Please see related compensation & benefits details belowBusiness Function: Process EngineeringWork Location: Bayan Lepas PN2--LOC_WDT_MY0704Location (Secondary): Bayan Lepas PN1--LOC_WDT_MY0703Company DescriptionWD 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.Job DescriptionJob SummaryThe Staff 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 PhD's, or Master's graduate in Chemical Engineering or Materials Science who is passionate about translating lab-scale science into high-volume manufacturing solutions.ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:Process 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...