Engineering Specialist III - D Shift

About our group:

As a Wafer Process Engineering Technician, you play a critical role in supporting Seagate's thin-film head manufacturing. You will partner closely with process and sustaining engineers to control processes, evaluate tool performance, execute data-driven troubleshooting, and ensure the highest quality of recording head wafers. This position requires strong analytical skills, comfort working with data, and the ability to apply structured problem-solving in a fast-paced production environment.

This role supports a complex, high-reliability operating environment where sustained mental focus, continuous learning, and sound judgment are required throughout extended shifts.


About the role - you will:

1. Process Control, Optimization, and Qualification

• Evaluate tool and wafer datasets using statistical reasoning (SPC charts, distributions, correlation patterns) to determine appropriate next steps.
• Perform analytical review of qualification data using trend interpretation, slope/line-fit reasoning, and simple statistical testing to verify process stability before adjusting.
• Apply calculations including ratios, offsets, tolerance windows, and proportional adjustments when determining parameter changes.
• Navigate tool software interfaces to input, modify, and verify parameter changes in alignment with process control requirements.
• Distinguish between normal process variation and true assignable causes using critical thinking and historical baseline comparison.

2. Data Analysis and Troubleshooting

• Use structured problem-solving techniques (cause/effect reasoning, elimination testing, logic trees) when troubleshooting suspect processes.
• Evaluate parameter impacts using quantitative reasoning, including linear relationships, proportional adjustments, and tolerance-based thresholds.
• Use tool data logs, KPIV (Key Process Input Variable) datasets, and wafer parametric information to identify trends, isolate suspect parameters, and support evidence-based problem solving.
• Combine tool logs, wafer data, and historical patterns to differentiate between equipment-driven and process-driven issues before escalating to engineering.
• Synthesize findings into evidence-based recommendations for engineering, escalating only when analysis indicates non-routine deviation.
• Participate in cross-functional teams focused on yield improvement, scrap reduction, and reaction plan effectiveness.

3. Materials Deviation Authorization (MDA)

• Execute established engineering rules and procedures for non-conforming wafers.
• Analyze rework and scrap data to determine root cause and corrective action.
• Apply root-cause analysis grounded in data patterns (trends, distributions, frequency analysis).
• Distinguish between process-induced, equipment-induced, and material-induced variation.
• Follow established escalation guidelines and decision frameworks, including notifying Engineers when required.

4. Cycle Time Enhancement

• Collaborate with production teams to analyze bottlenecks and recommend data-driven solutions.
• Resolve factory floor engineering issues, escalating to engineering shift support when necessary.

5. Training and Documentation

• Provide training for new technicians.
• Continuously learn additional manufacturing areas as experience is gained.
• Identify and suggest improvements to process engineering documentation used to control and qualify tools.
• Translate analytical findings into clear documentation that supports engineering decisions and shift-to-shift knowledge transfer.

6. Engineering Support

• Monitor special processes, make adjustments, and document results.
• Support engineering staff with trials, experiments, and manual runs.
• Function as the "eyes and ears" of the Sustaining organization and process engineering team.
• Identify and escalate issues related to wafers, processes, systems, or documentation.

7. Health and Safety Compliance

• Ensure compliance with all health and safety policies and procedures.

8. Additional Responsibilities

• Apply a growing body of technical and operational knowledge to perform tasks accurately and safely.
• Respond to previously unseen situations that require real-time analysis and judgment rather than reliance on fixed procedures.
• Continuously update personal knowledge as tools, processes, and system behaviors evolve.
• Recognize emerging issues early and take appropriate action through documentation, escalation, or collaboration.
• Operate effectively under conditions of ambiguity while balancing precision and timely decision-making.

About you:

• Proficient with computers and Microsoft Office.
• Ability to apply quantitative reasoning and mathematical concepts to problem solving and data analysis.
• Able to extract, filter, and interpret tool data logs and KPIV datasets using software tools such as Excel, JMP, or internal Seagate platforms.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills to ensure effective documentation and handoffs.
• Comfortable navigating digital documentation, Microsoft Teams, SharePoint libraries, and structured workflows in a fast-paced…