Principal Engineer Resist Strip and Liftoff Process

Job Description

• Manufacturing engineer owner of wet processes (photoresist strip, lift off and chemical etch) in magnetic recording head wafer fabrication.
• Responsible for statistical process control (SPC) of process and chemistry parameters (etch rates, stripping rates, pressure, temperature, pH, chemical concentration, etc.).
• Responsible for optimizing process performance (ensure complete and uniform removal resist/metal/dielectric materials), maintain process margin.
• Conduct failure analysis for process/tool deviations that result in defects and affect wafer quality.
• Participate in the introduction of new processes/materials into manufacturing and take ownership to maintain these under good control and to achieve maturity.
• Participate on the introduction and qualification of new Wet process equipment for capacity improvement or technology advancement.

• Bachelor’s with 5 years or Master’s with 3 years of experience in related engineering field, Ph.D preferred.
• 2-3 years of direct hands‑on experience of the techniques and equipment used in resist stripping and liftoff processes.
• Strong working knowledge of operating and maintaining resist strip and liftoff tools and related equipment is a must.
• The ability to manage multiple tasks effectively in a fast‑paced environment is crucial.
• Meticulous attention to detail is important to ensure precise and accurate process execution.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a cleanroom environment wearing full coverall garments for extended periods.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, problem‑solving, and analytical skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite, and statistical analysis tools like JMP.

Western Digital is committed to providing equal opportunities to all applicants and employees and will not discriminate against any applicant or employee 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 Know Your Rights:
Workplace Discrimination is Illegal poster. Our pay transparency policy is available here.

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.

Western Digital 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  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.

Based on our experience, we anticipate that the Final date to receive applications will 03-01-2026 (3 months from posting), although we reserve the right to close the application process sooner if we hire an applicant for this position before the Final date to receive applications. If we are not able to hire…