Early Career Talent - Applications Engineer; Data Science​/Automation

Company Description

At Western Digital, our vision is to power global innovation and push the boundaries of technology to make what you thought was once impossible, possible.

At our core, Western Digital is a company of problem solvers. People achieve extraordinary things given the right technology. For decades, we’ve been doing just that—our technology helped people put a man on the moon and capture the first‑ever picture of a black hole.

We offer an expansive portfolio of technologies, HDDs, and platforms for business, creative professionals, and consumers alike under our Western Digital®, WD®, ™, and San Disk® Professional brands.

We are a key partner to some of the largest and highest‑growth organizations in the world. From enabling systems to make cities safer and more connected, to powering the data centers behind many of the world’s biggest companies and hyperscale cloud providers, to meeting the massive and ever‑growing data storage needs of the AI era, Western Digital is fueling a brighter, smarter future.

Today’s exceptional challenges require your unique skills. Together, we can build the future of data storage.

Join our dynamic team at Western Digital as a full‑time Early Career Talent engineer specializing in Data Science and Automation. You will play a pivotal role in driving productivity and digital transformation initiatives within our wafer fabrication operations. This position offers a unique opportunity to work on cutting‑edge projects, including RFID technology deployment, camera‑based OCR, and integration with Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) and wearables to optimize wafer scheduling and operator workflows.

• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to implement RFID sensors and camera‑based OCR for real‑time data capture and workflow automation.
• Interface sensor outputs with MES and wearable technologies to streamline wafer scheduling and improve operator productivity.
• Lead and support projects focused on workflow simplification, process optimization, and digital twin creation using RFID data.
• Contribute to the advancement of robotic autonomy and AI‑driven automation in wafer fab environments.
• Apply project management skills to ensure timely delivery and successful implementation of key initiatives.
• Participate in ongoing upskilling programs, including Agile Scrum and Industry 4.0 training, to stay at the forefront of manufacturing innovation.

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Data Science, Computer Science, Engineering, or related field.
• Hands‑on experience with Python for data analysis, machine learning, and automation.
• Exposure to project management methodologies;
  Agile/Scrum certification is a plus.
• Familiarity with RFID, camera‑based OCR, MES systems, and wearable technologies is highly desirable.
• Strong analytical, problem‑solving, and communication skills.
• Eagerness to learn and grow within a fast‑paced, innovative environment.

• Mentorship from experienced leaders and subject‑matter experts.
• Opportunities to work on expansive projects, including digital twin modeling and robotics.
• Access to professional development programs and certifications in advanced manufacturing, automation, and data science.
• Clear trajectory for career advancement within WDC and the wafer fab domain.

This is a full‑time position; it will be based in our Fremont, CA office with an expectation of in‑office work 5 days per week.

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 behaviour, 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…