Architecture and System Design Engineer

WD 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.

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Principal Engineer specializing in Electronics Architecture and System Design to join our innovative team in Irvine, United States. In this pivotal role, you will lead the development of cutting‑edge electronic systems, driving technological advancements and shaping the future of our products.

• Understand all system implications and provide a robust electronics solution for our products.
• Utilize core functions for various IP that is developed while ensuring we meet performance, cost, and reliability goals.
• Understand and optimize power, thermal, mechanical, and electrical aspects.
• Support Servo‑Mechanical team with spindle and VCM design, load/unload power simulations, headroom simulations, spin up/down simulations.
• Design, simulate, and validate power and voltage regulator systems for accuracy, stability, thermal management, and ripple control.
• Set up and review power integrity analysis and signal integrity analysis with internal core teams and outside services.
• Work with internal firmware teams to bring up and validate new devices, understand needs and optimizations for future product plans, and execute those needs with new device and PCB‑A designs.
• Develop new silicon devices with core teams and materials to support our product needs such as SOC features, PLSI features, unique NAND devices, power management devices, and sensors.
• Work with internal and core materials teams to understand component costs to make trade‑off analyses for each system to ensure best cost and performance solutions.
• Gather information from core functions such as SoC power analysis, egress data rates, Power‑LSI efficiency, spindle motor parameters to generate power, VCM parameters to control speed in power loss, and memory and NAND device specifications for egress and SOC interface requirements.
• Collaborate with internal or outsourced service to capture the schematic, complete layout and produce manufacturing Gerber files and documentation.
• Work with factory, core teams, and suppliers to create new part numbers, execute component qualification, create Bill of Materials for new assemblies, release new PCB‑A drawings, and complete DFM reviews for new board designs.
• Support customer‑facing internal and core teams with product specs, presentations, and rapidly resolving customer issues.
• Support content solutions team electronics needs for OEM products, proposal reviews, design reviews, cost analysis, and issue resolution.
• Perform and direct lab work as needed for experiments, validation of new devices, and validation of new board designs.
• Lead cross‑functional teams in the development and implementation of electronic solutions.
• Collaborate with hardware and software teams to ensure seamless integration of electronic components.
• Troubleshoot complex issues and provide innovative solutions to engineering challenges.
• Develop and maintain system‑level specifications and design documentation.
• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to the technical growth of the team.

• Master’s or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering or related field.
• Relevant years of experience in electronics engineering with a focus on system architecture and design.
• Advanced knowledge of electronics architecture and system design principles.
• Proven track record of leading complex electronic system design projects.
• Expertise in circuit design, analysis, and PCB layout.
• Strong understanding of…