Hardware Development Engineer Wafer Optical Metrology

Job Description

We are seeking a highly motivated Wafer Optical Metrology Engineer to support advanced thin‑film magnetic read/write head manufacturing and process control initiatives. The engineer will develop, optimize, and sustain optical metrology methodologies used in lithography and pattern alignment processes for wafer manufacturing. The role focuses on improving measurement robustness, accuracy, throughput, tool performance, process capability, and yield through data‑driven analysis and collaboration with process integration, lithography, and manufacturing teams.

• Develop, qualify, and maintain optical metrology recipes and measurement strategies for semiconductor wafer manufacturing processes.
• Analyze parametric data trends, identify process excursions, and implement corrective actions in collaboration with process, integration, and yield engineering teams.
• Perform statistical analysis and process capability studies (SPC, Cp/Cpk, regression analysis, DOE).
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives for precision, throughput, and automation.
• Develop scripts and data analysis tools using Python, JMP, or similar platforms.
• Generate technical reports, presentations, and documentation for engineering reviews.
• Support technology transfers and new process development for advanced products.
• Crosstrain within Metrology Engineering to build broad technical competence and provide support coverage across teams.

Required

• B.S. or M.S. in Physics, Optics, Engineering (chemical, mechanical, electrical), or Material Science.
• 0-3 years of relevant work experience (internships, co‑ops, or academic research experience considered).
• Knowledge of statistical process control (SPC) and data analysis techniques.
• Detail‑oriented work habits with a willingness to learn and grow.
• Ability to manage assignments and meet deadlines with appropriate guidance.
• Willingness to work hands‑on with equipment and wafers in a clean‑room environment; prior clean‑room or wafer fabrication/processing experience is a plus.

Preferred

• Understanding of optical overlay, alignment, critical dimension (CD), and defect metrology.
• Experience working in high‑volume manufacturing environments.
• Programming/scripting experience in Python, SQL, or JMP.

• Overlay metrology
• Semiconductor process control
• Lithography alignment
• Statistical analysis
• Root cause analysis
• Automation and scripting
• Technical communication

$ - $ per year

• An employee’s pay position within the salary range may be based on several factors including but not limited to relevant education, qualifications, certifications, and experience; skills, ability, knowledge of the job; performance, contribution and results; geographic location; shift; internal and external equity; and business and organizational needs.
• The salary range is what we believe to be the range of possible compensation for this role at the time of this posting. We may ultimately pay more or less than the posted range and this range is only applicable for jobs to be performed in California, Colorado, New York or remote jobs that can be performed in those states. This range may be modified in the future.
• If your position is non‑exempt, you are eligible for overtime pay pursuant to company policy and applicable laws. You may also be eligible for shift differential pay, depending on the shift to which you are assigned.
• You will be eligible to be considered for bonuses under either WD’s Short Term Incentive Plan (“STI Plan”) or the Sales Incentive Plan (“SIP”) which provides incentive awards based on Company and individual performance, depending on your role and your performance. You may be eligible to participate in our annual Long‑Term Incentive (LTI) program, which consists of restricted stock units (RSUs) or cash equivalents, pursuant to the terms of the LTI plan.
  
  Please note that not all roles are eligible to participate in the LTI program, and not all roles are eligible for equity under the LTI plan. RSU awards are also available to eligible new hires, subject to WD's Standard Terms and Conditions for Restricted Stock Unit Awards.
• We offer a…