Technologist Mechanical Engineering

Job Overview

Western Digital is seeking a Mechanical Engineer with a minimum of 5 years of experience to design, develop, and validate mechanical components and assemblies for our Hard Disk Drive (HDD) product portfolio and data storage solutions. The engineer in this position will drive precision mechanical design for head-disk assemblies (HDA), actuators, base castings, and enclosures while meeting stringent performance and reliability requirements.

• Design precision mechanical components for HDD systems:
  • Head Stack Assembly (HSA) including actuators, flex circuits, voice coil motors
  • Base casting and top cover assemblies
  • Spindle motor integration and mounting systems
  • Shock dampening and vibration isolation structures
  • Breather filters and contamination control features
  • Advanced CAD (Solid Works/NX) with tight tolerances
• Use geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) for drawings and 3D models to communicate ideal part with allowable variation to meet functional requirements.
• Design for ultra-clean operation environments (Class 10/100 cleanroom).
• Use 3D printing and other rapid prototyping processes to conduct design validation testing.

• Perform FEA on structural components (shock resistance, stiffness optimization)
• Conduct modal analysis for resonance avoidance in actuator systems
• Execute tolerance stack-up analysis for critical assemblies

• Design test fixtures and develop test protocols for design validation.
• Execute environmental testing for shock, vibration, and thermal cycling.
• Drive failure mode analysis and implement corrective actions (FMEA, root cause analysis).

• Partner with recording heads, media, firmware, and servo teams for system integration.
• Interface with suppliers on specifications and quality.

• Required
  • BS or MS in Mechanical Engineering
  • Expertise in precision mechanical design, preferably in the HDD industry with a proven track record delivering products
  • Experience with high‑volume consumer electronics or medical devices
  • Experience with head‑disk interface (HDI) and aerodynamics
  • Knowledge of actuator dynamics and servo positioning systems
  • Experience with contamination control and particle management
  • Awareness of magnetic recording fundamentals
• Skills
  • Manufacturing: deep knowledge of die casting, precision machining, MIM, stamping
  • Metrology: CMM programming, optical measurement systems, surface profilometry
  • Materials: aluminum alloys, stainless steel, and engineering polymers for HDD applications
  • GD&T: advanced application for tight‑tolerance assemblies
  • CAD: advanced proficiency in Solid Works
  • Analysis: FEA tools, modal analysis, shock/vibration simulation
  • Strong analytical and problem‑solving capabilities
  • Excellent communication
  • Ability to thrive in a fast‑paced development environment

• Salary range: $ – $
• Pay is based on several factors: education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, performance, contribution, results, geographic location, shift, internal and external equity, and business and organizational needs.
• Eligible for overtime (non‑exempt positions) and shift differential pay where applicable.
• Eligible for bonuses under either WD Short Term Incentive Plan (STI Plan) or Sales Incentive Plan (SIP). Participation in the Long‑Term Incentive (LTI) program may also be available.
• Comprehensive benefits package includes: paid vacation, paid sick leave, medical/dental/vision insurance, life/accident/disability insurance, tax‑advantaged flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, employee assistance program, voluntary benefit programs (supplemental life, AD&D, legal plan, pet insurance, critical illness, accident and hospital indemnity), tuition reimbursement, transit, Applause Program, employee stock purchase plan, and WD Savings 401(k) Plan.
• Note: Compensation amounts are subject to modification and are determined at the company's discretion.

Western Digital is committed to providing equal opportunities to all applicants and employees and will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, color, ancestry, religion…