Senior Staff Engineer, Thin Film

The Mechanical Process Development Team focuses on advancing the fabrication processes of recording heads to improve Hard Disk Drive (HDD) capacity and reliability. Our work centers around the topography of recording head transducer elements and the thin films applied to the Air Bearing Surface of the recording head.

Seagate is seeking a high-quality individual to lead innovative process development and oversight in researching and developing new technologies for ultrathin protective coatings on recording heads.

• Take primary responsibility for developing thin film deposition processes and investigating new materials, with a focus on how electrical, optical, and mechanical components in magnetic thin film heads respond to processing conditions.
• Manage projects from concept through integration into pre-production, including experiment design, equipment specification, communication of progress, and project direction recommendations.
• Explore new methods to enhance process capability.
• Refine and extend the capabilities of existing equipment and methods.
• Collaborate with our focused team and partner with global teams across the organization.
• Leverage statistical methods to drive confidence in outcomes.
• Create technical documentation to communicate results and share improvements with engineering teams and manufacturing sites in Asia.
• Travel occasionally to our volume production site.

• Highly motivated and self-directed.
• Hands-on problem solver with the ability to manage multiple projects.
• Effective communicator and collaborator with global teams.
• Skilled in relationship-building and capable of influencing cross-functional teams.
• Experienced in data analysis using tools such as Excel, JMP, Minitab, or Matlab.
• Familiar with programming languages such as C# or Python.
• Flexible and comfortable working through ambiguity and change.

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Applied Sciences and 12+ years of experience, or Master's degree in Engineering or Applied Sciences with 8+ years of experience, or Ph.D. with 5+ years of experience, or equivalent education and experience.
• Hands-on experience in the development of Thin Film Deposition and Characterization methods.
• Background in equipment design, development, qualification, and manufacturing.
• Experience with calibration techniques, troubleshooting, and familiarity with Six Sigma methodologies.
• A solid record of academic, professional, and personal achievement relevant to the role.

The estimated base salary range for this position is $126,048.00 - $183,703.52. The individual salary is based on work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.

Seagate offers comprehensive benefits to its eligible employees, including, but not limited to, , eligibility to participate in discretionary bonus program, medical, dental, vision, and life insurance, short-and long-term disability, 401(k), employee stock purchase plan, health savings account, dependent care, and healthcare spending accounts. Seagate also offers paid time off, including 12 holidays, flexible time off provided pursuant to Seagate policy, a minimum of 48 hours of paid sick leave, and 16 weeks of paid parental leave. The benefits for this position are based on a full-time schedule for a full calendar year and may differ depending on work location.

Our Normandale campus spans two suburbs, Edina and Bloomington, and serves as the Recording Head development and manufacturing arm of Seagate. Located in the heart of a bustling community, Seagate offers an on-site cafe, or if you prefer, you can drive to one of many restaurants just minutes away. Need to grab a gift over lunch time? Shopping is abundant in the area. If working out is your thing, the on-site fully equipped fitness center hosts wellness programs, outdoor activities, tournaments and group workouts. Looking for something more laid back? Reset in one of our meditation rooms, or simply take a walk around our indoor walking path. On-site cultural festivals, celebrations and community volunteer opportunities also abound.

Location: Normandale, United States

Travel: Up to 10%

Seagate provides an environment where equal opportunity is available to all. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, ancestry, ethnic or national origin, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex (which includes pregnancy or perceived pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, perceived or actual religious creed or political opinion, military and veteran status, taking or requesting statutorily protected leave, taking or requesting a reasonable accommodation for a protected basis, or other basis protected by applicable law. Company-sponsored training, education, degree assistance, and social and recreational programs are also included. EEO is the Law Poster, EEO is the Law Supplement Poster, & OFCCP Pay Transparency Provision Information.