Vacuum Process Senior Engineer (ONSITE)

This position is part of the Vacuum Process Engineering team at our Bloomington, MN facility, where we control and optimize the processes and tooling used to manufacture the recording heads in every Seagate Hard Disk Drive (HDD).

Our Process Engineering team manages all tooling on the factory floor used to fabricate Magnetic Recording Heads for Seagate HDDs. We use both traditional process-control methods and Advanced Process Control (APC) algorithmic systems to analyze process health in real time and make automated adjustments. Additionally, we oversee manual and automated systems to ensure recording heads meet product specifications before final disposition.

• Develop, implement, optimize, and control vacuum processes-including deposition, reactive etching, ion milling, and magnetic annealing-within a manufacturing environment. Process ownership will evolve over time, providing opportunities for professional growth.
• Utilize metrology, defect analysis, and statistical methods to ensure processes are capable and aligned with performance targets.
• Support and refine new processes designed to manufacture the latest generation of magnetic recording heads based on HAMR technology.
• Apply Six Sigma methodologies to maximize performance and minimize variability, conducting structured experiments and One Factor at a Time (OFAT) experiments on the vacuum processes you oversee.
• Develop and implement systematic, automated methods for maintaining process control across multiple tools, including SPC charts, Out-of-Control Action Plans (OCAPs), and Material Dispositioning instructions. You will also design and integrate Automated Process Control methods, enabling real-time, error-free adjustments.
• Maintain process documentation and ensure process consistency across Seagate's recording-head manufacturing sites.
• Evaluate and introduce new production equipment, create necessary manufacturing documentation, and train and certify production personnel across all shifts on documented process procedures.
• Oversee key manufacturing issues, including scrap reduction, rework, cycle-time optimization, and multiple-path maintenance, to drive operational efficiency.

• Bachelor's Degree in Material Science, Chemistry, Chemical & Electrical Engineering or Physics and 5+ years of experience, or Master's degree in Material Science, Chemistry, Chemical & Electrical Engineering or Physics and 3+ years of experience, or PHD and 0+ years of experience or equivalent education and experience.
• Background in vacuum science or processing, with experience in related technologies.
• Understanding of statistical Design of Experiment (DoE) methods to identify key process input variables and optimize product performance and yield.
• Proven ability to analyze data statistically and perform defect analysis to enhance process capability and improve process yields.

• Applying engineering statistics to solve complex problems, either through formal education or practical experience.
• Utilizing Design of Experiment (DoE) methods to optimize processes and improve efficiency.
• Developing and refining vacuum-based processes, preferably through Design of Experiment methodologies.
• Operating and maintaining vacuum-related tooling and processing equipment.
• Working with PVD deposition processing, ion etching (reactive and/or ion milling), or thermal annealing wafer processing.
• Handling sputter deposition, with a preference for reactive sputter deposition.

You Might Also Have:

• An understanding of magnetic principles and phenomena, particularly in relation to thin films.
• Knowledge of light propagation through materials and its resonant responses.
• Experience in ion etching (reactive and/or ion milling) wafer processing.
• Background in process development or working in a manufacturing environment utilizing vacuum techniques and processes.
• Familiarity with Six Sigma methodologies, holding a Green or Brown Belt certification.
• Interest in expanding expertise in Machine Learning, Generative AI, and Data Science.
• Experience supporting and developing automation solutions, including training in Microsoft Power Automate, Python, and OCAPs.

The estimated base salary range for this position is $81,536.00 - $116,596.50. 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.