Sr. Staff Engineer, Advanced Magnetic Metrology Development (ONSITE)

You will be part of the HAMR Media Recording Physics and Advanced Development group at the Seagate Recording Media Research Center in Fremont, CA, where we develop state-of-the-art magnetic, optical, and thermal recording characterization techniques. Our work enhances the understanding of recording physics and informs the design direction for HAMR magnetic recording media to expand data storage capacity.

The team collaborates closely with Sputter, Test, Metrology, and Equipment groups, as well as the Materials Science Lab and other Seagate organizations worldwide. Together, we drive innovation in next-generation storage devices for cloud storage and emerging applications.

As a Senior Staff Engineer, you work alongside other engineers in the Recording Physics and Advanced Development group at Seagate's Recording Media R&D Center to develop, replicate, and enhance existing magnetic characterization tools for studying media magnetic and thermal properties in both HAMR (Heat-Assisted Magnetic Recording) media R&D and Production Support.

• Analyze existing magnetics metrology designs for Perpendicular and HAMR recording.
• Partner with team members to integrate production support magnetic metrology, incorporating design, mechanical, electrical, and optical components into full functionality.
• Establish comprehensive documentation, including Bill of Materials (BOM) and procedures for integrating and replicating production-supporting magnetic metrology.
• Perform troubleshooting and calibration of integrated metrology tools before qualification for R&D or production environments.
• Collaborate with metrology development engineers to refine and implement design improvements.
• Work closely with R&D and production support engineers to ensure completed metrology tools are qualified and successfully transitioned to support media development and production.
• Identify opportunities and implement automation and software controls to enhance the efficiency of existing magnetic metrology for manufacturing support.
• Develop next-generation magnetic metrology tools in collaboration with other engineers to support advanced media R&D and Production Support.
• Partner with spin-stand test engineers to optimize tester mechanical performance and explore opportunities for disc handling automation.

• Bachelor's Degree in Physics, Applied Physics, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Material Science, Applied Optics, CS or related field and 12+ years of experience, or Master's degree in Physics, Applied Physics, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Material Science, Applied Optics, CS or related field and 8+ years of experience, or PHD and 5+ years of experience or equivalent education and experience.
• Possess extensive experience working with metrology tools.
• Demonstrate strong hands-on expertise in integrating magnetic, mechanical, and optical characterization techniques, including experience with MOKE (Magneto-Optical Kerr Effect), high-field VSM (PPMS or SQUID), or related optical and electrical measurements.
• Bring experience in mechanical, optical, and electrical tool integration, which is considered a strong plus.

• Strong hands-on experience with magnetic, optical, and thermal measurement tools, with proficiency in optics, electrical and motion control, and data acquisition.
• Expertise in software integration to enhance system functionality.
• Proficiency in data analysis to interpret experimental results and optimize processes.
• Knowledge of electrical circuit design and integration for metrology applications.
• Experience with mechanical design and automation, utilizing AutoCAD or SolidWorks.
• Skills in optical alignments, with experience in MOKE (Magneto-Optical Kerr Effect) or Pump-Probe techniques.
• Hands-on work with AFM (Atomic Force Microscopy), MFM (Magnetic Force Microscopy), or related microscopy techniques.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to collaborate across teams and present technical findings effectively.
• Ability to work independently and contribute as part of a creative, multidisciplinary team.

You might also have:

• Experience in designing and integrating novel instruments for advanced metrology applications.

The estimated base salary range for this position is $141,876.80 - $206,789.45. 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 Gold LEED-certified Fremont product-design campus drives innovation, bringing together a diverse set of engineering, design, operations, support and administrative teams. The site is equipped with state-of-the-art clean room and lab space. On-site social activities are popular, including our annual BBQ, ice cream social, and holiday events. Wellness programs, gaming rooms and the on-site fitness center help round out and balance your Seagate work-life experience, along with opportunities to give back to our local community.

Location: Fremont, USA, Research Center

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.