Vacuum Process Senior Engineer (ONSITE)

Join our Vacuum Process Engineering team in Normandale, MN, and play a key role in advancing Seagate's cutting-edge Hard Disk Drive (HDD) technology. In this position, you will optimize processes and tooling for manufacturing the latest generation of recording heads that power our industry-leading storage solutions.

Collaborate with a team of vacuum process and control engineers and managers to enhance yields, improve efficiency, and reduce costs in Magnetic Recording Head production. Your contributions will support the high-volume delivery of recording heads built on HAMR technology, driving innovation in data storage.

The Process Engineering team oversees all tooling used in the fabrication of Magnetic Recording Heads for Seagate HDDs. We utilize both traditional process-control methods and advanced algorithmic systems, including Advanced Process Control (APC), to monitor process health in real time and implement automated adjustments.

By leveraging statistical analysis, we optimize product performance and yields through continuous process and tooling improvements. Our top priority is ensuring that every recording head we ship meets rigorous product specifications, driving quality and efficiency in high-volume manufacturing.

• Develop, implement, optimize, and control vacuum processes-such as deposition, reactive etching, ion milling, or magnetic annealing-within a controlled manufacturing environment. Ownerships evolve over time, providing opportunities for professional growth and development.
• Utilize metrology, defect analysis, and statistical analysis to ensure process capability and precision.
• Support and optimize new processes for manufacturing the latest generation of magnetic recording heads based on HAMR technology.
• Apply Six Sigma methodologies to maximize performance and minimize variability through hands-on structured experiments, including One Factor at a Time (OFAT) testing on managed vacuum processes.
• Develop systematic and automated methods for maintaining process control across multiple tools, implementing SPC charts, Out-of-Control Action Plans (OCAPs), and Material Dispositioning instructions.
• Learn, design, and implement Automated Processor-Based Process Control systems to enable real-time, error-free process adjustments and maintain product specifications.
• Maintain all process documentation and ensure consistency across Seagate's recording-head manufacturing sites.
• Evaluate and introduce new production equipment, create required manufacturing documentation, and train production staff on standardized procedures.
• Oversee manufacturing challenges, including scrap reduction, rework, cycle-time improvement, and multi-path maintenance.

• A background in vacuum science or vacuum wafer processing.
• Experience identifying key process input variables using statistical Design of Experiment (DoE) methods to maximize product performance and yield.
• Proficiency in statistical data analysis and defect analysis to improve process capability and optimize yields.

• Bachelor's Degree in Material Science, Chemistry, Chemical & ElectricalEngineering or Physicsand 5+ years of experience, or Master's degree in Material Science, Chemistry, Chemical & ElectricalEngineering or Physicsand 3+ years of experience, or PHD and 0+ years of experience or equivalent education and experience.
• Hands-on familiarity with vacuum-related tooling and processing, with a strong understanding of their operation.
• Applying engineering statistics to solve technical challenges, gained through formal education or practical application.
• Creating or utilizing processor-based process control systems to enable real-time automated decisions and process corrections for maintaining product targeting.
• Developing and optimizing vacuum-based processes, preferably using Design of Experiment (DoE) methodologies.

You might also have:

• PVD deposition processing, ion etching (reactive and/or ion mill), or thermal vacuum annealing wafer processing knowledge, with an understanding of magnetic principles and phenomena.
• A fundamental understanding of light propagation through materials and the resonant responses that are induced.
• A background in a manufacturing setting or process development employing vacuum techniques and processes.
• Experience with Six Sigma methodologies, holding a Green or Brown Belt certification.

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.

This is an ONSITE position at our Normandale campus that spans two suburbs, Edina and Bloomington: Twin Cities / Minneapolis area.

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.