Technologist Mechanical Engineering

## Company Description WD is building the infrastructure behind the AI-driven data economy. As AI scales, so does data. Every interaction, every model, every system generates data that must be stored, managed, and made accessible over time. That’s where we come in. We combine deep engineering expertise with global-scale manufacturing to deliver the storage systems that make AI possible, powering hyperscale data centers, cloud platforms, and enterprise infrastructure worldwide. This isn’t theoretical work. It’s real systems, at real scale, people solving some of the hardest challenges in technology today. We’re looking for people who want to build, solve, and operate at that level. Join us and let’s shape the future of data. ## Job Description 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. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES - HDD-Specific Design & Development - 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 - Develop parts using advanced CAD (SolidWorks/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. Analysis & Simulation: - 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 Testing & Validation: - 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) Cross-Functional Collaboration: - Partner with recording heads, media, firmware, and servo teams for system integration. - Interface with suppliers on specifications and quality. ## Qualifications REQUIRED - BS or MS in Mechanical Engineering - Expertise in Precision Mechanical Design, preferably in HDD industry with proven track record delivering products - Experience with high-volume consumer electronics or medical devices - Must have 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 SolidWorks - Analysis: FEA tools, modal analysis, shock/vibration simulation - Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities - Excellent communication - Ability to thrive in fast-paced development environment ## Additional Information Western Digital is committed to providing equal opportunities to all applicants and employees and will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on their race, color, ancestry, religion (including religious dres…