Senior Engineer, Automation Development Engineering

The Early Career Talent (ECT) - Data Analytics / Computer Science (Master's Level) will join Western Digital's Head Backend Business Unit under the BEST Program. This THO-based role carries elevated expectations reflecting graduate-level expertise in data science, machine learning, or advanced analytics applied to a precision manufacturing context. The ECT will drive substantive analytics initiatives -- including predictive modeling, advanced process monitoring, and automation of data workflows -- within the slider processing and HGA assembly engineering environment at THO. Reporting to the Head Backend Engineering organization, the ECT is expected to bring independent research capability and contribute to data infrastructure and intelligence projects that directly impact yield, quality, and operational efficiency. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Developing predictive models and advanced statistical analyses for process yield and defect prediction Building scalable data pipelines and analytics platforms for engineering use Leading applied analytics projects in Phase 2 of the BEST Program with mentor oversight Partnering with manufacturing and process engineers to embed data-driven methodologies into daily operations Contributing to automation of data collection, reporting, and anomaly detection Preparing and presenting technical findings to engineering leadership, including cross-site reviews This position is part of our Early Career program at WD. Our Early Career program is designed to support individuals beginning their professional career by providing the foundational training through a structured onboarding, mentorship, and development curriculum REQUIRED: We warmly welcome fresh graduates of a Master's degree, and Early Career Talent with 0–2 years of experience are encouraged to apply. Currently pursuing or recently completed a Master's degree in Data Science, Computer Science, Statistics, Applied Mathematics, Engineering with advanced analytics/AI specialization , or equivalent experience Fresh graduate or maximum 2 years post-graduate experience Advanced proficiency in Python, R, and/or SQL Demonstrated experience in machine learning, predictive modeling, or advanced statistical analysis Research or thesis experience with data-driven methodology PREFERRED: Thesis or published research in ML, AI, process analytics, or manufacturing intelligence Experience with big data platforms, cloud analytics (AWS, Azure, GCP), or edge computing Knowledge of time-series analysis, anomaly detection, or sensor data analytics Familiarity with manufacturing execution systems (MES) or industrial IoT data Experience building end-to-end ML pipelines (data ingestion to model deployment) SKILLS: Advanced machine learning and statistical modeling (supervised, unsupervised, time-series) Strong Python/R programming with software engineering discipline (version control, documentation) Data architecture and pipeline development Ability to translate complex models into operational recommendations High analytical rigor and independent thinking #LI-SB1 WD thrives on the power and potential of diversity. As a global company, we believe the most effective way to embrace the diversity of our customers and communities is to mirror it from within. We believe the fusion of various perspectives results in the best outcomes for our employees, our company, our customers, and the world around us. We are committed to an inclusive environment where every individual can thrive through a sense of belonging, respect and contribution. WD is committed to offering opportunities to applicants with disabilities and ensuring all candidates can successfully navigate our careers website and our hiring process. Please contact us at to advise us of your accommodation request. In your email, please include a description of the specific accommodation you are requesting as well as the job title and requisition number of the position for which you are applying. Notice To Candidates: Please be aware that WD and its subsidiaries will never request payment as a condition for applying for a position or receiving an offer of employment. Should you encounter any such requests, please report it immediately to WD Ethics Helpline or email . 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.