Senior Staff Automation & Controls Engineer - Precision Equipment

Job description

Level: Senior Staff Engineer (Senior Individual Contributor role; no direct reports) About our group: The HGA Process Development team owns early‑stage process invention, feasibility, and KPIV understanding to enable future product requirements The team builds deep, physics‑based process knowledge, focusing on identifying critical KPIVs, defining their relationships to KPOVs, and delivering validated, tool‑ready concepts Working closely with HGA/TGA design and product teams, the group ensures alignment to next‑generation architectures while influencing process capability and design tradeoffs Operating upstream of integration and factory organizations, the team emphasizes rapid learning, concept validation, and technical risk reduction Development is strongly engineering‑driven, with focus on process physics, materials behavior, and reliability, supported by analytical tools such as modeling and FEA About the role - you will: Architect and design advanced HGA process equipment, translating process requirements from SLA, adhesive dispense, TIC, and other process domains into fully functional tool concepts and systems Lead development of bench‑level and prototype tooling, enabling rapid experimentation, process learning, and concept validation across multiple process areas Define and develop tool architectures and critical subsystems, including fixturing, alignment mechanisms, motion systems, dispense/placement modules, curing approaches, and environmental control Partner closely with process architects and engineers to ensure all critical KPIVs are properly understood, controlled, and enabled through tool design and system capability Drive design for scalability, ensuring early tool concepts can evolve into robust, high‑precision manufacturing solutions suitable for future factory deployment Collaborate with controls, software, and vision engineers to integrate automation, inspection, and process control capability into tool designs Work with internal equipment teams and external suppliers to develop and build first‑of‑kind tools, from concept through prototype and refinement Support development of process capability through tool performance, including stability, repeatability, precision, and robustness across key process variables Collaborate with global engineering teams, including U.S.-based partners, requiring flexibility to support cross‑time‑zone engagement and periodic evening meetings Deliver validated tooling solutions and engineering documentation, enabling downstream teams to replicate, scale, and optimize process capability About you: Background in mechanical engineering, equipment design, or automation development, with experience in precision tools or manufacturing systems Experience in tool design, fixture design, or equipment development, with exposure to assembly, dispense, or micro‑scale processes considered a plus Familiarity with multi‑disciplinary systems, including motion systems, alignment, vision, controls, or automation Basic understanding of process development and manufacturing requirements, including precision, repeatability, and process control Strong problem-solving and analytical skills, with ability to translate abstract process requirements into practical mechanical and system designs Experience using CAD tools and engineering design methods (e.g., tolerance analysis, design for manufacturability, etc.) Good communication skills in English (written and spoken), able to work effectively across global and cross‑functional teams Demonstrated teamwork and initiative, with ability to work in a fast‑paced, iterative development environment Location: Teparuk Thailand Home to over 4,000 employees, our Teparuk site specializes in producing nano-recording heads—a crucial component for the read/write functionality of hard disk drives. At our Teparuk facility, work is both productive and enjoyable. You and your colleagues can grab breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks at our 24/7 on-site canteen and coffee shop. Stay active by taking a few laps around our running track or participating in volleyball, basketball, table tennis, badminton, or football at our on-site gymnasium and fitness center. We also offer a variety of activities, including music, dance, and aerobic classes. Alternatively, unwind in our lush green areas. Consider joining any of our employee resource groups (ERGs), such as Seagate Women in Leadership Network (SWLN), Seagate PRIDE: Thailand chapter, or Seagate’s parents and caregivers' group. These ERGs provide educational and fun activities. Additionally, enjoy on-site festivals, celebrations, and opportunities to give back to the local community.