Staff Engineer, Hardware Development Engineering

Company Description

At Western Digital, our vision is to power global innovation and push the boundaries of technology to make what you thought was once impossible, possible.

At our core, Western Digital is a company of problem solvers. People achieve extraordinary things given the right technology. For decades, we’ve been doing just that. Our technology helped people put a man on the moon.

We are a key partner to some of the largest and highest growth organizations in the world. From energizing the most competitive gaming platforms, to enabling systems to make cities safer and cars smarter and more connected, to powering the data centers behind many of the world’s biggest companies and public cloud, Western Digital is fueling a brighter, smarter future.

Binge-watch any shows, use social media or shop online lately? You’ll find Western Digital supporting the storage infrastructure behind many of these platforms. And, that flash memory card that captures and preserves your most precious moments? That’s us, too.

We offer an expansive portfolio of technologies, storage devices and platforms for business and consumers alike. Our data-centric solutions are comprised of the Western Digital®, G-Technology™, SanDisk® and WD® brands.

Today’s exceptional challenges require your unique skills. It’s You & Western Digital. Together, we’re the next BIG thing in data.

Job Description

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Collaborate with manufacturing teams to integrate automated visual inspection systems into production lines.
• Develop hardware and software solutions that meet the specific needs of manufacturing processes, ensuring seamless integration and minimal disruption to production.
• Optimize inspection systems for speed and accuracy in high-volume manufacturing settings.
• Design and develop hardware components, including cameras, lighting, and sensors, for use in automated visual inspection systems.
• Ensure that hardware is robust and reliable for continuous operation in a manufacturing environment.
• Troubleshoot and optimize hardware performance to meet stringent quality and production standards.
• Develop custom software applications using C++, C#, and Visual Basic for image processing, machine vision, and real-time data analysis.
• Utilize Cognex VisionPro and VIDI for advanced machine vision tasks, including defect detection and pattern recognition.
• Implement AI-based image processing techniques to enhance inspection accuracy and adaptability in dynamic manufacturing conditions.
• Design and implement systems for the collection, storage, and analysis of inspection data within the manufacturing process.
• Develop tools to analyze data trends, identify process improvements, and provide actionable insights to manufacturing teams.
• Ensure data management systems comply with industry standards and regulations.
• Lead the integration of hardware and software components into cohesive inspection systems that align with manufacturing workflows.
• Conduct rigorous testing to validate system performance under real-world manufacturing conditions.
• Work closely with production teams to implement and scale inspection systems across multiple production lines.
• Monitor system performance and drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance accuracy, speed, and overall system efficiency.
• Stay updated on advancements in machine vision, AI, and manufacturing technologies.
• Lead the adoption of new technologies that improve inspection capabilities and manufacturing outcomes.
• Create detailed technical documentation, including system designs, user manuals, and standard operating procedures for manufacturing teams.
• Provide training to manufacturing and maintenance personnel on the operation and troubleshooting of visual inspection systems.

Qualifications

REQUIRED:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.
• 5-7 years of experience in developing hardware and software solutions for automated visual inspection systems in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong knowledge of image processing, machine vision algorithms, and data management practices.

PREFERRED:

• Proficiency in C++, C#, and Visual Basic, with the ability to develop and optimize software for automated visual inspection systems.
• Expertise in using Cognex VisionPro and VIDI for advanced machine vision tasks, including defect detection, pattern recognition, and quality control.
• Experience in implementing AI-based image processing techniques to enhance inspection accuracy and system adaptability in dynamic manufacturing conditions.
• Strong experience in designing and integrating hardware components such as cameras, lighting, and sensors for use in manufacturing environments.
• Ability to design and implement systems for the collection, storage, and analysis of large volumes of inspection data, ensuring data integrity and compliance with industry standards.
• Solid understanding of manufacturing processes, with experience integrating inspection systems into production lines and optimizing them for high-volume manufacturing.

SKILLS:

• Experience with industrial automation systems, including PLC programming and integration with visual inspection systems in manufacturing environments.
• Knowledge of machine learning algorithms and their application in improving defect detection and predictive maintenance in manufacturing processes.
• Proficiency in using advanced data analytics tools and techniques to extract insights from inspection data, optimize processes, and drive continuous improvement.
• Strong project management skills, with experience leading cross-functional teams in the successful deployment of automated inspection systems.
• Familiarity with quality control standards and regulatory requirements in manufacturing, ensuring that inspection systems comply with industry benchmarks.

Additional Information

Western Digital 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.

Western Digital 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 jobs.accommodations@wdc.com 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.