Director, Engineering (Glass Substrate Engineering)

Job description

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

Lead a technical team to drive glass substrate engineering, technical problem-solving, and manufacturing readiness and excellence, ensuring successful production ramp-up and continuous improvement in yield, quality, capacity, and cost.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Deep technical hand-on leader who can solve complex problems and develop people
• Strong ownership drives measurable impact in yield, quality, and cost

• Team Leadership: Manage, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of engineers and technicians; build deep technical capability and ownership.
• Technical Expertise: Act as subject matter expert in process fundamentals, and equipment design; provide hands-on guidance on complex technical challenges.
• Scale-Up & Manufacturing Support: Lead process scale-up from R&D to high-volume production; ensure robust, manufacturable, and stable processes.
• Equipment Installation: Lead machine installation, qualification, and ramp-up; manage timelines, readiness, and risk mitigation.
• Problem Solving: Drive structured root cause analysis, failure analysis, and corrective actions for process issues and defects.
• Continuous Improvement: Implement Lean, Six Sigma methodologies to improve yield, reduce cost, eliminate waste, and increase capacity and OEE.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with suppliers, equipment vendors, and R&D teams to ensure seamless process introduction and alignment.
• Governance & Documentation: Ensure strong SOPs, safety (HIRAC), process control, and training systems are in place and followed.

Qualifications

REQUIRED:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field (Master’s preferred).

PREFERRED:

• 8–12+ years of experience in related engineering or manufacturing. Proven experience in leading technical teams and process scale-up.

SKILLS:

• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills & familiarity with Lean, Six Sigma, and data-driven process control.

Additional Information

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 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.

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 compliance@wdc.com.