Chief Staff Product Officer jobs at Western Digital in United States, San Jose

Today’s exceptional challenges require your unique skills. Together, we can build the future of data storage.

As the Chief of Staff for Western Digital’s VP of Corporate Real Estate & Workplace (CREW), you’ll serve as a strategic thought partner and advisor for the VP and play a key leadership role in the organization. With a keen understanding of the business context, you’ll partner to translate business to people needs and establish and govern a diverse portfolio of strategic initiatives. The role requires high-energy, outstanding communication skills, forward-thinking, intimate understanding of the business and operations requirements, and drive to influence accountability and execution.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Create and manage the organization’s operational rhythm, allowing for transparency, consistency, and proactive planning.
• Establish and maintain cadence for key meetings and processes that help drive team and stakeholder connectedness, alignment, and engagement.
• Lead cross functional strategic and transformational projects, drive workforce planning, and project plan activities for the organization as needed.
• Manage a team that includes ELT / HQ liaison and CREW Financial Management (oversight of OPEX and CapEx processes).
• Influence a network of stakeholders driving engagement improvements and process simplification wherever possible.
• Curate a network of internal and external stakeholders that complement and provide insight to advance the WDC & CREW agenda.
• Foster a culture of trust, strengths-based development, healthy debate, and inclusion for all
• Provide partnership across teams for the organization of cross company projects / reporting / initiatives.

Communications Responsibilities:

We’re looking for a strategic communicator to shape and amplify the voice of the CREW organization.

• Craft and drive the narrative for CREW’s vision, strategy, and key results across internal and external audiences.
• Lead all CREW communications, championing change and embedding best practices.
• Serve as the strategic liaison with Corporate Communications to ensure alignment between business goals and messaging.
• The CoS works closely with EVP’s and CoS of Finance, Global Operations and ELT; communication partners and business leaders across the enterprise, as well as our external vendors and partners.

REQUIRED

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent practical experience
• 15 years of relevant work experience in a global, diverse organization
• 8 or more years in a strategic business or consulting role with a focus on talent operations, strategy and planning, or organizational change
• Demonstrated success leading large, complex projects with multi-function stakeholders and Teams

PREFERRED

• Strategic thinking with the ability to see the big picture, balancing short- and long-term objectives.
• Most importantly, the ability to interpret business strategy, connect it to the people priorities and see them through to successful implementation
• Organizational and team effectiveness, change leadership and design thinking experience required with the ability to advocate change through influence and trust rather than authority
• Ability to navigate complex and ambiguous environments with an agile mindset ready to pivot and iterate as needed
• Experience serving as an objective sounding board and ability to anticipate the needs of the VP of CREW and CREW team
• Proven success in managing Executive and Board of Directors messaging and presentations
• Disciplined execution skills with influence to effect change and break down barriers to ensure results and impact are delivered
• Ability to build trust and partnering relationships with executives and internal / external
• stakeholders of all levels
• Skilled at synthesizing large amounts of data to identify critical trends and present data in an impactful way and a consulting mindset
• Ability to ideate, test, iterate and implement new initiatives with a keen focus on change management and development of strong ecosystem partnerships for collective success

Compensation & Benefits Details

• An employee’s pay position within the salary range may be based on several factors including but not limited to (1) relevant education; qualifications; certifications; and experience; (2) skills, ability, knowledge of the job; (3) performance, contribution and results; (4) geographic location; (5) shift; (6) internal and external equity; and (7) business and organizational needs.
• The salary range is what we believe to be the range of possible compensation for this role at the time of this posting. We may ultimately pay more or less than the posted range and this range is only applicable for jobs to be performed in California, Colorado, New York or remote jobs that can be performed in California, Colorado and New York. This range may be modified in the future.
• If your position is non-exempt, you are eligible for overtime pay pursuant to company policy and applicable laws. You may also be eligible for shift differential pay, depending on the shift to which you are assigned.

• You will be eligible to be considered for bonuses under either Western Digital’s Short Term Incentive Plan (“STI Plan”) or the Sales Incentive Plan (“SIP”) which provides incentive awards based on Company and individual performance, depending on your role and your performance. You may be eligible to participate in our annual Long-Term Incentive (LTI) program, which consists of restricted stock units (RSUs) or cash equivalents, pursuant to the terms of the LTI plan. Please note that not all roles are eligible to participate in the LTI program, and not all roles are eligible for equity under the LTI plan. RSU awards are also available to eligible new hires, subject to Western Digital’s Standard Terms and Conditions for Restricted Stock Unit Awards.

• We offer a comprehensive package of benefits including paid vacation time; paid sick leave; medical/dental/vision insurance; life, accident and disability insurance; tax-advantaged flexible spending and health savings accounts; employee assistance program; other voluntary benefit programs such as supplemental life and AD&D, legal plan, pet insurance, critical illness, accident and hospital indemnity; tuition reimbursement; transit; the Applause Program; employee stock purchase plan; and the Western Digital Savings 401(k) Plan.
• Note: No amount of pay is considered to be wages or compensation until such amount is earned, vested, and determinable. The amount and availability of any bonus, commission, benefits, or any other form of compensation and benefits that are allocable to a particular employee remains in the Company's sole discretion unless and until paid and may be modified at the Company’s sole discretion, consistent with the law.

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

Position located in either San Jose, CA or Irvine, CA.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Manage all aspects of global accounting, including monitoring internal controls, Sarbanes-Oxley, and GAAP compliance. Oversee the monthly, quarterly and annual financial close process and ensure the timely preparation of financial statements and SEC filings, and required reporting to regulatory agencies under federal, state, and local government regulations.
• Develop the accounting organization, finding ways to streamline the function to better address external reporting requirements and leverage investments in information systems. Implement high impact processes to deliver effective and timely financial reporting and business practices across the globe, creating a "no surprises" reporting environment. Increase effectiveness and scale of accounting centers of excellence and global service centers.
• Interface with the Audit Committee and external auditors. Anticipate key issues that may arise and any informational needs. Be prepared to provide updates on financial reporting, internal controls and compliance, discuss ongoing performance, special projects, and other topics as needed
• Recruit, train, coach and develop a high performing global accounting team to ensure current and future leadership of the accounting function.
• Coordinate with Internal Audit and foreign operations to harmonize and drive continuous improvement in global accounting and internal control processes inclusive of Sarbanes-Oxley and other statutory compliance programs. Ensure the development and institutionalization of strong accounting policies, procedures, controls, and reporting systems; communicate such standards across the organization and enforce best practices.
• Provide guidance, training, and support for business unit and operations finance leads to ensure that reporting and compliance objectives are achieved.
• Support management by providing sound financial and strategic advice to assist in the effective management of the business.
• Interface with Treasury and Tax to ensure effective integration of data and reporting.
• Effectively manage the quarter-end and year-end audit process and relationships with external auditors.

DESIRED OUTCOMES

• Develop a global service delivery strategy for the accounting function focused on improved effectiveness and efficiency in the shared services model approach.
• Develop and execute a forward-looking financial systems strategy and roadmap that supports automation, scalability, and data driven decision making.
• Strengthen internal controls and compliance, ensuring compliance with SOX and other regulatory requirements.
• Lead and develop a high-performing organization, fostering accountability, continuous improvement and innovation.

IDEAL EXPERIENCE

Financial leadership experience in positions of increasing scope and responsibility at companies with significant international operations. Will have led a geographically disperse finance/accounting function. Experience with public company external reporting requirements. Solid knowledge of US GAAP and regulatory environment. Experience with global accounting operations including use of third-party accounting service providers. Experience in a complex, global manufacturing organization with geographically dispersed sales, engineering and factories is a plus.

Superior analytical skills

Demonstrated ability to analyze financial results to identify variations and trends that indicate possible exposures and the need for countermeasures.

Organizational development experience

A track record of recruiting, developing, coaching, training and retaining top talent. A focus on developing talent and bench strength as a coach and mentor; capable of providing staff members with opportunities for professional and personal growth.

Certification and bachelor’s degree required

Candidate credentials will include an undergraduate degree or international equivalent of a four-year college degree in accounting, finance, or other related discipline. Appropriate certification, such as a CPA, CMA, or an MBA or other advanced degree will be given preferred consideration.

Leading Change and Driving Results

• Identifies needed changes and has the conviction and ability to present a point of view to senior management and key stakeholders.
• Challenges assumptions about “the way things are done.” The successful candidate will be able to say “no” while at the same time offering alternative solutions.
• Adjusts communication style to the audience to help them understand and accept the change.
• Enables higher performance by incrementally improving approaches based on calculated risks and benefits.
• Benchmarks own performance against industry best practices.
• Proactively seeks to improve processes and implement best in class solutions, raising quality and productivity in a calculated way.
• Identifies new processes and systems to improve productivity and efficiency.

Leading People

• Empowers the entire team to deliver on strategic objectives.
• Passes leadership responsibilities down through the organization, ensuring alignment with the overall strategy and direction.
• Sets up forums or practices to reinforce independent and open communication among team members.
• Gives the team broader visibility inside the organization, including publicly recognizing its accomplishments.

OTHER PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

• Integrity, credibility, and character with demonstrated moral and ethical behavior.

Compensation & Benefits Details

• An employee’s pay position within the salary range may be based on several factors including but not limited to (1) relevant education; qualifications; certifications; and experience; (2) skills, ability, knowledge of the job; (3) performance, contribution and results; (4) geographic location; (5) shift; (6) internal and external equity; and (7) business and organizational needs.
• The salary range is what we believe to be the range of possible compensation for this role at the time of this posting. We may ultimately pay more or less than the posted range and this range is only applicable for jobs to be performed in California, Colorado, New York or remote jobs that can be performed in California, Colorado and New York. This range may be modified in the future.
• If your position is non-exempt, you are eligible for overtime pay pursuant to company policy and applicable laws. You may also be eligible for shift differential pay, depending on the shift to which you are assigned.

• You will be eligible to be considered for bonuses under either Western Digital’s Short Term Incentive Plan (“STI Plan”) or the Sales Incentive Plan (“SIP”) which provides incentive awards based on Company and individual performance, depending on your role and your performance. You may be eligible to participate in our annual Long-Term Incentive (LTI) program, which consists of restricted stock units (RSUs) or cash equivalents, pursuant to the terms of the LTI plan. Please note that not all roles are eligible to participate in the LTI program, and not all roles are eligible for equity under the LTI plan. RSU awards are also available to eligible new hires, subject to Western Digital’s Standard Terms and Conditions for Restricted Stock Unit Awards.

• We offer a comprehensive package of benefits including paid vacation time; paid sick leave; medical/dental/vision insurance; life, accident and disability insurance; tax-advantaged flexible spending and health savings accounts; employee assistance program; other voluntary benefit programs such as supplemental life and AD&D, legal plan, pet insurance, critical illness, accident and hospital indemnity; tuition reimbursement; transit; the Applause Program; employee stock purchase plan; and the Western Digital Savings 401(k) Plan.
• Note: No amount of pay is considered to be wages or compensation until such amount is earned, vested, and determinable. The amount and availability of any bonus, commission, benefits, or any other form of compensation and benefits that are allocable to a particular employee remains in the Company's sole discretion unless and until paid and may be modified at the Company’s sole discretion, consistent with the law.

Today’s exceptional challenges require your unique skills. Together, we can build the future of data storage.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Review, draft and advise on advertising and marketing materials, including packaging, press releases, product launch collateral, advertising campaigns, sweepstakes, promotions, and other related items
• Advise internal business partners on requirements affecting all stages of a product's life cycle, including design, development, marketing, public relations, product launch and distribution, customer support, warranty, and related product regulatory concerns
• Maintain current understanding of best practices related to legal issues in product development and marketing for technology companies, including strong familiarity with intellectual property and privacy matters
• Prepare, review, and negotiate complex agreements including those for software licensing, software-as-a-service, co-marketing, strategic alliances, marketing technology products, hosted services including AI models, and marketing, engineering, and manufacturing services
• Identify and analyze business and commercial issues connected with legal matters that could impact the business or a corporate function, and identify potential legal issues related to business practices and policies

REQUIRED:

• J.D. degree from accredited law school
• Current member of the California Bar in good standing, or California Registered In-House Counsel in good standing
• At least 5-8 years’ relevant practice experience, at least 4 of which are as an in-house attorney
• Experience working in house at a technology company highly desired
• Experience supporting software or hardware-based business models
• Familiarity with legal guidance for marketing related claims and/or product liability matters
• Knowledge of product regulatory matters related to hardware or software products

SKILLS

• Strong proficiency in drafting contracts or writing persuasively for a third-party audience
• Attentively listens to others and encourages the open expression of diverse ideas and opinions
• Provides timely and helpful information to others across the organization
• Owns and manages various matters and new opportunities with enthusiasm
• Effective conflict resolution skills to manage crises effectively
• Has customer service focus and works collaboratively with internal partners
• Instills trust and develops/maintains good working relationships with internal partners and/or external contacts and counsel
• Drives results while independently performing tasks and making recommendations regarding appropriate courses of action to sub-function leaders and client groups

Based on our experience, we anticipate that the application deadline will be

Compensation & Benefits Details

• An employee’s pay position within the salary range may be based on several factors including but not limited to (1) relevant education; qualifications; certifications; and experience; (2) skills, ability, knowledge of the job; (3) performance, contribution and results; (4) geographic location; (5) shift; (6) internal and external equity; and (7) business and organizational needs.
• The salary range is what we believe to be the range of possible compensation for this role at the time of this posting. We may ultimately pay more or less than the posted range and this range is only applicable for jobs to be performed in California, Colorado, New York or remote jobs that can be performed in California, Colorado and New York. This range may be modified in the future.
• If your position is non-exempt, you are eligible for overtime pay pursuant to company policy and applicable laws. You may also be eligible for shift differential pay, depending on the shift to which you are assigned.

• You will be eligible to be considered for bonuses under either Western Digital’s Short Term Incentive Plan (“STI Plan”) or the Sales Incentive Plan (“SIP”) which provides incentive awards based on Company and individual performance, depending on your role and your performance. You may be eligible to participate in our annual Long-Term Incentive (LTI) program, which consists of restricted stock units (RSUs) or cash equivalents, pursuant to the terms of the LTI plan. Please note that not all roles are eligible to participate in the LTI program, and not all roles are eligible for equity under the LTI plan. RSU awards are also available to eligible new hires, subject to Western Digital’s Standard Terms and Conditions for Restricted Stock Unit Awards.

• We offer a comprehensive package of benefits including paid vacation time; paid sick leave; medical/dental/vision insurance; life, accident and disability insurance; tax-advantaged flexible spending and health savings accounts; employee assistance program; other voluntary benefit programs such as supplemental life and AD&D, legal plan, pet insurance, critical illness, accident and hospital indemnity; tuition reimbursement; transit; the Applause Program; employee stock purchase plan; and the Western Digital Savings 401(k) Plan.
• Note: No amount of pay is considered to be wages or compensation until such amount is earned, vested, and determinable. The amount and availability of any bonus, commission, benefits, or any other form of compensation and benefits that are allocable to a particular employee remains in the Company's sole discretion unless and until paid and may be modified at the Company’s sole discretion, consistent with the law.

Today’s exceptional challenges require your unique skills. Together, we can build the future of data storage.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead the design, programming, and integration of robotic automation systems for advanced manufacturing environments.
• Architect and maintain robust control systems involving PLCs, conveyors, and robotic controllers as part of comprehensive automation solutions.
• Perform complex robot path programming and optimization for high-precision, high-efficiency operations.
• Oversee system commissioning efforts, including validation, testing, and troubleshooting of robotic and control systems.
• Develop and maintain comprehensive technical documentation, including system designs, programming logic, and operational procedures.
• Conduct system performance analysis and drive continuous improvement initiatives for enhanced efficiency, reliability, and scalability.
• Provide technical mentorship to junior engineers and support cross-functional collaboration across R&D and global manufacturing teams.

REQUIRED

• Master’s or Bachelor’s degree program in Electrical Engineering, Robotics, Mechatronics or Automation Engineering, with Master’s preferred.
• Proficient in robot programming platforms such as Epson RC+, SPEL+, or Adept V+.
• Extensive experience with PLC programming and HMI development.
• Expertise in automation systems integrated with machine vision (e.g., Keyence or similar).
• Strong programming capabilities in Python, C/C++, or similar languages.
• Expert knowledge of motion control systems including servo drives, actuators, and VFDs.
• Strong foundation in feedback control systems and PID tuning techniques.
• Proven ability to troubleshoot and resolve complex integration issues involving both hardware and software.
• In-depth knowledge of industrial safety standards, especially those related to robotics and automation.
• Excellent communication and leadership skills; able to work effectively in cross-functional and global teams.

SKILLS

• Experience leading automation projects across manufacturing sites, including stakeholder engagement and change management.
• Track record of reducing cycle times or improving OEE through optimization.
• Project management certifications or experience, such as PMP or Lean Six Sigma Green/Black Belt.
• Vendor management and equipment selection experience, especially involving robotic integrators or automation solution providers.
• Familiarity with data analysis tools such as Excel, Tableau, or similar.

Based on our experience, we anticipate that the application deadline will be

Compensation & Benefits Details

• An employee’s pay position within the salary range may be based on several factors including but not limited to (1) relevant education; qualifications; certifications; and experience; (2) skills, ability, knowledge of the job; (3) performance, contribution and results; (4) geographic location; (5) shift; (6) internal and external equity; and (7) business and organizational needs.
• The salary range is what we believe to be the range of possible compensation for this role at the time of this posting. We may ultimately pay more or less than the posted range and this range is only applicable for jobs to be performed in California, Colorado, New York or remote jobs that can be performed in California, Colorado and New York. This range may be modified in the future.
• You will be eligible to participate in Western Digital’s Short-Term Incentive (STI) Plan, which provides incentive awards based on Company and individual performance. Depending on your role and your performance, you may be eligible to participate in our annual Long-Term Incentive (LTI) program, which consists of restricted stock units (RSUs) or cash equivalents, pursuant to the terms of the LTI plan. Please note that not all roles are eligible to participate in the LTI program, and not all roles are eligible for equity under the LTI plan. RSU awards are also available to eligible new hires, subject to Western Digital’s Standard Terms and Conditions for Restricted Stock Unit Awards.
• We offer a comprehensive package of benefits including paid vacation time; paid sick leave; medical/dental/vision insurance; life, accident and disability insurance; tax-advantaged flexible spending and health savings accounts; employee assistance program; other voluntary benefit programs such as supplemental life and AD&D, legal plan, pet insurance, critical illness, accident and hospital indemnity; tuition reimbursement; transit; the Applause Program, employee stock purchase plan, and the Western Digital Savings 401(k) Plan.
• Note: No amount of pay is considered to be wages or compensation until such amount is earned, vested, and determinable. The amount and availability of any bonus, commission, benefits, or any other form of compensation and benefits that are allocable to a particular employee remains in the Company's sole discretion unless and until paid and may be modified at the Company’s sole discretion, consistent with the law.

Today’s exceptional challenges require your unique skills. Together, we can build the future of data storage.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Responsible for overseeing all operations in Model Shop
• Inventory management
• Equipment Maintenance
• Safety Records
• Scheduling and Reporting of Jobs
• Meet with customers to discuss projects
• Knowledge of materials and tool design is fundamental
• Experience estimating of costs and deliverables is a plus
• Ability to multitask and prioritize scheduling
• Design parts and assemblies in SolidWorks
• Create models and drawings for work done by Model Shop
• Reverse engineering skills and tool modifications is a plus
• PCB design and electro-mechanical experience is helpful
• Program and operate all equipment
• Ability to train other machinists on all equipment
• Familiar with standalone (CAM) and conversational programming
• Ability to edit and troubleshoot part programs on all equipment

Secondary Responsibilities

• Setting up and operating Manual Mill, Toolroom, Lathe as well as CNC Machining Centers.
• Must be proficient at all types of machining center processing.
• Prototrak Mill, Harding Lathe, CNC Mill, CNC Lathe, Surface Grinder
• Must be able to program, set-up and machine from blueprints, drawings and/or verbal instructions.
• Must have experience with complex, tight tolerance parts and various materials.

Software used in fabrication and design

Solidworks, Camworks, EZ-Cam, also need to be proficient in Microsoft Office Suite.

Equipment List:

Micro-Vu, Trak Mill, Trak Lathe, Wire EDM, Harding Lathe, 4 Axis CNC Mill, TIG Welding, Surface Grinding, 3D Printing, Wafer Dicing, Laser Scanner, Bead Blasting, Shear, Brake, HURCO CNC, 3D Printing, Lincoln Welder, Sodico EDM

Minimum Qualifications:

• 5 years of experience in set up and fixturing of tight tolerance machine work.
• Experience in shop math, tooling technology, blueprint reading and measurement of parts.
• Experience using precision measuring devices in a shop floor environment. (e.g., micrometers, calipers, dial indicators)
• Experience using CAM software. (Mastercam, Surfcam, EZ-Cam)
• Proven capabilities to provide continuous improvement suggestions.
• Experience with 3D printing, both designing and operation.
• Welding knowledge and experience in MIG, TIG, and stick

Today’s exceptional challenges require your unique skills. Together, we can build the future of data storage.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Build and maintain tight relationships with key customers, deeply understanding their needs and motivations.
• Develop and execute a product roadmap that addresses customer challenges and delivers profitable, market-leading solutions.
• Serve as the customer’s advocate within the company, ensuring internal teams align with their goals.
• Drive strategic planning by synthesizing customer input, market trends, and technical insights into clear, actionable strategies.
• Lead and inspire a team of product experts and contributors to execute on customer goals.
• Present compelling strategies and tradeoffs to executive stakeholders and customer leadership.
• Navigate complex problems with many unknowns, breaking them down into simple, actionable plans.
• Balance competing priorities, weighing customer needs, technical feasibility, and business goals.
• Build consensus across cross-functional teams and secure buy-in for critical initiatives.

• Enterprise storage expertise with a strong foundation in either HDD or SSD technologies.
  • If no HDD experience, extensive interaction with enterprise SSDs and cloud environments is required.
• Cloud experience: Understanding how storage is used in the cloud and its integration into enterprise solutions.
• Strategic situational awareness: Ability to decipher unspoken customer needs, synthesize insights, and uncover opportunities.
• Strong big-picture thinking: Balance long-term strategy with immediate problem-solving.
• Excellent communication skills: Clearly articulate complex ideas to varied audiences and build compelling presentations.
• Proven ability to run executive-level meetings, influence stakeholders, and drive decisions.
• Exceptional customer obsession, with a deep understanding of their needs and a passion for solving problems.
• Demonstrated ownership: Ability to drive cross-functional teams to deliver results on time and on plan.
• Strong enterprise orientation, finding win-win outcomes and working collaboratively across teams.
• Leadership experience, with the ability to inspire, develop, and build high-performing teams.
• Outstanding organizational and time management skills.

PREFERRED

• 10+ years of work experience in a technical role
• 5+ years of team leadership
• Technical degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or Mechanical Engineering.
• MBA or equivalent experience is an asset.

SKILLS

• Experience forming and executing strategies for enterprise storage solutions.
• A proven track record of successfully balancing priorities across technology, customer needs, and business goals.
• Situational awareness and the ability to drive actionable outcomes from ambiguity.
• Exceptional listening skills, a problem-solving mindset, and a customer-first orientation.

Based on our experience, we anticipate that the application deadline will be

Compensation & Benefits Details

• An employee’s pay position within the salary range may be based on several factors including but not limited to (1) relevant education; qualifications; certifications; and experience; (2) skills, ability, knowledge of the job; (3) performance, contribution and results; (4) geographic location; (5) shift; (6) internal and external equity; and (7) business and organizational needs.
• The salary range is what we believe to be the range of possible compensation for this role at the time of this posting. We may ultimately pay more or less than the posted range and this range is only applicable for jobs to be performed in California, Colorado, New York or remote jobs that can be performed in California, Colorado and New York. This range may be modified in the future.
• If your position is non-exempt, you are eligible for overtime pay pursuant to company policy and applicable laws. You may also be eligible for shift differential pay, depending on the shift to which you are assigned.

• You will be eligible to be considered for bonuses under either Western Digital’s Short Term Incentive Plan (“STI Plan”) or the Sales Incentive Plan (“SIP”) which provides incentive awards based on Company and individual performance, depending on your role and your performance. You may be eligible to participate in our annual Long-Term Incentive (LTI) program, which consists of restricted stock units (RSUs) or cash equivalents, pursuant to the terms of the LTI plan. Please note that not all roles are eligible to participate in the LTI program, and not all roles are eligible for equity under the LTI plan. RSU awards are also available to eligible new hires, subject to Western Digital’s Standard Terms and Conditions for Restricted Stock Unit Awards.

• We offer a comprehensive package of benefits including paid vacation time; paid sick leave; medical/dental/vision insurance; life, accident and disability insurance; tax-advantaged flexible spending and health savings accounts; employee assistance program; other voluntary benefit programs such as supplemental life and AD&D, legal plan, pet insurance, critical illness, accident and hospital indemnity; tuition reimbursement; transit; the Applause Program; employee stock purchase plan; and the Western Digital Savings 401(k) Plan.
• Note: No amount of pay is considered to be wages or compensation until such amount is earned, vested, and determinable. The amount and availability of any bonus, commission, benefits, or any other form of compensation and benefits that are allocable to a particular employee remains in the Company's sole discretion unless and until paid and may be modified at the Company’s sole discretion, consistent with the law.

Today’s exceptional challenges require your unique skills. Together, we can build the future of data storage.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead the design, analysis, and testing of complex mechanical systems and precision components.
• Develop, refine, and manage detailed 3D CAD models and engineering drawings using SolidWorks or equivalent tools.
• Perform mechanical, structural, and thermal simulations to ensure reliability, safety, and performance of systems.
• Oversee material selection and validate design through prototyping and iterative testing.
• Provide technical leadership in design reviews and cross-functional collaboration with electrical, automation, and software teams.
• Drive continuous improvement, root cause analysis, and resolution of mechanical issues at R&D and global manufacturing sites.
• Develop clear documentation including specifications, test plans, design justifications, and production handoff materials.
• Support design for manufacturability (DFM) and design for assembly (DFA) practices throughout development.

REQUIRED

• Expertise in mechanical design principles, thermodynamics, heat transfer, and structural analysis.
• Expert-level proficiency in 3D CAD software such as SolidWorks (including surfacing, assemblies, and simulations).
• Strong expertise and knowledge of materials selection and mechanical component design.
• Experience with manufacturing processes including machining, injection molding, sheet metal, and additive manufacturing.
• Expertise in Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing (GD&T) and engineering drawing standards.
• Skilled in Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and thermal simulation tools.
• Hands-on experience with prototyping and rapid iteration using tools such as 3D printers, CNCs, or laser cutters.
• Exceptional problem-solving ability and mechanical intuition.
• Strong communication skills for technical documentation and presentations.
• Proven ability to work in collaborative, cross-disciplinary teams.
• Master’s or Bachelor’s degree program in Mechanical Engineering, with Master’s preferred.

SKILLS

• Track record of leading full lifecycle engineering projects in automation, robotics, or high-precision mechanical systems.
• Familiarity with root cause analysis frameworks (e.g., 8D, FMEA).
• Experience supporting global manufacturing environments and sustaining engineering activities.
• Familiarity with data analysis tools (Excel, MATLAB, Tableau, or Python-based frameworks).

Compensation & Benefits Details

• An employee’s pay position within the salary range may be based on several factors including but not limited to (1) relevant education; qualifications; certifications; and experience; (2) skills, ability, knowledge of the job; (3) performance, contribution and results; (4) geographic location; (5) shift; (6) internal and external equity; and (7) business and organizational needs.
• The salary range is what we believe to be the range of possible compensation for this role at the time of this posting. We may ultimately pay more or less than the posted range and this range is only applicable for jobs to be performed in California, Colorado, New York or remote jobs that can be performed in California, Colorado and New York. This range may be modified in the future.
• You will be eligible to participate in Western Digital’s Short-Term Incentive (STI) Plan, which provides incentive awards based on Company and individual performance. Depending on your role and your performance, you may be eligible to participate in our annual Long-Term Incentive (LTI) program, which consists of restricted stock units (RSUs) or cash equivalents, pursuant to the terms of the LTI plan. Please note that not all roles are eligible to participate in the LTI program, and not all roles are eligible for equity under the LTI plan. RSU awards are also available to eligible new hires, subject to Western Digital’s Standard Terms and Conditions for Restricted Stock Unit Awards.
• We offer a comprehensive package of benefits including paid vacation time; paid sick leave; medical/dental/vision insurance; life, accident and disability insurance; tax-advantaged flexible spending and health savings accounts; employee assistance program; other voluntary benefit programs such as supplemental life and AD&D, legal plan, pet insurance, critical illness, accident and hospital indemnity; tuition reimbursement; transit; the Applause Program, employee stock purchase plan, and the Western Digital Savings 401(k) Plan.
• Note: No amount of pay is considered to be wages or compensation until such amount is earned, vested, and determinable. The amount and availability of any bonus, commission, benefits, or any other form of compensation and benefits that are allocable to a particular employee remains in the Company's sole discretion unless and until paid and may be modified at the Company’s sole discretion, consistent with the law.