Western Digital Staff Engineer - Mechanical 

United States, California, San Jose 

203872610

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.