Western Digital Robotics & Automation Controls Staff Engineer 

United States, California, San Jose 

29804442

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.