Western Digital is seeking a highly experienced Principal Test Engineer to serve as a technical leader and subject matter expert within our semiconductor manufacturing operations. In this individual contributor role, you will drive test strategy, lead complex failure investigations, and elevate the technical capabilities of cross-functional engineering teams -- influencing outcomes through deep expertise and structured thinking, not headcount.
This is a senior individual contributor position embedded within a fast-paced, high-volume semiconductor manufacturing environment. The Principal Test Engineer does not manage direct reports -- instead, they lead through deep technical authority, influencing engineers and technicians across process and hardware domains to deliver measurable improvements in test yield, reliability, and efficiency. The role demands a practitioner who is equally comfortable designing a test strategy in a planning session and diving into raw data to resolve an active production excursion.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Define and drive comprehensive test strategies and execution plans across assigned product lines in a high-volume semiconductor manufacturing environment.
- Serve as a technical authority and subject matter expert -- influencing and aligning engineers and technicians across cross-functional teams without relying on direct management authority.
- Lead structured root cause analysis (RCA) investigations for complex test failures, equipment anomalies, and yield excursions using methodologies such as 8D, FMEA, Fishbone, and Fault Tree Analysis.
- Develop and apply advanced data analysis techniques -- including statistical process control (SPC), design of experiments (DOE), and multivariate analysis -- to identify failure patterns and drive sustainable corrective actions.
- Collaborate closely with process engineering, hardware engineering, product engineering, and quality assurance teams to integrate test requirements seamlessly into the production flow.
- Champion continuous improvement initiatives in test methodology, test coverage, cycle time reduction, and first-pass yield enhancement.
- Evaluate, qualify, and optimize automated test equipment (ATE) platforms, test fixtures, and related tooling in alignment with production and quality targets.
- Translate complex technical findings into clear, actionable insights for both engineering teams and non-technical stakeholders -- including reports on test yields, failure trends, and efficiency metrics.
- Identify capability gaps and facilitate knowledge-sharing, technical coaching, and upskilling programs for test engineers and technicians.
- Ensure all test engineering activities comply with applicable health, safety, and industry standards including ISO, IEC, RBA, and BCMS.
- Support the evaluation and deployment of AI and machine learning tools for test optimization, predictive maintenance, and anomaly detection where applicable.
- Oversee comprehensive documentation of test processes, methodologies, and performance baselines to maintain institutional knowledge and audit readiness.
REQUIRED:
- Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronic Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
- Minimum 10 years of hands-on test engineering experience within a high-volume semiconductor manufacturing environment, spanning both process and hardware domains.
- Demonstrated experience working within a multinational corporation (MNC) semiconductor environment -- with exposure to multi-site operations, global engineering teams, and complex stakeholder structures.
- Proven ability to lead and influence cross-functional teams of engineers and technicians through technical credibility, structured thinking, and clear communication -- without requiring direct line management authority.
- Strong analytical and critical thinking skills with practitioner-level experience in root cause analysis methodologies (8D, FMEA, Fishbone, Fault Tree, or equivalent).
- Hands-on proficiency in data and statistical analysis tools such as Minitab, JMP, Python (pandas, numpy), or equivalent platforms.
- Expertise in test automation, automated test equipment (ATE), and test software relevant to semiconductor manufacturing.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills -- ability to present technical findings clearly to engineering teams, quality functions, and senior leadership.
- Familiarity with industry standards and compliance requirements including ISO, IEC, RBA, and BCMS.
PREFERRED:
- Experience deploying AI or machine learning solutions in a manufacturing or test engineering context -- such as predictive yield modeling, anomaly detection, or intelligent test coverage optimization.
- Hands-on experience with ATE platforms including Teradyne, Advantest, or Keysight systems.
- Advanced proficiency in test process optimization, NPI test readiness, and design-for-testability (DFT) collaboration.
- Familiarity with storage or memory product test environments (HDD, NAND flash, SSD).
- Experience driving cost reduction and test efficiency improvements at scale in a multinational manufacturing site.
SKILLS:
- Statistical Process Control (SPC) and Design of Experiments (DOE) -- practitioner level
- Root Cause Analysis: 8D, FMEA, Fishbone, Fault Tree Analysis
- Data analysis and visualization: Minitab, JMP, Python, or equivalent
- Automated Test Equipment (ATE): Teradyne, Advantest, Keysight
- Test scripting and automation: LabVIEW, NI TestStand, or equivalent
- Cross-functional technical leadership and influencing skills
- Project coordination and timeline management in a manufacturing setting
- Technical communication -- from shop floor to executive audience
- AI/ML application in manufacturing test (advantageous)
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