Technician 3, Tribology & Physical Characterization

Job Description

Broad Functions

As a Tribology, Spacing & Physical Characterization Technician you will perform a new & exciting function for developing next generational hard disk drive (HDD) Technology, namely Heat Assisted Magnetic Recording (HAMR), through tribological testing and physical characterisation. This job will require you to receive and inspect parts, operate advanced testers and optical microscopes, maintain and control testers, and analyze both test and physical characterization data. You will routinely direct and train operators to operate the tests required, analyze and manipulate data and construct test reports for engineer level. In this role you will be directly responsible alongside other Technicians in the team for the operation of Hard disk drive tribology component head testing at the Thailand head operations site, focusing on new development of HAMR Blade HDD-like testing in environmental chambers. You are an independent problem solver, and have solid communication and organizational skills. You are skillful and experienced at hands-on tester operation and handling of delicate components. You should be proactive, self-motivated and have a technically orientated mindset.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Implementation, development and operation of Hard disk drive and HAMR technology tribology component head and media testing.
• Work on various tribometers and testers, focusing on the new development of Blade HDD-like testing in environmental chambers, to characterise mechanical, electrical and magnetic performance, reliability and lifetime of head designs and media pairings.
• Direct operators to receive, inspect and index parts and materials entering the lab.
• Assist the supervisor to direct a team of Engineering Operator personnel that perform 24-7 operational tribology testing and assist with their training needs.
• Assist the Supervisor and other technicians, to ensure all Tribology equipment and testers are available, operated without deviation from official procedures, are well maintained and meet contamination, ESD and safety/hazard requirements.
• Manipulate raw data manually or through Marco's into spreadsheets and data analysis software, then construct MS PowerPoint presentations based on standard templates for Engineer review.
• Own specific tester statistical process control and preventative maintenance activities per IMS/ISO standards.
• Assist the team of Operators for lab tidiness (6S) and cleanliness.
• Assist in development of macros and setup of testers to enable the required testing and desired data output.
• Assist with Helium gas cylinder changes.
• Perform statistical data analysis on software such as JMP.
• Train other operators & technicians for tester operation, data analysis and report.
• Train new Engineers on tester operation and engineering test concepts.
• Manage testing schedule with Operators and Engineers.
• Lead to perform 1st & 2nd level FA and debug of any testing issues and report to Engineer or Management level.
• Other adhoc duties as assigned, including wider Development departmental tasks and team building events.
• Attend and participate in training as assigned.

Qualifications

REQUIRED:

• Minimum Diploma in a technical field such as Electronics or Engineering.
• A minimum of 1-3 years of experience in R&D / Industry or Academic Research / Testing / Characterization or related field.
• Operator or Technician experience.

PREFERRED:

• Preferred Bachelors in a technical field such as Electronics or Engineering.
• Experienced with hard-disk drive technology is preferred.
• Experience with Test Engineer, Guzik, Blade, other HGA/slider tester.
• Previous experience as a R&D / Research / Testing / Characterization engineer or academic researcher
• Python, Matlab, JMP, Visual Basic, MS Excel, VBA macro.

SKILLS:

• Fair in Microsoft Office tools such as Powerpoint, Excel, and Word
• Fair in Reading, Writing, and listening of English
• Able to develop relationships of trust and confidence with team and work as good teamwork.

Additional Information

Western Digital 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.

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