Senior Engineer, AI-ML Data Scientist

About our group:

You will be part of the Media Recording Physics and Advanced Development group at Seagate’s Recording Media Research Center in Fremont, CA. Our team develops state-of-the-art magnetic, optical, thermal, and spin-stand recording characterization methods to deepen the understanding of recording physics and guide the design of HAMR (Heat-Assisted Magnetic Recording) media to further increase data storage capacity.

We work closely with teams across the organization—including Sputter, Testing, Metrology, Equipment, and the Materials Science Lab—as well as with global Seagate collaborators. Together, we advance the development of next-generation storage devices for cloud and emerging applications.

About the role - you will:

You will contribute to the Recording Physics and Advanced Development group by advancing data analytics and material discovery through AI/ML techniques. Your work will focus on understanding the magnetic and thermal properties of recording media and comparing them with simulations and recording data to support HAMR media development..

Your responsibilities will include:

• Gaining a deep understanding of magnetic materials used in recording media and their relationship to recording physics.
• Conducting data analytics to identify correlations between media design, magnetic properties, and recording performance.
• Applying AI/ML techniques to enhance Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) image processing and improve characterization of media microstructure.
• Classifying unique material and process designs to train AI/ML models and develop transfer functions for improved media design.
• Developing end-to-end AI/ML workflows, including data pipelines and model pipelines, to automate analytics and predictions.
• Using a specified local LLM (Large Language Model) framework to analyze data, generate hypotheses, and predict material properties.
• Performing analytics to compare experimental results with modeling data to better understand media design direction and recording physics.
• Using findings to propose innovative designs that improve magnetic, microstructural, and thermal performance of HAMR media.
• Leveraging AI/ML to identify opportunities to enhance media R&D predictability and overall process efficiency, from material selection to processing conditions.

About you:

• Self-motivated and capable of working independently, with excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Detail-oriented, with a solid foundation in data science and AI/ML applications.
• Collaborative team player with strong interpersonal skills and a demonstrated ability to work productively across functions.

Your experience includes:

• Bachelor's Degree in Data Science, Material Science, Applied Math, Applied Physics, CS, Electrical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Neuroscience, or related field is preferred and 5+ years of experience or Master’s in Data Science, Material Science, Applied Math, Applied Physics, CS, Electrical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Neuroscience, or related field is preferred degree and 3+ years of experience or PHD and 0+ years of experience or equivalent education and experience years of experience or equivalent education and experience.
• Strong background in data analytics and AI/ML for materials discovery.
• Industrial internship experience in a relevant field (required).

Proficiency in:

• Programming languages (e.g., Python, JMP, R, SQL, C/C++, CUDA, LabView).
• Data analytics (e.g., databases, data structures) and AI/ML techniques.
• Materials science, with material modeling considered a strong plus.
• Fundamentals of magnetic materials and recording physics.
• Clear, effective communication.
• Working independently and collaboratively in a creative environment.

The estimated base salary range for this position is $119,225.60 - $170,501.76. The individual salary is based on work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. 

Seagate offers comprehensive benefits to its eligible employees, including, but not limited to eligibility to participate in discretionary bonus program, medical, dental, vision, and life insurance, short-and long-term disability, 401(k), employee stock purchase plan, health savings account, dependent care, and healthcare spending accounts. Seagate also offers paid time off, including 12 holidays, flexible time off provided pursuant to Seagate policy, a minimum of 48 hours of paid sick leave, and 16 weeks of paid parental leave. The benefits for this position are based on a full-time schedule for a full calendar year and may differ depending on work location. 

Location:

Our Gold LEED-certified Fremont product-design campus drives innovation, bringing together a diverse set of engineering, design, operations, support, and administrative teams.  The site is equipped with a state-of-the-art clean room and lab space. On-site social activities are popular, including our annual BBQ, ice cream social, and holiday events. Wellness programs, gaming rooms, and the on-site fitness center help round out and balance your Seagate work-life experience, along with opportunities to give back to our local community. 

Location: Fremont, USA, Research Center
Travel: Up to 10%

EEO Statement:

Seagate provides an environment where equal opportunity is available to all. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, ancestry, ethnic or national origin, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex (which includes pregnancy or perceived pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, perceived or actual religious creed or political opinion, military and veteran status, taking or requesting statutorily protected leave, taking or requesting a reasonable accommodation for a protected basis, or other basis protected by applicable law. Company-sponsored training, education, degree assistance, and social and recreational programs are also included. EEO is the Law Poster, EEO is the Law Supplement Poster, & OFCCP Pay Transparency Provision Information.