Technologist

Company Description

At Western Digital, our vision is to power global innovation and push the boundaries of technology to make what you thought was once impossible, possible.

At our core, Western Digital is a company of problem solvers. People achieve extraordinary things given the right technology. For decades, we’ve been doing just that. Our technology helped people put a man on the moon.

We are a key partner to some of the largest and highest growth organizations in the world. From energizing the most competitive gaming platforms, to enabling systems to make cities safer and cars smarter and more connected, to powering the data centers behind many of the world’s biggest companies and public cloud, Western Digital is fueling a brighter, smarter future.

Binge-watch any shows, use social media or shop online lately? You’ll find Western Digital supporting the storage infrastructure behind many of these platforms. And, that flash memory card that captures and preserves your most precious moments? That’s us, too.

We offer an expansive portfolio of technologies, storage devices and platforms for business and consumers alike. Our data-centric solutions are comprised of the Western Digital®, G-Technology™, SanDisk® and WD® brands.

Today’s exceptional challenges require your unique skills. It’s You & Western Digital. Together, we’re the next BIG thing in data.

Job Description

We are seeking a skilled Data Analyst to help us leverage data to drive product development and optimization. This role involves analyzing component-level and HDD data to enhance our engineering processes and product performance. The ideal candidate will possess exceptional analytical abilities, a strong understanding of the physics of magnetic recording, and a passion for improving products through data-driven insights. Additionally, you will investigate and understand product issues and build physics-based and machine-learning models to predict and optimize product performance.

Key Responsibilities include

Data Analysis: Collect, analyze, and interpret data from various sources, including component tests and HDD product evaluations, to identify trends, correlations, and areas for improvement.

Product Optimization:  Utilize data-driven insights to recommend and implement changes in product design and development, aiming to enhance performance, reliability, and overall quality.

Investigation: Investigate and diagnose product issues by analyzing data patterns and anomalies and understanding their root causes to inform product improvements.

Model Building: Develop and implement physics-based models to simulate and predict product behavior and create machine-learning models to enhance predictive accuracy and optimization.

Collaboration: Work closely with engineering teams to understand product requirements and development challenges, providing data-driven solutions and recommendations.

Reporting: Develop and present detailed reports and visualizations to communicate findings, trends, and actionable insights to stakeholders at all levels.

Continuous Improvement: Stay updated with the latest advancements in data analysis, machine learning, and physics-based modeling, applying these techniques to improve product development processes.

Research: Apply knowledge of the physics of magnetism to interpret data related to magnetic components and systems, ensuring accurate analysis and application in product development.

Qualifications

Education:  Master’s degree in Data Science, Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, or a related field. Advanced degree preferred.

Experience: Proven experience in data analysis, preferably in a product development or engineering context. Experience with magnetic recording and related technologies is a significant advantage.

Technical Skills: Proficiency in data analysis tools and software (e.g., Python, R, MATLAB, Excel). Experience with machine learning and data visualization methods and tools. Familiarity with physics-based modeling is a plus.

Analytical Skills: Exceptional ability to analyze complex data sets, identify patterns, and draw meaningful conclusions. Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail.

Knowledge: Understanding of the physics of magnetic recording and its application in product development. Experience in building and applying machine learning models.

Motivation: Self-motivated, with a strong drive to continuously improve and contribute to product development efforts.

Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex data and insights clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences.

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Additional Information

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

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.