Thin Film Development Senior Engineer

About our group:Do you want to work on cutting-edge technology that pushes the limits of what an entire industry can do? The HAMR Product Materials Group develops new material and deposition process solutions that support Seagate’s advanced recording head development efforts.As part of the wafer process team, we develop best-in-class thin films using vacuum- and electrochemistry-based deposition methods and partner with integration teams to introduce these films into new recording head designs. Through materials innovation, our team helps advance recording head performance and reliability while supporting Seagate’s technology and time-to-market goals.About the role - you will:Develop novel metal and dielectric thin films and processes for next-generation Heat-Assisted Magnetic Recording (HAMR) heads.Develop new process modules using deposition techniques including Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD), Ion Beam Deposition (IBD), and evaporation, and optimize process performance using statistically based experimental methods.Conduct detailed studies of material properties using microstructural, chemical, electrical, thermal, and mechanical characterization methods.Collaborate with wafer process and product teams to integrate new process modules into advanced prototype wafer builds.Evaluate the impact of new materials and processes on downstream recording head performance and use findings to recommend process improvements.Develop and mature baseline vacuum deposition processes to support transfer into volume manufacturing.Manage the configuration, qualification, and time-sharing of R&D deposition equipment systems.Work with deposition and metrology equipment suppliers to define hardware requirements and capabilities needed to support advanced process development and manufacturability.Document experimental results, technical findings, and process recommendations, and communicate results to engineering teams and management.About you:You are self-motivated, able to work independently, and demonstrate strong attention to detail.You enjoy collaborating with engineers and technicians and can build productive working relationships across technical disciplines.You are well organized and able to balance day-to-day wafer processing needs with longer-term development projects.You can maintain thorough technical documentation and clearly present experimental results, findings, and recommendations in engineering and management forums.You are curious and innovative and can use technical literature, patents, university research, conferences, and other relevant sources to inform new ideas and technical approaches.You are comfortable working in both cleanroom and laboratory environments.Your experience includes:Bachelor's Degree in Materials Science, Physics, Applied Physics, Electrical Engineering, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related technical discipline and 5+ years of experience, or Master’s degree in Materials Science, Physics, Applied Physics, Electrical Engineering, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related technical discipline and 3+ years of experience, or PhD and 0+ years of experience or equivalent education and experience.Hands-on experience with thin-film materials, deposition equipment, process development, and thin-film characterization.Understanding of thin-film deposition and materials science principles. Relevant areas may include thin-film nucleation and growth, microstructural evolution, plasma physics, ion-surface interactions, and surface chemistry.Experience designing and analyzing statistically based experiments, including Design of Experiments (DOE).Experience analyzing technical data and using results to identify process improvements and support engineering decisions.You Might Also Have:Experience working with Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD), Ion Beam Deposition (IBD), evaporation, or related thin-film deposition technologies.Experience with thin-film characterization techniques involving microstructural, chemical, electrical, thermal, or mechanical properties.Experience with cleanroom operations and wafer fabrication processes.Experience with Statistical Process Control (SPC) and manufacturing or factory systems.Experience transitioning new materials or deposition processes from development environments toward manufacturing.Experience working with deposition or metrology equipment suppliers on equipment capabilities, qualification, or process requirements.The estimated base salary range for this position is $94,140.00 - $134,625.00. 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 Normandale campus spans two suburbs, Edina and Bloomington, and serves as the Recording Head development and manufacturing arm of Seagate. Located in the heart of a bustling community, Seagate offers an on-site café, or if you prefer, you can drive to one of many restaurants just minutes away. Need to grab a gift over lunch time? Shopping is abundant in the area. If working out is your thing, the on-site fully equipped fitness center hosts wellness programs, outdoor activities, tournaments and group workouts. Looking for something more laid back? Reset in one of our meditation rooms, or simply take a walk around our indoor walking path. On-site cultural festivals, celebrations and community volunteer opportunities also abound.Location: Normandale, United StatesTravel: Up to 10%