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Form of workJob Description
Western Digital, the premiere producer of hard disk drives (HDDs), is seeking a scientist with experience performing XRD and XRR on thin-film materials. Magnetic sensor, writer, and disk development are critical to the advancement of data storage. Magnetic media used to store information in hard drives is composed of stacks of thin films ranging from angstroms to tens of nanometers in thickness. Electromagnetic HDD head technology also relies on thin-film stacks, and are produced in wafer fabs applying the same processing techniques used in the semiconductor industry. The primary purpose of our work is to characterize these thin-films in support of the next generation of HDD technology. The position involves the use of Rigaku and Panalytical XRD and XRR instruments to collect and interpret data to extract parameters from a variety of samples. The candidate will work closely with our head and media development teams to provide expert measurement, data interpretation, and input on technological advancement. This is an opportunity to join a team of dozens of X-ray scientists, electron microscopists, and chemists who support Western Digital's research, development, and manufacturing efforts world-wide.
Keywords: X-ray diffraction, XRD, X-ray reflectivity, XRR, Materials Science, thin films
Qualifications
A PhD in Materials Science, Physics, or other related engineering discipline and significant experience with XRD data analysis is required. Strong problem-solving abilities and the desire to work in a team environment are essential. The successful applicant will be patient, detail oriented, and hard-working. A candidate with experience with Rietveld refinement is preferred. Experience with XRR data fitting is desired, but the candidate will have the opportunity to develop this skill through training with experienced colleagues. An interest in troubleshooting X-ray equipment is a plus. This position is located in our world-class Analytical Sciences Laboratory in San Jose, California.
Additional Information
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 Colorado or remote jobs that can be performed in Colorado. This range may be modified in the future.
- You may 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 Virgin Pulse Program; 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.
All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.
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