Seagate is looking for a Sr. Vacuum Process Engineer to join our Vacuum Process Engineering team in Bloomington, MN. In this role, you will be responsible for controlling and optimizing all vacuum processes and tooling used to fabricate Magnetic Recording Heads for Seagate HDDs.

What You'll Do

Develop, implement, optimize, and control vacuum processes (deposition, reactive etching, ion milling, or magnetic annealing) within a manufacturing setting.
Make extensive use of metrology, defect analysis, and statistics to ensure processes are capable and targeted.
Support and optimize new processes developed to build the latest generation of magnetic recording heads based on HAMR technology.
Use Six Sigma methodologies and techniques to maximize performance and minimize variability through structured experiments.
Develop systematic and automated methods for maintaining process control across multiple tools, including implementing SPC charts and OCAPs.
Maintain all process documentation and ensure process congruency across Seagate’s recording-head manufacturing sites.
Evaluate and introduce new production equipment into the manufacturing line and create associated manufacturing documentation.
Instruct and certify production personnel during all working shifts on documented process procedures.
Oversee manufacturing issues such as scrap, rework, cycle-time reduction, and multiple-path maintenance.

What We're Looking For

Background in vacuum science or processing.
Understanding of how to determine key process input variables using statistical DoE methods.
Demonstrated ability to statistically analyze data and perform defect analysis to increase process capability and optimize yields.
Understanding of magnetic principles and phenomena especially in relation to thin films.
Experience working with, or formal education of, applying engineering statistics to solve engineering problems.
Knowledge of design of experiments (methods of design).
Demonstrated experience developing and optimizing vacuum-based processes, preferably via Design of Experiment.
Hands-on familiarity with vacuum related tooling and processing.
Experience with PVD deposition processing or ion etching (reactive and/or ion mill) or thermal annealing wafer processing.
Experience with sputter deposition with a preference to reactive sputter deposition.
Bachelor's Degree in Material Science, Chemistry, Chemical & Electrical Engineering or Physics and 5+ years of experience, or Master’s degree and 3+ years of experience, or PHD and 0+ years of experience or equivalent education and experience.

Nice to Have

A fundamental understanding of the propagation of light through materials and the resonant responses that are induced.
Experience in ion etching (reactive and/or ion mill) wafer processing.
Experience in a manufacturing setting or in process development employing vacuum technics and processes.
Experience with Six Sigma, as a Green or Brown belt.
Interest developing skills in Machine Learning, Generative AI, and Data Science.
Support and Develop Automation with Training using Microsoft Power Automate, Python, and OCAPs.

Team & Environment

You will work with the Vacuum Process Engineering team in Bloomington, MN.

Benefits & Compensation

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.
Paid time off, including 12 holidays, flexible time off, a minimum of 48 hours of paid sick leave, and 16 weeks of paid parental leave.
Compensation Range: $92,300.00 - $131,900.00