Staff Engineer, Automation Software Engineering

About the Company

At WD, our vision is to power global innovation and push the boundaries of technology to make what you thought was once impossible, possible. We offer an expansive portfolio of technologies, HDDs, and platforms for business, creative professionals, and consumers under Western Digital®, WD®, and WD_BLACK™. From enabling connected cities to powering data centers and meeting the data storage needs of the AI era, WD builds the future of data storage.

Responsibilities

• Define software and system architecture for automated HSA/HDD assembly systems.
• Lead design, coding, and test review processes for HSA/HDD assembly machine control software.
• Integrate and interact with assembly machines including robotics, vision systems, sensing devices, PLCs and I/O controllers.
• Define and embed AI-based solutions into automated assembly systems to improve precision, productivity, and problem-solving.
• Develop AI-powered algorithms and enhance software frameworks with autonomous decision-making and optimization capabilities.
• Coach and guide junior engineers; manage priorities for software development to meet manufacturing requirements.
• Generate and maintain control-level software for multiple generations of assembly machines and WD software frameworks.
• Produce and maintain technical documentation such as software release notices; validate and test software releases.
• Execute experiments, analyze data, and share results with cross-functional teams to improve yield, reduce downtime and scrap.
• Maintain effective communication with technical staff and comply with 6S and EH&S policies.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

REQUIRED:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Engineering, Electrical, Mechatronics, Computer Science or related field.
• 5–10 years' experience in AI, automation, robotics, I/O programming, image processing and database communication protocols.
• Strong knowledge and hands-on experience in AI / Machine Learning / Deep Learning and computer vision / image processing.
• Experience with AI frameworks (TensorFlow, PyTorch) and ability to deploy and integrate AI models into automation/robotics systems.
• Solid software engineering skills including data handling, system integration, and performance optimization.

PREFERRED:

• OOP programming, UML design.
• Experience with Windows, Linux, real-time OS, SPC-based machine controls.
• PLC (Beckhoff, Keyence, Mitsubishi), vision, robotics and HMI systems programming.
• Experience with CNNs/object detection and industrial AI applications; familiarity with OpenCV.
• Experience integrating AI models with PLC/PC-based automation, edge AI deployment, and controller/bus interfaces (Frame Grabbers, DeviceNet, A/D, TCP/IP, serial).

Skills / Technical Skills

• AI / Machine Learning / Deep Learning
• TensorFlow, PyTorch, OpenCV, computer vision (CNN, object detection)
• Software engineering for automation, data handling and system integration
• PLC and HMI system programming; robotics and vision integration
• Experience with Windows and Linux environments; communication protocols and controller interfaces
• Ability to track, analyze, and resolve software issues; produce technical documentation and validate releases

Additional Information

WD is committed to diversity and an inclusive environment. WD offers opportunities to applicants with disabilities and will provide reasonable accommodations during the hiring process. To request accommodations, contact jobs.accommodations@wdc.com. Notice: WD will never request payment as a condition for applying or receiving an offer; report any such request to WD Ethics Helpline or compliance@wdc.com.