Senior Staff Engineer - Advanced Process Development (Precision Assembly & Automation)

About the Company

The Head Gimbal Assembly (HGA) Process Development team is responsible for early stage HGA process invention, feasibility, and KPIV understanding to enable future product requirements. The team builds deep, physics based understanding of HGA processes, focusing on identifying critical KPIVs, defining their relationships to KPOVs, and developing validated, tool ready process concepts. Working in close partnership with HGA/TGA design and product teams, the group ensures strong alignment to next generation architecture and performance needs, while proactively shaping process capability and design tradeoffs. The role emphasizes mechanical engineering–driven process development, supported by analytical tools such as finite element analysis (FEA) to guide concept development and de-risk emerging technologies.

Location: Teparuk, Thailand. Home to over 4,000 employees, the Teparuk site specializes in producing nano-recording heads. On-site amenities include a 24/7 canteen and coffee shop, running track, gymnasium and fitness center, and spaces for recreational activities and employee resource groups.

Responsibilities

• Architect next-generation slider-attach (micro-meter precision assembly machine) and adhesive dispense processes (nano-liter precision dispense), defining process concepts, materials strategies, and integration schemes to meet future HGA performance requirements
• Lead early-stage process invention, machine design, control system development and feasibility through rapid experimentation, bench prototyping, and concept down-selection based on technical merit and scaling risk
• Develop deep physics-based understanding of adhesive behavior and slider attach mechanics, including bondline control, wetting/spread dynamics, cure effects, and thermo-mechanical interactions
• Identify and quantify critical KPIVs and their relationships to KPOVs (CTQs), building transfer functions, interaction maps, and process limits to guide design and downstream optimization
• Define and co-develop novel dispense, placement, and curing tool concepts, including automation, vision alignment, and process control strategies for scalable implementation
• Partner closely with advanced HGA/TGA design and materials teams to influence product architecture, adhesive selection, and attach schemes based on process capability and risk
• Collaborate with global teams, including U.S.-based design and engineering partners, supporting cross-time-zone engagement (including periodic evening meetings)
• Deliver M1-ready process solutions, including validated concepts, quantified KPIV/KPOV relationships, and clear scaling/optimization guidance for handoff to integration teams

Qualifications

• 12+ years hands-on expertise in the design and development of micro-precision assembly equipment, incorporating multi-axis motion systems and integrated sensor technologies
• Background in Hard Disk Drive manufacturing or precision assembly processes, with solid engineering fundamentals is an advantage
• Experience in process development, materials, or manufacturing engineering; exposure to adhesives, dispense processes, or cleaning technologies is a plus
• Basic understanding of data analysis, statistics, or structured problem-solving methods (e.g., DOE, Six Sigma concepts)
• Familiarity with mechanical behavior, materials interaction, or reliability considerations in assembly processes
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, ability to learn quickly and apply engineering principles to new challenges
• Good communication skills in English (written and spoken) and ability to work effectively with global and cross-functional teams
• Demonstrated teamwork and collaboration, willingness to learn, take initiative, and grow into a technical leadership role

Benefits

• On-site 24/7 canteen and coffee shop
• On-site fitness facilities and sports (running track, volleyball, basketball, table tennis, badminton, football)
• Various employee activities, ERGs, festivals and opportunities for community engagement