Director, Continuation Engineering

About our group:

Seagate is seeking a Director of Continuation Engineering to lead a team of engineers responsible for sustaining and optimizing released product recording heads across their lifecycle.

This team plays a significant role in maintaining and improving product performance, yield, reliability, and supply continuity from qualification through high‑volume manufacturing.

The Director will work in close partnership with data analytics, manufacturing, and design organizations to address emerging product issues by validating risk, driving root cause, and ensuring clear, data‑driven communication and resolution.

About the role - you will:

Product Ownership, Continuation Strategy, & Issue Management

• Manage released product head performance from qualification through high‑volume manufacturing and end‑of‑life.
• Define and execute continuation strategy aligned to the product roadmap, supporting manufacturing improvements in yield, quality, and cost.
• Lead product integration of head configuration changes post qualification.
• Act as the first‑line technical authority to validate recording head issues, define problem statements, and guide response strategy.
• Lead cross‑functional root cause investigations and corrective actions for high‑impact product challenges.
• Ensure clear and concise communication of risks, decisions, and solutions.
• Partner closely with the data analytics organization to align on priorities, performance targets, and execution plans.
• Collaborate with design centers, factory teams, and program management to ensure seamless product integration and issue resolution.
• Leverage statistical analysis and large‑scale manufacturing data to identify trends, predict performance, and guide decisions.

Organizational Leadership

• Build, lead, and develop a high‑performing global team.
• Set priorities, align resources, and ensure accountability to critical deliverables.
• Coach and develop team members in technical depth, problem solving, and rapid issue response.
• Contribute to broader leadership continuity and long‑term organizational capability.

Your experience includes:

• Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Materials Science, or related field and 15+ years of experience; or 12 years and a Master’s degree; or a PhD with 8 years of experience; or equivalent experience.
• 10+ years of experience in semiconductor, storage, or advanced manufacturing environments.
• 5+ years of leadership experience managing engineering teams and cross‑functional programs.
• Strong technical background in wafer, slider, HGA, or drive integration and product performance.
• Proven ability to lead complex problem solving using data‑driven and analytical approaches.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to influence across technical and leadership forums.

You might also have:

• Technical expertise in recording physics, especially HAMR technology.
• Experience in product integration or product performance analysis roles.
• Experience leading globally distributed teams.

The estimated base salary range for this position is $165,000.00 - $244,000.00. 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 a 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. Benefits are based on a full‑time schedule for a full calendar year and may vary by 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 States
Travel: Up to 10%