RF/EM, Electrical Signal Integrity R&D Senior Staff Engineer

About our group:

Our team develops innovative concepts and designs for Seagate’s hard drive productization, integrating new and existing technologies to meet evolving product requirements. We collaborate closely with drive design teams and external suppliers to optimize designs for manufacturability and performance.

About the role - you will:

We are seeking an RF/EM, Electrical Signal Integrity Research and Development Engineer to join the Recording Head Technology organization. This role is pivotal in advancing the electrical roadmap for next-generation recording head systems, with a strong emphasis on system-level signal integrity, crosstalk mitigation, and reliability.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and/or collaborate in the development of the electrical roadmap for the Trace Gimbal Assembly (TGA), coordinating with transducer and preamp development teams to define future requirements for electrical performance.
• Apply physics-based principles and electromagnetic theory to analyze and solve signal integrity challenges at the fundamental level, ensuring robust system performance.
• Perform system-level modeling and experimental validation to identify and mitigate crosstalk, common mode rejection, and other signal integrity challenges in high-speed HDD architectures.
• Utilize advanced physical modeling techniques to understand the root causes of signal degradation, leveraging transmission line theory, electromagnetic simulation, and material properties.
• Design and optimize interconnect read/write signal paths for best-in-class signal integrity and high-speed performance, with a focus on preamp and TGA integration for HAMR and advanced recording technologies.
• Collaborate with transducer design teams to integrate new features and sensors into the recording system, supporting roadmap development and feature integration.
• Develop and validate solutions to meet electrical performance and reliability targets through simulation, hardware prototyping, and laboratory experiments.
• Drive technical reviews, brainstorming sessions, and cross-functional collaboration across engineering disciplines, communicating complex technical concepts to diverse teams.
• Work closely with suppliers and supply chain partners to mature design, material, and process changes for enhanced performance and reliability.
• Support new failure mode hypotheses and validation of solutions through hands-on lab work and advanced measurement techniques (e.g., spin-stand, optical setups, VNA, TDR, eye-diagram analysis).

About you:

• Deep understanding of electromagnetics, transmission line theory, and the physical mechanisms underlying signal integrity phenomena.
• Solid understanding of magnetics, electro-physics, and electronics.
• Background in analog electronics, transmission line theory, and high-speed signal integrity.
• Skills in both interconnect/system modeling and measurement, with hands-on lab experience.
• Ability to analyze and solve complex problems independently.
• Strong written and oral communication skills for coordination with extended teams and management.
• Required Proficiency in Tools, Software, and Disciplines
• Simulation & Modeling Tools: ANSYS HFSS (3D electromagnetic field simulation). Keysight Advanced Design System (ADS) (RF/microwave circuit and SI simulation), Cadence Sigrity (PCB signal and power integrity analysis). COMSOL Multiphysics (multi-physics simulation including EM studies),
• Measurement & Lab Equipment: Vector Network Analyzer (VNA), Time Domain Reflectometer (TDR), Oscilloscopes
• Disciplines: Electromagnetics, Transmission Line Theory, Analog and RF Electronics, PCB Stack-up Design, Power Delivery Network (PDN) Optimization, Finite Element Analysis (FEA)
• Additional Skills: Lab measurement correlation with simulation models
• Automation and scripting for design efficiency
• Technical documentation and presentation of complex concepts

Your experience includes:

• Demonstrated expertise in system-level signal integrity, crosstalk mitigation, and common mode rejection in high-speed HDD architectures.
• Hands-on experience with experimental validation, lab measurement setups, and prototype development.
• Advanced proficiency in electromagnetic simulation and system modeling tools (see above).
• Proven ability to lead technical reviews, collaborate across engineering disciplines, and communicate complex concepts effectively.
• Experience in preamp and TGA design for HAMR and other advanced recording head technologies.
• Familiarity with advanced measurement systems: VNA, TDR, oscilloscopes, spin-stand, and optical setups.
• Master’s degree in physics or electrical engineering with 8+ years of experience or a PhD with 5+ years of experience.

The estimated base salary range for this position is $130,374.40 - $190,018.40. 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 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. The benefits for this position are based on a full-time schedule for a full calendar year and may differ depending on 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%