Senior Manager, Vacuum Wafer Process Engineering

About our group:

At Seagate, our mission is to build the world’s best data storage devices. The wafer process engineering team is responsible for controlling all tooling in our state-of-the-art cleanroom that is used to fabricate Magnetic Recording Heads used within Seagate Hard Disk Drives (HDDs). We employ both traditional process-control methods as well as more novel Advanced Process Control (APC) algorithmic systems to analyze the health of our processes in real time, making required adjustments automatically. Our recording head manufacturing line delivers the latest generation of magnetic recording heads based on HAMR technology.

In this position you will be a leader responsible for managing a sub-set of our existing team. Our team consists of vacuum deposition (including PVD, ALD, evaporation, etc), etching & ion milling process engineers responsible for improving factory processes. You will also collaborate with other teams including process development, design, equipment engineering, manufacturing, industrial engineering, and yield as well as with cross site (Seagate Ireland) managers & engineers. 

If you are passionate about innovative technology, a proven leader, excellent communicator, and enthusiastic about quality assurance and continuous improvement, this could be the perfect opportunity to advance your process engineering career.

About the role - you will:

Act as a leader in the process engineering organization:

• Be responsible for building, leading, and developing a high-performing process engineering team, fostering a culture of accountability, results, and continuous improvement.
• Develop engineers by training, coaching, evaluating, and reinforcing engineering principles.
• Provide strong leadership to the engineering team by collaborating on project completion, assigning roles that align with team members' strengths, and ensuring consistent productivity.
• Mentor the team offering guidance, support, and opportunities for personal growth to achieve departmental and company objectives.
• Offer strategic planning insights focused on enhancing process efficiency, implementing automation, improving manufacturability, and driving innovation in new product and process development.
• Work closely with various departments such as design, yield, equipment engineering, industrial engineering, production, and operations to ensure smooth integration of new products and processes.

Take on the role of project manager:

• Support the oversight and implementation of capital and process improvements to optimize both new and existing processes.
• Manage and drive engineering projects from initial concept through to full implementation, ensuring solutions are effective, timely, and cost-efficient.
• Actively monitor current production performance within the wafer process engineering organization, providing technical solutions to achieve Safety, Quality, Delivery, and Production targets.
• Apply Six Sigma and Lean Manufacturing methodologies to promote continuous improvement across the factory, and oversee regular metrics reporting.
• Oversee the selection, installation, qualification, and troubleshooting of wafer manufacturing equipment.

About you:

• You have extensive experience in wafer process engineering: vacuum deposition, reactive etching, ion milling & evaporation.
• You have a proven track record of leading teams through challenging situations.
• You have demonstrated ability to set priorities for a team and run meetings to coordinate team activities.
• Six sigma and 8D problem-solving experience applied to manufacturing or yield optimization.

Your experience includes:

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Materials Science, Chemistry, Physics and 12+ years of experience, or Master’s degree in Engineering, Materials Science, Chemistry, Physics and 8+ years of experience, or PHD and 5+ years of experience or equivalent education and experience.
• Working extensively in wafer process engineering, including vacuum deposition, reactive etching, ion milling and evaporation.
• Leading teams through challenging situations with a strong record of effective guidance.
• Setting clear priorities for a team and running meetings that keep activities coordinated.
• Applying Six Sigma and 8D problem solving methods in manufacturing or yield optimization environments.

You Might Also Have:

• Proven experience in transitioning processes from proof-of-concept to high-volume manufacturing.
• Expertise in process integration.
• Experience in capital equipment evaluation and acquisition.
• Strong teamwork and innovation skills, with a willingness to take risks and navigate ambiguity.
• Demonstrated ability to balance and manage both short-term and long-term company objectives.

The estimated base salary range for this position is $143,395.20 - $209,008.80. 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%