Thin Film Development Staff Engineer

About our group:

Do you want to work on cutting-edge technology that pushes the limits of what an entire industry can do? Do you want to help drive the performance of Seagate recording heads beyond that of any competitor in the world?

The HAMR Product Materials Group delivers new material and deposition process solutions to Seagate’s advanced recording head development effort. As part of the wafer process team, we develop best-in-class films using vacuum- and electrochemistry-based deposition methods and partner with integration teams to introduce these films into new recording head designs.

By enabling head performance and reliability improvements through materials innovation, we help Seagate lead in technology and time-to-market.

About the role - you will:

• Develop novel metal and dielectric thin films and processes for next-generation heat-assisted magnetic recording heads.
• Create and optimize process modules using deposition techniques (PVD, IBD, evaporation), applying statistically based experimentation methods.
• Conduct detailed studies of material properties using microstructural, chemical, electrical, and thermal/mechanical test methods.
• Work with wafer process and product teams to integrate new process modules into advanced prototype wafer builds.
• Assess the impact of new materials and processes on downstream head performance and use findings to guide process improvements.
• Mature baseline vacuum deposition processes to enable transfer into volume manufacturing.
• Manage the configuration, qualification, and utilization of R&D deposition equipment systems.
• Work with deposition and metrology equipment suppliers to define hardware paths needed for advanced capability and manufacturability.
• Apply judgment in selecting methods, techniques, and evaluation criteria to solve complex materials and process challenges.
• Coordinate activities across teams and contribute to the execution of development efforts.

About you:

• You are self-motivated and able to work independently on complex technical problems.
• You apply sound judgment when selecting methods and approaches.
• You are a strong and organized multitasker, able to balance day-to-day processing needs with longer-term development work.
• You build strong working relationships with engineers and technicians across teams.
• You maintain thorough documentation of results and clearly communicate findings in engineering and management forums.
• You demonstrate curiosity and stay current with external research, including journals, patents, and industry developments.
• You are comfortable working in both clean room and laboratory environments.

Your experience includes:

• Bachelor's Degree in Materials Science, Physics, Applied Physics, Electrical Engineering, Chemistry, or similar degree and 8+ years of experience, or Master’s degree in Materials Science, Physics, Applied Physics, Electrical Engineering, Chemistry, or similar degree and 6+ years of experience, or PHD and 3+ years of experience or equivalent education and experience.
• Strong hands-on experience and in-depth understanding of materials science, thin film deposition, and characterization techniques.
• Experience with thin film nucleation and growth, microstructural evolution, plasma physics, ion-surface interactions, or surface chemistry.
• Proficiency in statistical experimentation, including DOE design and analysis.
• Experience with clean room operations, SPC, and factory systems (desirable but not required).
• Ability to analyze complex data and support process optimization and development efforts.

You Might Also Have:

• Experience with advanced materials development in semiconductor or data storage environments.
• Experience working with deposition and metrology equipment suppliers.
• Experience applying analytical tools to evaluate process performance and variability.

The estimated base salary range for this position is $105,665.00 - $154,005.00. 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 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%