About our group:

Seagate Research is seeking a higly experienced Senior Staff Engineer to drive the development of next-generation Physical Intelligence technologies that integrate AI, machine vision, sensing, automation, robotics, and advanced software systems. This role is ideal for an experienced engineer who combines strong software and system integration skills with practical expertise in computer vision, intelligent automation, industrial systems, and AI-enabled decision making.

The successful candidate will help develop intelligent physical systems that connect digital intelligence with real-world actions. These systems may include autonomous inspection platforms, robotic systems, advanced sensing solutions, AI-driven experimentation platforms, manufacturing automation technologies, and next-generation data-driven physical infrastructure.

This position offers the opportunity to work at the intersection of software, automation, optics, sensing, and artificial intelligence while collaborating with multidisciplinary teams across Seagate Research and external partners.

About the role - you will:

Physical Intelligence Platform Development

Design and develop intelligent systems that integrate perception, reasoning, and physical actuation.
Architect software frameworks enabling autonomous operation, adaptive control, and AI-assisted decision making.
Develop scalable system architectures that connect sensors, robotics, machine vision systems, and cloud-based analytics.
Computer Vision & AI Engineering
Design and implement computer vision algorithms for inspection, measurement, localization, classification, tracking, and process optimization.
Develop machine learning and AI models supporting autonomous system operation and data-driven decision making.
Evaluate and integrate emerging AI technologies, including generative AI, multimodal AI, and edge intelligence platforms.
Build data pipelines for training, validation, and deployment of machine learning models.

Automation & Robotics Systems

Develop software for automation equipment utilizing motors, motion control systems, sensors, vision systems, and robotic platforms.
Integrate electromechanical systems including cameras, actuators, controllers, PLCs, industrial communications, and edge devices.
Design control strategies and system architectures supporting precision manufacturing and advanced research platforms.
Support debugging, root cause analysis, and performance optimization of complex automated systems.

Advanced Sensing & Optics Integration

Integrate cameras, imaging systems, optical sensors, photonic devices, and metrology equipment into intelligent platforms.
Collaborate with photonics, electronics, and systems engineers to develop next-generation sensing capabilities.
Evaluate emerging sensing technologies applicable to manufacturing, robotics, health monitoring, biochemical systems, and data storage applications.

Manufacturing Intelligence & Data Systems

Develop software systems supporting smart manufacturing and research automation.
Create solutions for process control, equipment health monitoring, predictive maintenance, and statistical process control.
Integrate manufacturing execution systems (MES), databases, digital twins, and factory information systems.
Enable data-driven optimization of yield, throughput, quality, and reliability.

Technical Leadership & Collaboration

Lead critical technical workstreams and influence project direction.
Mentor engineers and researchers across software, AI, and automation disciplines.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams including AI researchers, photonics engineers, robotics specialists, mechanical engineers, and manufacturing engineers.
Present technical findings and recommendations to research leadership and executive stakeholders.

About you:

Delivery of innovative physical intelligence technologies that advance Seagate's strategic roadmap.
Successful deployment of intelligent systems that improve automation, sensing, and operational efficiency.
Development of scalable software and AI frameworks leveraged across multiple research programs.
Strong technical influence across multidisciplinary teams through leadership, innovation, and execution excellence.
Creation of intellectual property, publications, prototypes, and technology demonstrations that strengthen Seagate's competitive advantage.

Your experience includes:

Industry experience developing advanced software, automation, machine vision, robotics, or intelligent systems.
Excellent software development experience using C#, C++, Python, MATLAB, or similar languages.
Developing machine vision systems utilizing industrial cameras, image processing, and computer vision algorithms.
Knowledge of machine learning, artificial intelligence, and data analytics techniques.
Integrating hardware and software systems including sensors, motors, robotics, actuators, and data acquisition equipment.
Demonstrated ability to move technologies from concept through prototype and deployment.
Excellent hands-on troubleshooting and system integration skills.
Bachelor's Degree in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Robotics, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, or related technical discipline and 12+ years of experience, or Master’s degree in the same and 8+ years of experience, or PHD and 5+ years of experience or equivalent education and experience.

You might also have:

Experience with AI frameworks such as PyTorch, TensorFlow, ONNX, LangChain, or equivalent.
Experience with robotic platforms, autonomous systems, or robotic process automation.
Familiarity with industrial automation technologies including PLCs, motion control systems, fieldbus networks, and industrial communications.
Experience with database architecture, cloud platforms, and edge computing systems.
Exposure to optics, photonics, imaging systems, spectroscopy, LiDAR, or advanced sensing technologies.
Experience developing manufacturing systems, smart factory applications, or digital transformation solutions.
Knowledge of statistical process control, Six Sigma methodologies, and high-volume manufacturing environments.
Familiarity with FPGA, embedded systems, real-time operating systems, or edge AI deployment.
Experience collaborating with universities, startups, or external research organizations.

Salary: The estimated base salary range for this position is $147,000.00 - $214,300.00. The individual salary is based on work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.

Benefits: 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:

Shakopee, MN (This is an onsite position)

Our Shakopee campus is located 25 minutes southwest of Minneapolis in a setting with a rural vibe – it overlooks a horse racing track and stables, yet it has great entertainment venues close by as well. With wide-open spaces, the campus has plenty of space for running, biking, shooting some hoops or playing volleyball over lunch. If working out is your thing, the on-site fully equipped fitness center hosts wellness programs, tournaments and group workouts. Hungry? Seagate offers an on-site café with freshly sourced foods and specialty coffees, or if you prefer, drive to one of many restaurants just minutes away.

Location: Shakopee, United States
Travel: Up to 10%

Information at a Glance

About Us

With more than four decades of storage innovation, Seagate empowers humanity to thrive in the data age and helps people and businesses navigate the ever-expanding data landscape.

We craft precision-engineered, cutting-edge solutions that help the world store and manage exponential data growth.

Seagate is powered by our talented and passionate workforce of 29,000 employees across the globe who embody our core values: integrity, innovation, and inclusion. Striving towards excellence every single day, we show up with these values for our customers, business partners, shareholders, and communities alike.

Join us and get inspired to make a difference in the datasphere!

Seagate is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, ancestry, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, genetic information, marital status, sex (which includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, religion, military and veteran status, or other status protected by applicable law. We will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. EEO Know Your Rights Poster

Seagate will provide reasonable accommodation with the application process upon request as required to comply with applicable laws. If you need assistance or accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at accommodations@seagate.com.

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