Staff Engineer (Hardware Systems)

About our group:

The Equipment Development Engineering team at Seagate Technology leads the design, qualification, improvement, and integration of advanced backend test systems for hard disk drive manufacturing. The team serves as the technical authority on system-level engineering, specializing in vibration, thermal, power, and automation reliability for both legacy and current tester platforms such as Gemini and Nimbus. By collaborating across hardware, firmware, mechanical, electronics, and software disciplines, the department drives equipment qualification, system upgrades, obsolescence management, and data-driven diagnostics to ensure factory performance, stability, and scalability. Their mission-critical work underpins the reliability and continuous improvement of Seagate’s manufacturing operations, delivering innovative solutions and sustaining engineering excellence in a high-volume production environment. 

About the role - you will:

We are seeking an exceptionally qualified and experienced Staff Engineer to lead the design, qualification, improvement, and cross-functional integration of backend test systems for hard disk drive manufacturing environments. This role is highly specialized and demands deep domain expertise in legacy and current tester platforms (specifically Gemini and Nimbus), equipment-level system engineering, and end-to-end equipment qualification.

The successful candidate will function as a central technical authority on vibration, thermal, power, and automation reliability, and will also provide strategic consultation for system upgrades, support obsolescence resolution, and lead data-driven diagnostics and performance improvements at the factory level.

• Serve as the primary technical liaison between the factory operations and engineering for backend tester systems, addressing field inquiries, emergent issues, performance deviations, and new capability requests.
• Lead system-level engineering consultation for existing and future test equipment, covering areas such as thermal management, vibration control, power consumption, mechanical interface, and automation reliability.
• Comprehensive understanding and knowledge of electronics and electrical designs of HDD test equipment
• Provide architectural-level recommendations and concepts for upgrading or extending the functionality of legacy equipment platforms to meet evolving factory requirements.
• Direct cross-functional collaboration with hardware, firmware, mechanical, electronics, and software engineers to translate system-level recommendations into integrated solutions.
• Analyze heterogeneous factory and tester data sources to extract actionable insights for fault diagnostics, design improvements, and predictive maintenance recommendations.
• Sustain technical leadership over Gemini and Nimbus backend tester systems, including all improvement initiatives, part obsolescence resolution (EOL), and sustaining engineering.
• Manage setup and execution of vibration measurement campaigns, including the use of LabVIEW, NI 4472 data acquisition cards, B&K accelerometers, and associated instrumentation (e.g. Keysight DAQ switch units).
• Maintain and evolve in-house test scripts and programs tailored to equipment capability assessment and facilitate their deployment in the test ecosystem.

About you:

• Solution-Oriented Mindset: Demonstrates a proactive, “can-do” attitude with a consistent focus on identifying solutions rather than barriers.
• Execution-Driven: Known for taking ownership, delivering outcomes, and ensuring that critical projects are brought to completion with a high degree of quality and reliability.
• Adaptability: Proven ability to apply existing skillsets across diverse systems and equipment platforms, adjusting rapidly to new environments, technologies, and challenges.
• Continuous Improvement Focus: Committed to personal and technical growth through ongoing learning, experimentation, and application of new tools and methodologies.
• Technical Versatility: Able to extrapolate existing engineering and analytical expertise into adjacent domains, demonstrating initiative in applying knowledge beyond initial scope.
• Collaborative and Self-Motivated: Equally effective working autonomously or within cross-functional teams, with a strong sense of initiative and responsibility.

Your experience includes:

• Bachelor Degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Mechatronics, or related technical discipline).
• Certified Tester Advanced Level – Test Manager, with demonstrated application of structured testing principles to hardware qualification and design validation.
• Electrical and Electronics circuit design and PCB layout experience.
• Microcontroller firmware programming and PLC ladder diagram design experience.
• Expertise in Robotics and Automation controls.
• Knowledge and experience in high power electrical design (power distribution, safety factors, cabling and rating).
• Prior experience with sustaining engineering and lifecycle extension of legacy equipment, including EOL risk management.
• A minimum of 10 years of hands-on experience working directly with backend test systems, specifically Gemini and Nimbus, in a high-volume manufacturing or factory setting.
• Demonstrated expertise in executing vibration, thermal, power, and automation reliability qualification programs with full ownership from planning through reporting.
• Proven ability to lead root cause analysis and data-driven equipment diagnostics using diverse, multi-source datasets.
• Hands-on proficiency in LabVIEW, including real-time vibration testing setup and scripting with NI 4472 and associated sensors and amplifiers.
• Strong command of test automation scripting and procedures within Gemini and Nimbus platforms.
• Prior experience engaging with multi-disciplinary teams (hardware, software, electronics, mechanical, firmware) to resolve system-level design and integration challenges.
• Extensive engagement with Test Process, Test Maintenance Engineering, Equipment Engineering, and Servo Engineering teams.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to document complex systems and test processes to a high standard.

Location:

Location: Woodlands, Singapore, W3
Travel: None