Principal Engineer, Software Development Engineering

Company Description

WD is building the infrastructure behind the AI-driven data economy.

As AI scales, so does data. Every interaction, every model, every system generates data that must be stored, managed, and made accessible over time. That’s where we come in.

We combine deep engineering expertise with global-scale manufacturing to deliver the storage systems that make AI possible, powering hyperscale data centers, cloud platforms, and enterprise infrastructure worldwide.

This isn’t theoretical work. It’s real systems, at real scale, people solving some of the hardest challenges in technology today.

We’re looking for people who want to build, solve, and operate at that level.

Join us and let’s shape the future of data.

Job Description

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Follow the Company's Code of Conduct, policies, regulations, and compliance requirements.
• Lead Software Architecture and System Architecture development for HSA, HDD, and Back-End Assembly automation systems.
• Define technical roadmaps and software strategies aligned with business and factory transformation objectives.
• Lead software design, code, testing, validation, and release review processes to ensure software quality and reliability
• Drive end-to-end development of PC-based, PLC, Robotics, Machine Vision, and Motion Control applications.
• Lead the adoption and implementation of AI, Machine Learning, IIoT, and Digital Twin solutions for manufacturing applications.
• Generate, maintain, and continuously improve machine control software for current and next-generation assembly platforms.
• Develop and maintain reusable software frameworks, standards, and best practices across multiple machine generations.
• Execute experiments, analyze data, and provide technical recommendations to improve manufacturing performance.
• Collaborate closely with Process, Equipment, Production, Quality, IT, and cross-functional teams to improve yield, throughput, downtime, and scrap performance
• Lead software development projects, including project planning, risk management, resource coordination, and execution.
• Generate and maintain technical documentation including software architecture, specifications, release notices, validation reports, and user documentation
• Serve as the primary technical resource and Subject Matter Expert (SME) for software engineering, automation, and intelligent manufacturing technologist.
• Coach, mentor, and develop junior engineers while promoting engineering best practices and technical excellence.
• Maintain effective communication and technical alignment with local and global engineering teams and stakeholders.
• Support and drive continuous improvement, innovation, and digital transformation initiatives across manufacturing operations.
• Comply with and promote IMS, ISO, 7S, EHS, RBA, BCM, ZDM, sustainability, energy-saving, waste reduction, and other corporate initiatives while fostering a safe, positive, and collaborative work environment

Qualifications

REQUIRED:

• Bachelor Degree/Master Degree in Computer Engineering/ Electrical/ Mechatronics/ Computer Science or equivalent 

PREFERRED:

• 10-15 years of experience in Automation and Software Engineering, specializing in PC/PLC Controls, Robotics, Machine Vision, Image Processing, AI/ML, and Industrial IoT, with proven ability to lead software strategy, technical architecture, global projects, and engineering talent development
• Knowledgeable level the programming in
  - C# .NET , UML, C , Java, Python, IoT, Arduino devices
  - PLC (Beckhoff, Keyence, Mitsubishi); vision, robotics and HMI systems programming
• Web application, dashboard and database system

SKILLS:

• OOP Programing, UML Design
• Windows, Linux, RTOS
• PC based machine controls
• PLC (Beckhoff, Keyence, Mitsubishi); vision, robotics and HMI systems programming
• Arduino devices and programming
• Interface, communication and controller integration for PC/PLC based automation systems, I/O controllers, bus interfaces, Frame Grabbers, Device Net, A to D, TCP/IP and serial communication devices
• Machine learning and AI fundamental
• Good attitude and able to build the truth across the team
• Strong listening, communication, interpersonal and relational skills to develop a good relationship within the organization

Additional Information

#LI-EL1

WD thrives on the power and potential of diversity. As a global company, we believe the most effective way to embrace the diversity of our customers and communities is to mirror it from within. We believe the fusion of various perspectives results in the best outcomes for our employees, our company, our customers, and the world around us. We are committed to an inclusive environment where every individual can thrive through a sense of belonging, respect and contribution.

WD is committed to offering opportunities to applicants with disabilities and ensuring all candidates can successfully navigate our careers website and our hiring process. Please contact us at jobs.accommodations@wdc.com to advise us of your accommodation request. In your email, please include a description of the specific accommodation you are requesting as well as the job title and requisition number of the position for which you are applying.

Notice To Candidates: Please be aware that WD and its subsidiaries will never request payment as a condition for applying for a position or receiving an offer of employment. Should you encounter any such requests, please report it immediately to WD Ethics Helpline or email compliance@wdc.com.