Reliability Lab Manager

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

• Oversee day-to-day operations of the reliability test lab, including equipment, staffing, and scheduling
• Ensure lab infrastructure (testers, environmental chambers, etc.) is maintained and calibrated
• Manage lab budget, capital equipment procurement, and resource planning
• Plan and execute reliability qualification tests
• Support new product introduction (NPI) by providing reliability data and insights
• Provide reliability test results to drive design/process improvements
• Lead, coach, and develop a team of reliability engineers and lab technicians
• Ensure lab activities comply with WD quality standards, ISO requirements
• Maintain test documentation, records, and audit readiness
• Identify and implement improvements to test methods, lab efficiency, and turnaround time
• Support automation and digitalization of lab processes

Qualifications

Required :

• Bachelor's degree in Materials Science, Mechanical, Electrical/Electronic, Chemical or Physics Engineering
• 8-12+ years in reliability, quality or product engineering in HDD, semiconductor, data storage or similar high-volume precision manufacturing
• 3-5+ years leading engineers and/or technicians, ideally managing a test lab or a reliability function

Preferred :

• Exposure to thin-film media, magnetic recording, tribology or head-disk interface reliability (strong plus for a media factory)
• Reliability test methods: accelerated life testing, environmental and stress testing (temperature/humidity, corrosion, thermal cycling, shock/vibration)
• Failure analysis workflows and root-cause methods (8D, 5-Why, Fishbone, FMEA)
• Familiarity with analytical and failure-analysis tools (e.g., SEM/EDX, AFM, surface and defect analysis)

Skills :

• Lab equipment management: calibration, maintenance, capacity planning, and test automation
• Data tools: JMP, Minitab, Python/R, SQL; and dashboards (Power BI or similar)
• CAPA, document control, audit readiness, and customer qualification requirements
• Lab safety and environmental, health and safety (EHS) practices, including chemical and gas handling
• Proven ability to build, coach and develop a team

Additional Information

Because Western Digital thrives on the power of diversity and is committed to an inclusive environment where every individual can thrive through a sense of belonging, respect, and contribution, we are committed to giving every qualified applicant and employee an equal opportunity.  Western Digital does not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on their protected class status and complies with all federal and state laws against discrimination, harassment, and retaliation, as well as the laws and regulations set forth in the "Equal Employment Opportunity is the Law" poster.

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.