As a Principal Equipment Engineer specializing in sputter media manufacturing, you will serve as the technical authority and strategic leader for sputtering equipment, manufacturing technology, and engineering innovation within the organization. You will lead advanced equipment engineering initiatives, drive long-term technology roadmaps, and provide expert-level support for equipment reliability, manufacturing excellence, and next-generation HDD product development. This role requires strong technical expertise in sputtering systems, vacuum technology, automation, and advanced manufacturing processes, along with the ability to influence cross-functional organizations, mentor engineering teams, and lead large-scale strategic projects across multiple manufacturing areas.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Lead strategic equipment engineering initiatives to improve equipment reliability, manufacturing efficiency, OEE performance, and long-term operational sustainability.
- Lead complex equipment troubleshooting and advanced root cause analysis for critical manufacturing issues, implementing robust corrective and preventive actions.
- Develop and standardize best-in-class engineering practices, maintenance strategies, and equipment performance optimization methodologies across manufacturing operations.
- Lead major equipment upgrades, system redesigns, automation integration, and machine conversion programs to enhance manufacturing capability and productivity.
- Provide technical leadership for new equipment development, factory expansion projects, equipment qualification, commissioning, and production ramp activities.
- Collaborate closely with Process Engineering, Yield Engineering, Production, Quality, Facilities, and Global Engineering teams to achieve manufacturing and technology objectives.
- Drive predictive maintenance, reliability engineering, and data analytics initiatives using SPC, equipment monitoring systems, and advanced failure analysis techniques.
- Lead engineering evaluations for new technologies, automation solutions, AI-driven manufacturing applications, and Industry 4.0 initiatives to improve operational performance.
- Establish equipment standards, technical specifications, engineering governance, and operational guidelines to ensure consistency across manufacturing operations.
- Provide expert guidance in vacuum systems, plasma generation, sputtering processes, automation controls, robotics, and equipment architecture optimization.
- Lead supplier technical engagements, OEM partnerships, and external engineering collaborations to support technology development, equipment enhancement, and problem resolution.
- Mentor and develop engineers, technical specialists, and engineering leaders by strengthening technical competencies, leadership capabilities, and knowledge-sharing culture.
- Drive cost reduction initiatives through equipment optimization, spare part management, energy efficiency improvements, and operational excellence programs.
- Lead engineering reviews, failure analysis discussions, and technical presentations for senior management and global engineering organizations.
- Ensure compliance with all safety regulations, company policies, environmental requirements, and industry standards related to equipment operation and engineering activities.
- Promote continuous improvement culture through Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma methodologies, and engineering innovation programs.
