Seagate Technology · 5 hours ago
Sr. Vacuum Process Engineer
Bloomington, MN
Full-time
Onsite
Mid, Senior Level
$92K/yr - $132K/yr
5+ years expSeagate Technology is a leader in data storage solutions, and they are seeking a Senior Vacuum Process Engineer to join their Vacuum Process Engineering team in Bloomington, MN. The role involves developing, implementing, and optimizing vacuum processes for manufacturing magnetic recording heads, utilizing advanced process control methodologies and statistical analysis to ensure process capability and performance.
Cloud StorageConsumer ElectronicsData StorageFlash StorageHardwareInformation ServicesManufacturingSoftware
Responsibilities
Develop, implement, optimize, and control vacuum processes (deposition, reactive etching, ion milling, or magnetic annealing) within a manufacturing setting
Make extensive use of metrology, defect analysis, and statistics to ensure processes are capable and targeted
Support and optimize new processes developed to build the latest generation of magnetic recording heads based on HAMR technology
Continually use Six Sigma methodologies and techniques to maximize the performance, and minimize the variability, of product through active hands-on completion of structured experiments and OFATs (One Factor at a Time) experiments on the vacuum processes you manage
Develop systematic and automated methods for maintaining process control across multiple tools, including implementing SPC charts and Out-of-Control Action Plans (OCAPs) and Material Dispositioning instructions
Maintain all process documentation and ensure process congruency across Seagate’s recording-head manufacturing sites
Evaluate and introduce new production equipment into the manufacturing line and create all necessary associated manufacturing documentation, instructing and certifying production personnel during all working shifts on documented process procedures
Overseeing manufacturing issues (scrap, rework, cycle-time reduction, multiple-path maintenance) will also be a top priority
Qualification
Required
Develop, implement, optimize, and control vacuum processes (deposition, reactive etching, ion milling, or magnetic annealing) within a manufacturing setting
Make extensive use of metrology, defect analysis, and statistics to ensure processes are capable and targeted
Support and optimize new processes developed to build the latest generation of magnetic recording heads based on HAMR technology
Continually use Six Sigma methodologies and techniques to maximize the performance, and minimize the variability, of product through active hands-on completion of structured experiments and OFATs (One Factor at a Time) experiments on the vacuum processes you manage
Develop systematic and automated methods for maintaining process control across multiple tools, including implementing SPC charts and Out-of-Control Action Plans (OCAPs) and Material Dispositioning instructions
Maintain all process documentation and ensure process congruency across Seagate's recording-head manufacturing sites
Evaluate and introduce new production equipment into the manufacturing line and create all necessary associated manufacturing documentation, instructing and certifying production personnel during all working shifts on documented process procedures
Overseeing manufacturing issues (scrap, rework, cycle-time reduction, multiple-path maintenance) will also be a top priority
Have a background in vacuum science or processing
Have an understanding about how to determine key process input variables using statistical DoE (Design of Experiment) methods to maximize performance and yield of product
Demonstrated ability to statistically analyze data and perform defect analysis to increase process capability and to optimize process yields
An understanding of magnetic principles and phenomena especially in relation to thin films
Working with, or formal education of, applying engineering statistics to solve engineering problems
Knowledge of design of experiments (methods of design)
Demonstrated experience developing and optimizing vacuum-based processes, preferably via Design of Experiment
Hands-on familiarity with vacuum related tooling and processing
PVD deposition processing or ion etching (reactive and/or ion mill) or thermal annealing wafer processing
Sputter deposition with a preference to reactive sputter deposition
Bachelor's Degree in Material Science, Chemistry, Chemical & Electrical Engineering or Physics and 5+ years of experience, or Master's degree in a similar field and 3+ years of experience, or PHD and 0+ years of experience or equivalent education and experience
Preferred
A fundamental understanding of the propagation of light through materials and the resonant responses that are induced
Experience in ion etching (reactive and/or ion mill) wafer processing
Experience in a manufacturing setting or in process development employing vacuum technics and processes
Experience with Six Sigma, as a Green or Brown belt
Interest developing skills in Machine Learning, Generative AI, and Data Science
Support and Develop Automation with Training using Microsoft Power Automate, Python, and OCAPs
Benefits
Eligibility to participate in discretionary bonus program
Medical
Dental
Vision
Life insurance
Short-and long-term disability
401(k)
Employee stock purchase plan
Health savings account
Dependent care
Healthcare spending accounts
Paid time off
12 holidays
Flexible time off provided pursuant to Seagate policy
A minimum of 48 hours of paid sick leave
16 weeks of paid parental leave
Company
Seagate Technology
Seagate is a data storage and hardware company that offers hard disk drives (HDDs), solid-state drives (SSDs), and other storage solutions.
10001+ employees
H1B Sponsorship
Seagate Technology has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
Represents job field similar to this job
Trends of Total Sponsorships
2025 (29)
2024 (26)
2023 (51)
2022 (77)
2021 (68)
2020 (77)
Funding
Current Stage
Public CompanyTotal Funding
$4BKey Investors
ValueAct Capital
2025-05-12Post Ipo Debt· $400M
2025-01-30Post Ipo Debt· $1.3B
2023-09-08Post Ipo Debt· $1.3B
Leadership Team
Dave Mosley
Chief Executive Officer
Stephen Luczo
CEO
Recent News
2026-01-07
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