Senior Engineer, Manufacturing Equipment Engineering

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• System Ownership: Serve as the technical expert for HGA (Head Gimbal Assembly) manufacturing equipment and processes, ensuring maximum machine uptime, stability, and optimal throughput to meet production targets.
• Performance Optimization: Design, develop, and implement hardware enhancements and process control strategies that align with manufacturing KPIs, focusing on precision, repeatability, and yield improvement.
• Sustainment & Maintenance: Lead the development of robust Preventative Maintenance (PM) programs and Predictive Maintenance models to forecast component failure and minimize unscheduled downtime.
• Hardware-Software Integration: Collaborate with automation and software teams to refine machine interfaces (HMI), sensor integration, and real-time monitoring tools tailored to process stability
• Technical Troubleshooting: Lead deep-dive root cause analysis for equipment malfunctions and process excursions using structured methodologies (e.g., 8D, DMAIC, or Fishbone) to implement permanent corrective actions.
• Process Engineering: Analyze physical defect data and failure modes to identify the relationship between equipment parameters (e.g., pressure, temperature, force) and product quality, mitigating recurring process issues.
• Project Leadership: Lead cross-functional equipment upgrade projects from conception through installation and qualification (IQ/OQ/PQ), ensuring seamless integration into the production line
• Continuous Improvement: Develop and execute data-driven process improvements to reduce scrap, optimize cycle times, and lower the total cost of ownership (TCO) for manufacturing assets.

REQUIRED:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree or higher in Mechatronics, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical field.
• Experience: 2+ years of experience in manufacturing process engineering, equipment maintenance, or automation systems, with a proven track record of using data to drive hardware improvements.
• Technical Proficiency: * Strong knowledge of Control Systems and PLC logic (e.g., Beckhoff, Siemens, or Allen Bradley).
  - Proficiency in programming languages for data-driven engineering (Python, C++, or MATLAB/Simulink).
  - Experience with Statistical Process Control (SPC) and failure analysis methodologies (DOE, FMEA, or Six Sigma).
  -Hands-on experience with Industrial IoT (IIoT), sensor integration, or machine-to-cloud data pipelines.
• Data Literacy: Ability to manage and query databases (SQL/NoSQL) and utilize data visualization tools (Spotfire, Tableau, or PowerBI) to monitor equipment health.

PREFERRED:

• Industry Expertise: Previous experience in high-precision electronics manufacturing, specifically the HDD/HGA industry.
• Advanced Automation: Familiarity with Robotics (ROS 2), Computer Vision for defect detection, or AI-driven predictive maintenance.
• Mindset: A proactive approach to Continuous Improvement (Kaizen) and a strong desire for self-driven learning in emerging smart-factory technologies.

SKILLS:

• Root Cause Analysis: Expertise in structured problem-solving (8D, 5-Whys) for complex electromechanical issues.
• ​​​​​​​Project Management: Ability to lead equipment lifecycle projects from procurement through to mass production.
• Interpersonal: Strong communication skills for cross-functional collaboration between production, quality, and software teams.
• Technical Documentation: Skilled in creating clear SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures) and technical maintenance manuals.

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