Electroplating Development Engineer (Early Career, PhD required)

Do you want to work on cutting edge technology that pushes the limits of what a whole industry can do? Do you want to help drive the performance of Seagate recording heads beyond that of any other competitor in the world? The HAMR Product Materials Group does just this by delivering new material and deposition process solutions to Seagate's advanced recording head development effort. As part of the wafer process team, we develop best-in-class films using vacuum- and electrochemistry-based deposition methods, and partner with integration teams to introduce these films into new recording head designs. As an enabler of head performance and reliability advances through materials innovation, we help Seagate win in technology and time-to-market.

• Develop electrochemistry-based process modules for surface preparation, etching and electrodeposition of thin films for next-generation recording heads
• Design electrochemical baths, including chemistry development, preparation, characterization, and optimization of plating solutions
• Prepare electrodeposited film samples and conduct detailed studies of their properties using magnetic, microstructural, chemical, electrical, optical and thermal/mechanical test methods
• Explore advanced electrochemical deposition techniques such as electrochemical ALD, electroless deposition, superfilling, epitaxial film plating, etc.
• Interface with wafer process and product teams to integrate new process modules into advanced prototype wafer builds
• Help assess the impact of new materials and processes on downstream head performance to drive process improvements
• Mature baseline plating deposition processes to enable transfer into volume manufacturing
• Manage the configuration, qualification and time-sharing of R&D plating equipment systems
• Work with plating and metrology capital equipment suppliers to define hardware paths needed for advanced capability and manufacturability

• You are self-motivated, able to work independently and have strong attention to detail
• You are a team player capable of working in strong partnership with a diverse group of engineers and technicians
• You are a well-organized multitasker, able to balance day-to-day wafer processing needs with longer-term development work
• You maintain thorough documentation of results and can clearly discuss and present them with other staff members in engineering and management forums
• You have a track record of innovation and routinely use outside sources (journals, patents, university work and conferences) for developing new ideas and directions
• You are able and eager to work in a mix of clean room and laboratory environments

• Proven hands-on experience and in-depth understanding of electrochemical processes and the materials science of thin films, e.g. correlations between plating process, film microstructure and properties.
• Demonstrated proficiency in electrodeposition hardware and analytical techniques, e.g. EQCM, CV, RDE, XRD, ICP, XRF, AFM, SEM, ellipsometry, magnetic, stress and resistivity measurements.
• Proficiency with statistical experimentation including DOE design and analysis
• Prior experience with clean room operations, SPC and factory system (desirable but not required)
• PhD degree in Electrochemistry, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Physics, Applied Physics, or similar degree with 0-2 years industrial experience

Our Normandale campus spans two suburbs, Edina and Bloomington, and serves as the Recording Head development and manufacturing arm of Seagate. Located in the heart of a bustling community, Seagate offers an on-site cafe, or if you prefer, you can drive to one of many restaurants just minutes away. Need to grab a gift over lunchtime? Shopping is abundant in the area. If working out is your thing, the on-site fully equipped fitness center hosts wellness programs, outdoor activities, tournaments, and group workouts. Looking for something more laid back? Reset in one of our meditation rooms, or simply take a walk around our indoor walking path. On-site cultural festivals, celebrations, and community volunteer opportunities also abound.

The estimated base salary range for this position is $81,536 - $116,597. The individual salary is based on work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.

Seagate offers comprehensive benefits to its eligible employees, including, but not limited to, eligibility for variable pay bonus, medical, dental, vision, and life insurance, short-and long-term disability, 401(k), employee stock purchase plan, health savings account, dependent care, and healthcare spending accounts. Seagate also offers paid time off, including 12 holidays, flexible time off provided pursuant to Seagate policy, a minimum of 48 hours of paid sick leave, and 16 weeks of paid parental leave. The benefits for this position are based on a full-time schedule for a full calendar year and may differ depending on work location.

Location: Normandale, United States

Travel: Up to 10%