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. Backed by Sequoia.
About the role
Western Digital is seeking a highly experienced Principal Test Engineer to serve as a technical leader and subject matter expert within our semiconductor manufacturing operations. In this individual contributor role, you will drive test strategy, lead complex failure investigations, and elevate the technical capabilities of cross-functional engineering teams -- influencing outcomes through deep expertise and structured thinking, not headcount. Found on 1752vc Careers, the job board for startup and VC roles.
What they're looking for
- Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronic Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related technical discipline
- Minimum 10 years of hands-on test engineering experience within a high-volume semiconductor manufacturing environment, spanning both process and hardware domains
- Demonstrated experience working within a multinational corporation (MNC) semiconductor environment -- with exposure to multi-site operations, global engineering teams, and complex stakeholder structures
- Proven ability to lead and influence cross-functional teams of engineers and technicians through technical credibility, structured thinking, and clear communication -- without requiring direct line management authority
- Strong analytical and critical thinking skills with practitioner-level experience in root cause analysis methodologies (8D, FMEA, Fishbone, Fault Tree, or equivalent)
- Hands-on proficiency in data and statistical analysis tools such as Minitab, JMP, Python (pandas, numpy), or equivalent platforms
More about this role
Western Digital is seeking a highly experienced Principal Test Engineer to serve as a technical leader and subject matter expert within our semiconductor manufacturing operations. In this individual contributor role, you will drive test strategy, lead complex failure investigations, and elevate the technical capabilities of cross-functional engineering teams -- influencing outcomes through deep expertise and structured thinking, not headcount.
This is a senior individual contributor position embedded within a fast-paced, high-volume semiconductor manufacturing environment. The Principal Test Engineer does not manage direct reports -- instead, they lead through deep technical authority, influencing engineers and technicians across process and hardware domains to deliver measurable improvements in test yield, reliability, and efficiency. The role demands a practitioner who is equally comfortable designing a test strategy in a planning session and diving into raw data to resolve an active production excursion.
- Define and drive comprehensive test strategies and execution plans across assigned product lines in a high-volume semiconductor manufacturing environment.
- Serve as a...
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