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 Thin Film Development 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.
About the role - you will:
Develop novel metal thin films and processes for next-generation heat-assisted magnetic recording heads. Focus on creating enabling materials for advanced near-field transducers, including plasmonic, diffusion barrier, interface engineering and nano-heatsink applications. Create new process modules using a variety of deposition techniques (PVD, IBD, ALD, CVD), and optimize their performance with statistically-based experimentation methods Conduct detailed studies of metal film properties using microstructural, chemical, electrical and thermal/mechanical test methods Collaborate with modeling and design teams to assess the optical and thermal performance of new materials in HAMR near-field transducers 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 wafer-level improvements Mature baseline vacuum deposition processes to enable transfer into volume manufacturing Work with deposition and metrology capital equipment suppliers to define hardware paths needed for advanced capability and manufacturability About you:
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, and communicating effectively with a diverse group of engineers and technicians You are a strong and well-organized multitasker, able to balance day-to-day wafer processing needs with longer-term development work You are able to maintain thorough documentation of results and able to clearly discuss and present them with other staff members in engineering and management forums You have a track record of innovation, with an ability to monitor 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 Your experience includes:
Strong hands-on experience and in-depth understanding of metal thin films, including materials science fundamentals, deposition processes, equipment, and characterization techniques. Particular consideration will be given to backgrounds in thin film nucleation and growth, thermal and optical behavior of metal films, plasmonic materials, and microstructural evolution at high temperatures. 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 Materials Science, Physics, Applied Physics, Nano-Optics, Electrical Engineering or similar degree with 0-2 years industrial experience Location:
Location: Normandale, MN.
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 café, or if you prefer, you can drive to one of many restaurants just minutes away. Need to grab a gift over lunch time? 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.
Travel: 5%