Senior Staff Process Development Engineer - HGA Process Physics & Modeling

Level: Senior Staff Engineer (Senior Individual Contributor role; no direct reports) About our group: The Head Gimbal Assembly (HGA) Process Development team is responsible for early‑stage HGA process invention, feasibility, and KPIV understanding to enable future product requirements.

The team builds deep, physics‑based understanding of HGA processes, focusing on identifying critical KPIVs, defining their relationships to KPOVs, and developing validated, tool‑ready process concepts.

Working in close partnership with HGA/TGA design and product teams, the group ensures strong alignment to next‑generation architecture and performance needs, while proactively shaping process capability and design tradeoffs.

The role emphasizes mechanical engineering–driven process development with a strong focus on process physics, materials behavior, and reliability, supported by analytical tools such as finite element analysis (FEA) and advanced data-driven modeling. It further extends the team’s capability in physics-based modeling and data interpretation, enabling deeper insight and more predictive understanding of process behavior. About the role - you will:

Lead development of deep, first-principles understanding of HGA processes, linking materials, mechanical behavior, and nanoscale phenomena to process performance

Translate physical mechanisms into actionable KPIV definitions and process strategies

Develop analytical and computational models linking KPIVs to KPOVs, including transfer functions and interaction effects

Apply physics-informed modeling and statistical approaches to guide experiment design and concept down-selection

Lead advanced data analysis to extract insights from complex and variable data sets

Develop custom analysis tools (e.g., Python, MATLAB) for data processing and modeling

Partner closely with process architects, metrology, and tool/controls/software engineers to ensure alignment across disciplines

Guide early-stage experiment design (Pre-M0 and M0) to maximize learning efficiency

Support M1 readiness by delivering validated models, transfer functions, and deep process understanding

Act as subject matter expert in physics-based analysis and mentor team members in modeling and scientific rigor

Collaborate with global engineering, research institutions, and external partners

About you

Background in Hard Disk Drive manufacturing or precision assembly processes, with solid engineering fundamentals

Experience in process development, materials, or manufacturing engineering, with exposure to areas such as adhesives, dispense processes, or cleaning technologies considered a plus

Basic understanding of data analysis, statistics, or structured problem-solving methods (e.g., DOE, Six Sigma concepts)

Familiarity with mechanical behavior, materials interaction, or reliability considerations in assembly processes

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to learn quickly and apply engineering principles to new challenges

Good communication skills in English (written and spoken), capable of working effectively with global and cross-functional teams

Demonstrated teamwork and collaboration, with willingness to learn, take initiative, and grow into a technical leadership role

Location: Teparuk Thailand

Home to over 4,000 employees, our Teparuk site specializes in producing nano-recording heads—a crucial component for the read/write functionality of hard disk drives. At our Teparuk facility, work is both productive and enjoyable. You and your colleagues can grab breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks at our 24/7 on-site canteen and coffee shop. Stay active by taking a few laps around our running track or participating in volleyball, basketball, table tennis, badminton, or football at our on-site gymnasium and fitness center. We also offer a variety of activities, including music, dance, and aerobic classes. Alternatively, unwind in our lush green areas. Consider joining any of our employee resource groups (ERGs), such as Seagate Women in Leadership Network (SWLN), Seagate PRIDE: Thailand chapter, or Seagate’s parents and caregivers' group. These ERGs provide educational and fun activities. Additionally, enjoy on-site festivals, celebrations, and opportunities to give back to the local community.