Sr. Equipment Engineer

About our group:

Seagate’s Equipment Engineering team supports the wafer manufacturing equipment used to produce magnetic recording heads for advanced hard disk drives. We solve complex technical problems, improve equipment reliability, and help the factory increase throughput and reduce scrap.

Our engineers work directly with equipment and alongside technicians to turn technical problems into lasting improvements. We’re also expanding the use of automation, advanced data analysis, and AI to identify equipment issues earlier and improve factory performance.

Join Seagate and help deliver the data storage technology that powers the continued growth of AI and the world's increasing demand for data.

About the role - you will:

We’re looking for a Senior Equipment Engineer who enjoys hands-on troubleshooting, takes ownership of equipment performance, and can lead technical projects from inception through completion.

You’ll support photolithography, electroplating, and metrology equipment in a cleanroom environment. Your work will combine equipment troubleshooting, reliability improvements, data analysis, and projects that strengthen the factory’s capabilities, including equipment moves, installations, and upgrades.

• Take ownership of equipment performance, identifying and driving improvements that reduce downtime and scrap while increasing throughput.
• Work alongside technicians to troubleshoot complex electrical and mechanical problems, identify root causes, and implement lasting corrective actions.
• Lead equipment improvement projects, managing scope, schedules, resources, and communication across departments.
• Analyze equipment data to identify developing problems, prioritize improvements, and measure results.
• Help develop and implement AI-assisted monitoring and troubleshooting tools that improve equipment reliability and support faster problem-solving.
• Coordinate equipment moves, installations, and upgrades with vendors, Facilities, Manufacturing, and Process Engineering.
• Strengthen maintenance practices and troubleshooting documentation to prevent repeat failures and build the team’s technical knowledge.
• Build strong working relationships across shifts and departments, providing technical guidance and supporting work through completion.

About you:

• You are a hands-on engineer who enjoys solving complex equipment and manufacturing challenges.
• You have strong analytical and troubleshooting skills and can use equipment data to identify issues, determine root causes, and develop effective solutions.
• You are comfortable working directly with technicians, engineers, vendors, and cross-functional partners to solve problems and implement equipment improvements.
• You can lead technical projects, manage multiple priorities, and communicate progress, risks, and technical findings clearly.
• You take ownership of problems through resolution and look for opportunities to improve equipment reliability, productivity, and manufacturing performance.
• You enjoy learning and applying new technologies, including automation, advanced analytics, and AI-assisted tools, to improve equipment performance.

Your experience includes:

• Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Materials Science, Physics, Information Technology, or a related Engineering discipline and 5+ years of experience, or Master’s degree in a related discipline and 3+ years of experience, or PhD and 0+ years of experience or equivalent education and experience.
• Hands-on experience troubleshooting, repairing, and optimizing complex manufacturing equipment.
• Experience with statistical analysis tools and methodologies such as JMP, Minitab, Statistical Process Control (SPC), Design of Experiments (DOE), or Six Sigma.
• Strong understanding of equipment performance, reliability engineering, and maintenance practices.
• Experience utilizing equipment reliability and analysis methodologies such as Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) and Root Cause Analysis (RCA).
• Experience implementing or supporting equipment control strategies, factory automation systems, or Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES).
• Demonstrated ability to analyze equipment data and drive improvements in uptime, reliability, productivity, and cost.

You Might Also Have:

• Experience leveraging AI and machine learning tools to improve equipment performance, automate monitoring, or drive operational improvements.
• Experience working in the semiconductor industry, particularly with photolithography, metrology, electroplating, or other wafer fabrication equipment.
• Experience with advanced problem-solving and continuous improvement methodologies such as DMAIC, Lean Manufacturing, Total Productive Maintenance (TPM), or Reliability Centered Maintenance (RCM).
• Knowledge of robotics, motion control systems, PLCs, sensors, machine vision, and industrial networking.
• Experience developing data visualization tools, dashboards, or automated monitoring solutions using SQL, Power BI, Python, or similar tools.
• Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification.

The estimated base salary range for this position is $94,140.00 - $134,625.00. 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 to participate in discretionary bonus program, 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:

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.

• Location: Normandale, United States
• Travel: Up to 10%