Principal Test & Characterization Engineer — Advanced Photonic and Semiconductor Systems

Company Description 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. We combine deep engineering expertise with global-scale manufacturing to deliver the storage systems that make AI possible, powering hyperscale data centers, cloud platforms, and enterprise infrastructure worldwide. This isn’t theoretical work. It’s real systems, at real scale, people solving some of the hardest challenges in technology today. We’re looking for people who want to build, solve, and operate at that level. Join us and let’s shape the future of data. Job Description Modern intelligent systems increasingly depend on advanced semiconductor and photonic technologies that require entirely new approaches to characterization, measurement automation, and experimental analysis. We are looking for a Senior Test & Characterization Engineer to develop and operate advanced experimental platforms for next-generation device technologies. This role combines hands-on laboratory work, automated measurement infrastructure, large-scale data analysis, and AI-assisted characterization workflows. You will build the systems that transform experimental devices into actionable engineering insight. What you’ll be doing: Develop and operate advanced electrical, optical, and electro-optical characterization platforms. Design and build experimental setups including optics, motion systems, thermal control, RF instrumentation, imaging systems, and automated data acquisition. Automate complex measurement flows using Python and modern software infrastructure. Perform detailed device characterization, analysis, and correlation across wafer-level and packaged-device measurements. Develop scalable data-analysis pipelines and visualization frameworks. Apply AI/ML techniques to large experimental datasets for anomaly detection, trend analysis, classification, and predictive insights. Collaborate closely with process, device, packaging, and modeling teams to close the loop between design, fabrication, and characterization. Drive measurement reproducibility, calibration, reliability, and lab infrastructure improvements. Build internal tools and frameworks that improve engineering productivity and experimental throughput. Qualifications What we need to see: BS, MS, or PhD in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Photonics, Applied Physics, or related field. 5+ years of hands-on experimental characterization experience. Strong laboratory skills with optics, instrumentation, automation, and measurement systems. Strong Python programming and data-analysis capability. Experience with automated test systems and instrument control. Strong debugging mindset and experimental rigor. Ability to work across hardware, software, and data-driven engineering environments. Ways to stand out from the crowd: Experience with advanced optical or semiconductor device characterization. AI/ML experience applied to experimental datasets. High-speed measurement or RF instrumentation experience. Experience building custom laboratory infrastructure from the ground up. Strong data visualization and analytics capabilities. Experience scaling automated measurement platforms in R&D environments. Additional Information #LI-BN1 WD thrives on the power and potential of diversity. As a global company, we believe the most effective way to embrace the diversity of our customers and communities is to mirror it from within. We believe the fusion of various perspectives results in the best outcomes for our employees, our company, our customers, and the world around us. We are committed to an inclusive environment where every individual can thrive through a sense of belonging, respect and contribution. WD is committed to offering opportunities to applicants with disabilities and ensuring all candidates can successfully navigate our careers website and our hiring process. Please contact us at jobs.accommodations@wdc.com to advise us of your accommodation request. In your email, please include a description of the specific accommodation you are requesting as well as the job title and requisition number of the position for which you are applying. Notice To Candidates: Please be aware that WD and its subsidiaries will never request payment as a condition for applying for a position or receiving an offer of employment. Should you encounter any such requests, please report it immediately to WD Ethics Helpline or email compliance@wdc.com .