Job Description

JOB SUMMARY: 

Western Digital is excited to continue our Wafer Manufacturing Apprenticeship Program!

In partnership with Work2Future, Foothill College, and the Department of Labor, we are proud to offer a first ever accelerated career learning path for committed candidates that are serious about getting established in the semiconductor industry while working in a world class cleanroom and tech manufacturing facility.

In addition to full-time employment, competitive pay and great benefits, this opportunity offers paid for community college instruction (one class per quarter) meant to enhance your on-the-job training. You will learn about subjects such as Quantitative Reasoning, Introduction to Semiconductor Technology, Advanced Manufacturing, and Introduction to Engineering at no cost to you. Winter classes begin January 2025. 

Starting pay is a blended rate of $20/hr base + built-in overtime. Total hourly pay combined is $23.20/hr or $41,600 annually followed by subsequent wage progression once competency targets are met. In addition, candidates will receive Full-Time Western Digital Benefits and will be eligible for a target 8% annual bonus. Upon successful completion of this 1-year Apprenticeship Program, candidates will have obtained the specialized knowledge and skills to advance internally within Western Digital.

As a Wafer Manufacturing Apprentice, you are responsible for learning to handle semiconductor wafer discs, operate tools and devices used to fabricate wafers, and/or perform electrical wafer test operations. You will become skilled in setting up, calibrating, loading, operating, and monitoring assigned machines and equipment. You will acquire proficiency with automated systems, tracking different batches, inspecting/verifying the quality of the product, and recording/analyzing data.

The production floor is a Class 100 Cleanroom which requires following documented procedures and safety policies while wearing PPE to protect the product from contamination.

In this role you will coordinate and communicate frequently with team members to ensure desired production flow in a high-volume, fast-paced environment.  

*Apprentices need not have wafer related experience or demonstrated skill but should have an aptitude for the work. Exposure to tech manufacturing or cleanroom work experience is preferred, but not required for this entry-level trainee role.  

 
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Attend several required supplemental instruction classes in addition to full-time employment (one class per quarter). Courses will be part in-person, part virtual, starting January 2025 (Winter Term), offered by Foothill College in Sunnyvale. Courses include Quantitative Reasoning, Introduction to Semiconductor Technology, Advanced Manufacturing, and Introduction to Engineering. Over the duration of the apprenticeship, you will become:

• Responsible for setting up, loading, operating, and monitoring machines/equipment for wafer fabrication. 

• Responsible for quality inspection, data collection, productivity, and cycle time.  

• Accountable for individual results at assigned operations.   

• Able to work in a Class 100 Cleanroom and follow all required PPE, safety policies and operational procedures. 

• Able to react to Statistical Process Control (SPC), read and understand production reports, process instructions, and identify/resolve issues within areas of responsibility.   

• Able to coordinate and communicate frequently with other team members to maintain desired workflow and meet production volumes.  

Qualifications

REQUIRED: 

• Candidate must be willing to work a 12-hour production shift on an alternating work schedule 3-4 days per week (standing and walking as required). Work schedule will be modified to ensure time is allotted for attending required onsite and virtual college course sessions.  

• Minimum 1 year of work experience, or equivalent. Manufacturing experience is preferred.

• Classroom training, completion certificates, and college credits will be provided.

• Hands-on training and on-the-job certifications will be provided. 

• Operators must wear a full lab gown on the production floor including jumpsuit, foot coverings, gloves, mask, and hood.  

• Good attendance and punctuality are required. 

• Excellent dexterity when handling small parts is required. 

• Must be proficient in reading, writing, and speaking English with an ability to communicate and work effectively within a multicultural team environment.  

• Must be able to learn and apply new knowledge quickly and be capable of operating multiple tools within a production cell in a fast-paced environment.   

• Must possess a strong sense of urgency, commitment, and be results oriented.  

• Candidate should have basic computer skills, including knowledge of Windows and basic proficiency with Microsoft Excel. Intermediate/advanced level of Excel a plus.