HDD Firmware Validation Engineer - Test Automation

• Full-time
• Job Type (exemption status): Exempt position - Please see related compensation & benefits details below
• Business Function: Applications Engineering
• Work Location: KL COE Office--LOC_WDT_KL COE

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

Job Summary

Be part of Western Digital's HDD Product Engineering team, focusing on Functional Integration Test (FIT) execution and test automation & script development for hard disk drive (HDD) validation. You will work in a hands-on lab environment, ensuring drive firmware quality across multiple HDD programs while building automation tools that improve team efficiency and test coverage.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• FIT (Functional Integration Test) Validation
  • Set up, configure, and maintain FIT test systems for HDD firmware validation
  • Design, execute, and document firmware test plans and test cases for HDD products across multiple drive programs (e.g., NAS, surveillance, enterprise, client drives)
  • Execute functional integration test plans covering drive performance, regression, error handling and stress testing of HDD firmware on various host platforms (Window, Linux, etc) across SATA/SAS/USB interfaces.
  • Perform firmware update testing, SMART attribute validation, Drive Self-Test (DST), and power management verification
  • Collect and analyze drive diagnostic logs (DRM logs, SMART data) to identify and document failure root causes
  • Support FIT system refresh initiatives — imaging, hardware upgrades, and baseline configuration
• Test Automation & Script Development
  • Develop and maintain T-REX/Python test scripts to increase and enhance test coverage based on various test workloads and environments.
  • Designing and building automation tools that automate repetitive test execution, log parsing, and results reporting.
  • Continuously improve automation coverage to reduce manual effort across HDD validation programs

Qualifications

REQUIRED:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in engineering (Electrical/Electronics/Computer/Mechatronics) or equivalent.
• Motivated fresh graduates are encouraged to apply. 1-2 years of relevant industry experience will be an advantage.

PREFERRED:

• Strong understanding of computer hardware architecture and operating systems, including Linux and Windows.
• Basic to intermediate proficiency in programming languages such as C, C++, Java, or Python.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks, prioritize effectively, and deliver within project timelines.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Strong passion for hardware knowledge learning and firmware development.
• Self-motivated and self-directed, however, must have demonstrated ability to work well with people.
• Able to work on tight project schedules and meet deadlines.
• Prior exposure to AI tools and/or applications will be an added advantage.

SKILLS

• Good communication (written and verbal) and interpersonal skills.
• Knowledge of programming languages (C/C++/Python/Java etc.) will be an added advantage.
• Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
• Familiarity with system assembly, BIOS, storage interfaces
• Basic awareness of SATA, USB, NVMe, or SAS

Additional Information

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 [email protected] 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 [email protected].

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