Seagate is seeking a Senior Staff Engineer to lead the design of next-generation precision mechanical and micro-actuated systems within the Head Gimbal Assembly (HGA) for recording head technologies
This role is for a mechanical dynamicist with deep physical intuition—someone who closes models, challenges assumptions, and creates new mechanical concepts, not simply executes existing ones
This is a hands-on, physics-driven design role. You will own complex subsystems and apply fundamental understanding of structural dynamics, vibration, and actuation to deliver robust, manufacturable designs at scale
While rooted in mechanical dynamics, the work spans tightly coupled interactions with controls, tribology, materials, signal integrity, and manufacturing, offering natural growth into these adjacencies through real system behavior
You will work on systems where physical insight, modeling discipline, and experimental truth define success
Own the design of head-gimbal assemblies (HGA), flexures, suspensions, and micro-actuated mechanical subsystems from concept through validation
Develop novel mechanical solutions to challenges involving bandwidth, resonance, stiffness, coupling, and robustness in precision motion systems
Apply strong fundamentals in dynamics, structures, and actuation to guide design decisions where empirical rules or existing templates are insufficient
Build dynamic and structural FEA models to predict vibration, modal behavior, and actuation response
Design and execute experiments to validate dynamic behavior, including vibration, resonance, damping, and actuation performance
Serve as technical owner for cross-functional programs spanning R&D, manufacturing, and suppliers

Requirements

Advanced experience in mechanical dynamics, structural mechanics, and precision actuation systems
Demonstrated ability to apply fundamental physical understanding to: build and refine models, assess validity of simulation results, and develop new mechanical designs
Expert-level use of dynamic FEA tools such as Ansys (Classic/Workbench), HyperWorks, MATLAB, or equivalent—used as engineering instruments, not as black boxes
Hands-on experience with laboratory testing and validation of dynamic systems
Familiarity with LDV, oscilloscopes, function generators, and NI data acquisition systems
Proficiency in Python and/or MATLAB for data analysis, automation, and modeling workflows
Strong background in piezoelectric materials, micro-actuators, and material characterization
Experience with MEMS or adjacent micro-scale technologies
Application of data analytics or AI/ML to modeling, optimization, signal processing, or metrology
Demonstrated ability to bridge research, design, and manufacturing constraints in high-volume production environments
Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related field with 12+ years of experience, or Master’s degree with 8+ years, or PhD with 6+ years, or equivalent combination of education and experience

Benefits

eligibility to participate in discretionary bonus program
medical
dental
vision
life insurance
short-and long-term disability
401(k)
employee stock purchase plan
health savings account
dependent care
healthcare spending accounts
paid time off including 12 holidays
flexible time off provided pursuant to Seagate policy
a minimum of 48 hours of paid sick leave
16 weeks of paid parental leave

Applicant Tracking System Keywords

Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.

Hard skills

mechanical dynamicsstructural mechanicsprecision actuation systemsdynamic FEAvibration analysismodal behavioractuation responsedata analysisautomationmodeling workflows

Soft skills

problem-solvingcritical thinkingcollaborationtechnical ownershipcommunication