Manager 6, Program Management – Archival Storage

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.

We are looking for a Manager 6, Program Management to lead the Archival Storage program from early development through product introduction. You will build the planning, execution and reporting system the organization runs on, and you will be the main point of integration across engineering, operations, supply chain, external partners and business leadership.

New ventures need program leaders who have worked in more than one corner of the business. You will be asked to judge trade-offs between mechanical, electrical, firmware, software and media teams, and to have credible conversations with each of them. Breadth of experience is the core requirement for this role.

Responsibilities

End-to-end program plan and integrated master schedule across hardware, firmware, software, media and system integration.; Development phase gates (concept, EVT, DVT, PVT) and the entry and exit criteria for each.; Cross-functional execution across engineering disciplines, test and reliability, procurement, manufacturing partners and external technology partners.; Program risk, issue and dependency management, including critical-path tracking and mitigation plans.; Program budget tracking against plan, covering operating spend, NRE and prototype materials, in partnership with Finance.; Executive and board-level program reviews, including milestone status, demo readiness, and decisions needed.; Vendor and partner milestone tracking for outsourced design, development and supply agreements.; Program management processes, tools and operating rhythm for a growing organization.; Coordination with hiring managers and Talent Acquisition on headcount ramp and staffing plans.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in electrical, mechanical or computer engineering, physics, or a related technical field.; 15+ years in the storage or hardware industry, including 8+ years leading programs or engineering teams.; At least two of the following:; HDD product development or program experience; SSD product development or program experience; Functional engineering leadership, for example Electrical/PCBA, mechanical, firmware or test; A track record of taking a complex electromechanical or storage hardware product from development into volume production.; Experience leading cross-functional programs that include external partners, ODMs or contract manufacturers.; Proven ability to build schedules, budgets and risk plans from scratch, and to present them to senior executives.

Nice to have

Experience in all three areas above: HDD, SSD and functional engineering leadership.; Experience in a new business unit, incubation program or startup environment.; Familiarity with datacenter or enterprise storage customers and their qualification processes.; Experience with joint development agreements and NRE-funded partner programs.