Senior Automation Engineer

Company Description

Sandisk understands how people and businesses consume data and we relentlessly innovate to deliver solutions that enable today’s needs and tomorrow’s next big ideas. With a rich history of groundbreaking innovations in Flash and advanced memory technologies, our solutions have become the beating heart of the digital world we’re living in and that we have the power to shape.

Sandisk meets people and businesses at the intersection of their aspirations and the moment, enabling them to keep moving and pushing possibility forward. We do this through the balance of our powerhouse manufacturing capabilities and our industry-leading portfolio of products that are recognized globally for innovation, performance and quality.

Sandisk has two facilities recognized by the World Economic Forum as part of the Global Lighthouse Network for advanced 4IR innovations. These facilities were also recognized as Sustainability Lighthouses for breakthroughs in efficient operations. With our global reach, we ensure the global supply chain has access to the Flash memory it needs to keep our world moving forward.

Job Description

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• This role focuses on hardware automation design, equipment integration, and cross‑functional project management to support high‑volume NAND flash production.
• The ideal candidate has strong technical expertise in factory automation systems & design, hands-on experience with equipment-level controls, and the ability to drive complex automation projects from concept to deployment.
   
• Key Responsibilities
  • Design, develop, and implement hardware-based automation solutions to improve manufacturing efficiency, equipment uptime, and process stability across SIP & SSD assembly/test operations.
  • Lead automation projects end-to-end, including requirement gathering, feasibility studies, vendor selection, detailed design review, shipment & installation planning, qualification until release-to-production.
  • Integrate new tools and subsystems into existing factory automation infrastructure (e.g., SECS/GEM, E84, AMHS interfaces) with strong understanding of equipment control logic, interlocks, and automation sequences to enhance safety and throughput.
  • Collaborate with equipment engineering, process engineering, IT, and manufacturing teams to identify automation opportunities and translate operational needs into technical specifications.
  • Manage hardware upgrades, retrofits, and automation enhancements for production equipment and supporting systems.
  • Troubleshoot and resolve automation-related issues, including sensor failures, communication errors, and equipment interface problems.
  • Ensure compliance with factory standards, safety protocols, and quality requirements during automation design and deployment.
  • Document system architecture, wiring diagrams, test plans, and validation reports to support long-term operation sustainability.

Qualifications

        REQUIRED:

• At least Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Automation Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field.
• Approximately 5 years of experience in semiconductor manufacturing, equipment engineering, or factory automation.
• Strong understanding of equipment automation, including sensors, actuators, PLCs, motion control, robotics, and industrial communication protocols.
• Hands-on experience with SECS/GEM, E84, and equipment integration standards commonly used in semiconductor fabs.
• Familiarity with AMHS systems, material handling automation, or equipment-to-equipment communication.
• Experience in project management, including planning, scheduling, vendor management, and cross-functional coordination.
• Exposure to MES systems, factory control systems, or data collection platforms used in semiconductor fabs.
• Experience working in cleanroom environments and understanding of semiconductor equipment safety standards.
  
  PREFERRED:
• Knowledge of robotics integration, end-effectors, and automated handling systems.
• Strong knowledge of mechanical design, particularly on custom built equipment for end-to-end Automation process
• Experience with both PC & PLC programming (e.g., Siemens, Omron, Mitsubishi) or equipment control systems.
  
  SKILLS:
• Strong communication skills for working with global & cross functional teams, vendors, and manufacturing stakeholders.
• Ability to manage multiple automation projects simultaneously.
• Detail-oriented mindset with a focus on reliability and manufacturing sustainability.
• Proactive, hands-on approach to solving equipment and automation challenges.

Additional Information

Sandisk 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.

Sandisk 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: Sandisk has received reports of scams where a payment is requested on Sandisk’s behalf as a condition for receiving an offer of employment. Please be aware that Sandisk 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 Sandisk Ethics Helpline or email [email protected].