Head of Product Engineering (f/d/m)

At WD, our vision is to power global innovation and push the boundaries of technology to make what you thought was once impossible, possible.

At our core, WD is a company of problem solvers. People achieve extraordinary things given the right technology. For decades, we’ve been doing just that—our technology helped people put a man on the moon and capture the first-ever picture of a black hole.

We offer an expansive portfolio of technologies, HDDs, and platforms for business, creative professionals, and consumers alike under our Western Digital®, WD®, and WD_BLACK™.

We are a key partner to some of the largest and highest-growth organizations in the world. From enabling systems to make cities safer and more connected, to powering the data centers behind many of the world’s biggest companies and hyperscale cloud providers, to meeting the massive and ever-growing data storage needs of the AI era, WD is fueling a brighter, smarter future.

Today’s exceptional challenges require your unique skills. Together, we can build the future of data storage.

Job Description

Western Digital is seeking an experienced Head of Product Engineering to lead and further develop our Product Engineering organization in Ulm.

In this leadership role, you will define the long-term vision and technical direction for Product Engineering, build and develop high-performing engineering teams, and ensure scalable, reliable, and high-quality engineering processes.

Working closely with R&D, Product Management, and other key stakeholders, you will align engineering priorities with business objectives, drive innovation and continuous improvement, and support the effective use of data analytics and AI-based technologies across Product Engineering.

Key Responsibilities

Strategy & Engineering Leadership

• Define and execute the long-term vision and strategy for Product Engineering, including the effective use of data analytics
• Align technical strategy and engineering priorities with overall business and product objectives
• Drive innovation, operational excellence, and continuous improvement across Product Engineering

• Promote the effective integration of AI-based tools into Product Engineering workflows and processes

Team & Organizational Development

• Lead and develop multiple engineering teams, including coaching, mentoring, and professional development
• Attract, retain, and develop high-performing engineering talent
• Build a culture of ownership, transparency, collaboration, and continuous learning

• Establish and continuously improve engineering processes, methodologies, and quality standards

Technical Leadership

• Ensure robust architecture and engineering decisions in close collaboration with technical and architectural leaders
• Evaluate new technologies, tools, and methodologies with regard to scalability, performance, and business value
• Ensure the stability, security, and reliability of engineering platforms and solutions

• Drive scalable and efficient engineering practices across the organization

Stakeholder Management

• Communicate technical strategies, concepts, and roadmaps clearly to senior management and key stakeholders
• Collaborate closely with Product Management, R&D, Sales, Operations, Support, and other functions to incorporate product feedback, market requirements, and technical feasibility

• Represent the Product Engineering organization at management level

• Define and execute the long-term vision and strategy for Product Engineering, including the effective use of data analytics
• Align technical strategy and engineering priorities with overall business and product objectives
• Drive innovation, operational excellence, and continuous improvement across Product Engineering
• Promote the effective integration of AI-based tools into Product Engineering workflows and processes
• Lead and develop multiple engineering teams, including coaching, mentoring, and professional development
• Attract, retain, and develop high-performing engineering talent
• Build a culture of ownership, transparency, collaboration, and continuous learning
• Establish and continuously improve engineering processes, methodologies, and quality standards
• Ensure robust architecture and engineering decisions in close collaboration with technical and architectural leaders
• Evaluate new technologies, tools, and methodologies with regard to scalability, performance, and business value
• Ensure the stability, security, and reliability of engineering platforms and solutions
• Drive scalable and efficient engineering practices across the organization
• Communicate technical strategies, concepts, and roadmaps clearly to senior management and key stakeholders
• Collaborate closely with Product Management, R&D, Sales, Operations, Support, and other functions to incorporate product feedback, market requirements, and technical feasibility
• Represent the Product Engineering organization at management level

Education & Technical Expertise

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Photonics, Physics, Engineering, or a related technical field

• 7+ years of progressive professional experience in Product Engineering, R&D, Product Development, or a related engineering environment, including significant leadership responsibility

• Strong understanding of photonics and semiconductor technologies, ideally including VCSEL and photodiode device physics, technologies, and applications
• Strong understanding of modern engineering, software and process architectures as well as agile development methodologies

• Proven experience in developing and scaling engineering organizations, teams, and effective engineering structures

Leadership & Skills

• Strong leadership capabilities with the ability to provide strategic direction, develop teams, and drive organizational excellence
• Excellent stakeholder management, communication, and presentation skills, including the ability to communicate complex technical topics clearly at senior management level
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities combined with strategic and entrepreneurial thinking

• High degree of ownership, sound decision-making, and the ability to operate effectively in a complex, international, and cross-functional environment

Languages

• Professional fluency in German and English, with the ability to communicate effectively with senior stakeholders, technical teams, and international business partners

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.

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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 compliance@wdc.com.