Sr. Director, Quality Assurance Engineering

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Senior Director, Quality Assurance Engineer leads the strategic quality assurance function across three critical WD manufacturing facilities in Malaysia, overseeing Hard Disk Drive (HDD) media production and substrate operations. This role demands exceptional leadership capability to manage a diverse technical team of approximately 200 professionals while maintaining operational excellence, driving continuous improvement, and ensuring compliance with global quality standards under high-pressure manufacturing environments.

1. Quality Leadership

• Establish and execute comprehensive QA strategy aligned with WD global quality standards across all three sites
• Define Quality Objectives, metrics and KPI that align with business and operational goals
• Serve as a key member of the leadership team (CRB/FMEA review), contribution to decision that affect product integrity, process improvement, manufacturing efficiency, change management and customer satisfaction
• Act as Management Representative for Quality Management System in alignment with ISO 9001 standard
• Act as one of the employer representative of EHS committees in ensuring a safe, healthy, and environmentally responsible workplace.
• Lead quality governance, escalation procedures, and MRB (Material Review Board) and Change Review Board (CRB) decision-making processes

2. Quality /Process Excellence

• Work closely with Manufacturing, Engineering and Product Development teams to ensure consistent quality across all product lines.
• Ensures that all excursion and non-conforming lots are controlled, investigated, and disposed systematically — with a focus on preventing recurrence, protecting HDD, and improving process capability thru Material Review Board and 8D Review
• Coordinate and lead Risk Management Board review with HDD the for non-conforming products to evaluate impact and define appropriate actions
• Implement data-driven quality analytics using advanced tools (SPC, statistical analysis, automated monitoring systems)
• Lead investigations of critical quality events, escaped defects, and field failures

3. Multi-Site Operations Management

• Oversee quality operations spanning Penang Media (PN), Sarawak Substrate Operations (SWK), and Johor Substrate Operations (JO)
• Ensure consistent QA policies, procedures, and standards across all three facilities while respecting site-specific operational requirements
• Establish cross-site quality forums and knowledge-sharing platforms
• Manage resource allocation, capacity planning, and staffing across multiple locations

4. Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Foster strong partnerships with Operations, Engineering, Supply Chain, Manufacturing, and Product teams
• Collaborate with regional Quality leadership and global Quality centers of excellence
• Participate in product development reviews, design for manufacturability (DFM) assessments, and process capability studies
• Engage with customer quality teams on quality metrics, audits, and continuous improvement initiatives

5. Leadership and Development

• Lead, develop, and mentor a team of approximately 200 technical staff including QA Engineers, Quality Technicians, Process Engineers, and QC Specialists
• Build high-performance quality culture emphasizing ownership, accountability, and continuous learning
• Establish talent development programs, succession planning, and career pathway frameworks
• Conduct performance management, recognition, and capability building initiatives
• Foster a culture of technical excellence, collaboration, and accountability

Requirement

• Educational Background: Bachelor Degree or Master of Engineering or Applied Sciences or equivalent/related field.
• Minimum 20 years of experience in Quality Assurance, Quality Engineering, or Operations-related roles, with at least 10 years in a leadership capacity.
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and successfully manage improvement projects from concept to implementation.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills, with a data-driven and quality-focused mindset.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and priorities effectively in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Leading Multi-site Quality Management teams
• Frequent Travels required

Skills

• Coaching and developing team members to enhance technical capability and overall performance.
• Strong background in Hard Disk Drive Manufacturing or related electronics assembly/disk media production (highly advantageous)
• Experience with Substrate operation or thin film technology is a plus.

Preferred

• Proven track record in implementing automated quality system, data analytics and digital quality solutions.

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

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