Western Digital
Overview
Western Digital is excited to continue our Wafer Manufacturing Apprenticeship Program in partnership with Work2Future, Foothill College, and the Department of Labor. This accelerated career learning path is for committed candidates who want to establish a career in the semiconductor industry while working in a world-class cleanroom and tech manufacturing facility. The program includes full-time employment, competitive pay and benefits, and paid-for community college instruction (one class per quarter) to enhance on-the-job training. Winter classes begin January 2026.
Essential Duties And Responsibilities As a Wafer Manufacturing Apprentice, you will learn to handle semiconductor wafer discs, operate tools and devices used to fabricate wafers, and/or perform electrical wafer test operations. You will set up, calibrate, load, operate, and monitor assigned machines and equipment. You will gain proficiency with automated systems, track different batches, inspect/verify product quality, and record/analyze data. The production floor is a Class 100 Cleanroom requiring adherence to procedures and PPE to protect the product from contamination. You will coordinate and communicate frequently with team members to ensure desired production flow in a high-volume, fast-paced environment.
Attend several required supplemental instruction classes in addition to full-time employment (one class per quarter). Courses start January 2026 (Winter Term) and are offered by Foothill College in Sunnyvale. Courses include Quantitative Reasoning, Introduction to Semiconductor Technology, Advanced Manufacturing, and Introduction to Engineering. You will become proficient in setting up, loading, operating, and monitoring machines/equipment for wafer fabrication.
Responsible for quality inspection, data collection, productivity, cycle time, and accountability for individual results at assigned operations.
Able to work in a Class 100 Cleanroom and follow all PPE, safety policies, and operational procedures, and react to SPC data and production reports.
Able to coordinate and communicate with team members to maintain workflow and meet production targets.
Qualifications REQUIRED
Willing to work a 12-hour production shift on an alternating schedule (3-4 days per week); schedule may be adjusted to accommodate onsite and virtual college courses.
Minimum 1 year of work experience, or equivalent; manufacturing experience is preferred.
Classroom training, completion certificates, and college credits will be provided.
Hands-on training and on-the-job certifications will be provided.
Must wear full PPE on the production floor (lab gown, jumpsuit, foot coverings, gloves, mask, hood).
Good attendance and punctuality; excellent dexterity with small parts.
Proficiency in reading, writing, and speaking English; ability to work effectively in a multicultural team.
Ability to learn quickly and operate multiple tools in a fast-paced environment; strong sense of urgency and results orientation.
Basic computer skills including Windows; proficiency with Microsoft Excel is a plus.
Additional Information Western Digital is an equal opportunity employer. We provide a comprehensive benefits package including medical/dental/vision insurance, paid vacation and sick leave, 401(k) with company matches, tuition reimbursement, and other voluntary benefits. Refer to the job posting for compensation details and eligibility for bonuses and incentives. Western Digital does not request payment for applying or offers; report any such requests to the Ethics Helpline or compliance@wdc.com.
Compensation & Benefits Details
Starting pay is a blended rate of $20/hr base plus overtime and a 12.5% night shift differential (if applicable). Total base pay starts at $23.20/hr or $41,600 annually, with wage progression after competency targets are met.
Eligibility for full Western Digital benefits, and an annual bonus target (8%), with opportunities for advancement after program completion.
Overtime pay where applicable, shift differentials, and eligibility for STI/SIP and potential LTI programs where applicable.
Comprehensive benefits including health, dental, vision, life, disability, FSA/HSA, employee assistance, tuition reimbursement, transit, stock purchase plan, and 401(k).
Notice To Candidates Western Digital and its subsidiaries will never request payment as a condition for applying for a position or receiving an offer of employment. If you encounter any such requests, report immediately to Western Digital Ethics Helpline or compliance@wdc.com.
Job Function & Seniority
Seniority level: Entry level
Employment type: Full-time
Job function: Manufacturing
Industries: Computer Hardware Manufacturing, Computers and Electronics Manufacturing, Semiconductor Manufacturing
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Essential Duties And Responsibilities As a Wafer Manufacturing Apprentice, you will learn to handle semiconductor wafer discs, operate tools and devices used to fabricate wafers, and/or perform electrical wafer test operations. You will set up, calibrate, load, operate, and monitor assigned machines and equipment. You will gain proficiency with automated systems, track different batches, inspect/verify product quality, and record/analyze data. The production floor is a Class 100 Cleanroom requiring adherence to procedures and PPE to protect the product from contamination. You will coordinate and communicate frequently with team members to ensure desired production flow in a high-volume, fast-paced environment.
Attend several required supplemental instruction classes in addition to full-time employment (one class per quarter). Courses start January 2026 (Winter Term) and are offered by Foothill College in Sunnyvale. Courses include Quantitative Reasoning, Introduction to Semiconductor Technology, Advanced Manufacturing, and Introduction to Engineering. You will become proficient in setting up, loading, operating, and monitoring machines/equipment for wafer fabrication.
Responsible for quality inspection, data collection, productivity, cycle time, and accountability for individual results at assigned operations.
Able to work in a Class 100 Cleanroom and follow all PPE, safety policies, and operational procedures, and react to SPC data and production reports.
Able to coordinate and communicate with team members to maintain workflow and meet production targets.
Qualifications REQUIRED
Willing to work a 12-hour production shift on an alternating schedule (3-4 days per week); schedule may be adjusted to accommodate onsite and virtual college courses.
Minimum 1 year of work experience, or equivalent; manufacturing experience is preferred.
Classroom training, completion certificates, and college credits will be provided.
Hands-on training and on-the-job certifications will be provided.
Must wear full PPE on the production floor (lab gown, jumpsuit, foot coverings, gloves, mask, hood).
Good attendance and punctuality; excellent dexterity with small parts.
Proficiency in reading, writing, and speaking English; ability to work effectively in a multicultural team.
Ability to learn quickly and operate multiple tools in a fast-paced environment; strong sense of urgency and results orientation.
Basic computer skills including Windows; proficiency with Microsoft Excel is a plus.
Additional Information Western Digital is an equal opportunity employer. We provide a comprehensive benefits package including medical/dental/vision insurance, paid vacation and sick leave, 401(k) with company matches, tuition reimbursement, and other voluntary benefits. Refer to the job posting for compensation details and eligibility for bonuses and incentives. Western Digital does not request payment for applying or offers; report any such requests to the Ethics Helpline or compliance@wdc.com.
Compensation & Benefits Details
Starting pay is a blended rate of $20/hr base plus overtime and a 12.5% night shift differential (if applicable). Total base pay starts at $23.20/hr or $41,600 annually, with wage progression after competency targets are met.
Eligibility for full Western Digital benefits, and an annual bonus target (8%), with opportunities for advancement after program completion.
Overtime pay where applicable, shift differentials, and eligibility for STI/SIP and potential LTI programs where applicable.
Comprehensive benefits including health, dental, vision, life, disability, FSA/HSA, employee assistance, tuition reimbursement, transit, stock purchase plan, and 401(k).
Notice To Candidates Western Digital and its subsidiaries will never request payment as a condition for applying for a position or receiving an offer of employment. If you encounter any such requests, report immediately to Western Digital Ethics Helpline or compliance@wdc.com.
Job Function & Seniority
Seniority level: Entry level
Employment type: Full-time
Job function: Manufacturing
Industries: Computer Hardware Manufacturing, Computers and Electronics Manufacturing, Semiconductor Manufacturing
#J-18808-Ljbffr