Heat-Assisted Magnetic Recording (HAMR) Media Research Intern

Role details

About our group: You will be working in the HAMR Media Process Development & Product Integration group at Seagate’s Fremont Research Center, where we develop leading-edge recording media technologies for future hard disk drives, from theoretical concepts through technology development to product maturity. The team works closely with equipment engineering, magnetic characterization, recording performance, and advanced materials analysis groups to drive innovation in next-generation HAMR technologies.

About the role

- you will: Perform advanced microstructural characterization using Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), including high-resolution TEM (HRTEM), Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy (STEM), electron diffraction, and EDS mapping techniques. Develop and apply Electron Energy Loss Spectroscopy (EELS) methods to investigate nanoscale chemical composition, elemental distribution, electronic structure, and interface characteristics of HAMR media materials.

Participate in the development and implementation of advanced 4D-STEM characterization techniques to study crystallographic orientation, strain, phase distribution, defects, and nanoscale structural features in magnetic thin-film materials. Experience with py4DSTEM and Python programming is strongly preferred. Analyze and interpret TEM, STEM, EELS, and 4D-STEM datasets using modern image processing, diffraction analysis, and data science tools. Collaborate with process engineers, materials scientists, and modeling teams to correlate microstructure, chemistry, crystallography, and magnetic properties with HAMR media performance.

Develop data analysis workflows and automation tools for advanced microscopy datasets using Python and related scientific computing libraries. Learn and apply magnetic, thermal, structural, and advanced electron microscopy characterization techniques to support HAMR media technology development. About you: Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary research team in a fast-paced, innovative environment. Strong interest in electron microscopy, materials characterization, and advanced analytical techniques. Strong problem-solving, data analysis, and scientific communication skills.

Your experience includes: Knowledge of magnetism, magnetic thin films, FePt-based media, HAMR technologies, and magnetic recording materials is highly desirable. Hands-on experience with Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), including HRTEM, STEM imaging, electron diffraction, EDS, EELS, or related electron microscopy techniques. Experience with 4D-STEM, diffraction-based characterization, py4DSTEM, HyperSpy, or related data analysis workflows is highly preferred. Knowledge of crystallography, electron diffraction, phase identification, strain analysis, and microstructure-property relationships.

Knowledge of magnetism, magnetic thin films, FePt-based media, HAMR technologies, or magnetic recording materials is highly desirable. Strong analytical, problem-solving, and scientific communication skills, with the ability to work independently in a research environment. Currently pursuing a Master's or PhD degree in Materials Science, Physics, Applied Physics, Chemistry, or a related field, and returning to classes for Fall 2027. Location: Our Gold LEED-certified Fremont product-design campus drives innovation, bringing together a diverse set of engineering, design, operations, support, and administrative teams. The site is equipped with a state-of-the-art clean room and lab space.

On-site social activities are popular, including our annual BBQ, ice cream social, and holiday events. Wellness programs, gaming rooms, and the on-site fitness center help round out and balance your Seagate work-life experience, along with opportunities to give back to our local community. The estimated base wage range for this position is $41 - $48/hr. The individual base wage is based on work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. Seagate offers comprehensive benefits to its eligible Interns, including, but not limited to, medical, dental, vision, and participation in the employee stock purchase plan.

Seagate also offers Interns 12 paid holidays and a minimum of 48 hours of paid sick leave. The benefits for this position are based on a 24 to 40-hour-per-week schedule for a full calendar year and may differ depending on work location and tenure with the Company. Location : Fremont USA Research Center Travel : None