• An overview of the industry and its current landscape
• Key trends and emerging technologies shaping the field
• Career paths and growth opportunities at SEAGATE
• The skills and qualifications that are most in demand
• Real-world applications and case studies from your experience

• Career development strategies and insights from your journey
• Advice for students and professionals entering the industry
• Opportunities at SEAGATE and tips for standing out as a candidate
• A Q&A session to address attendees’ specific questions

Biography:

David Robinson, a self-proclaimed "recovering academician" who has journeyed from the hallowed halls of academia to the cutting-edge world of high-tech recording heads. With a Doctorate in Physical Chemistry from the University of Alabama, where he delved into the mysteries of High Temperature Superconductors, and a Post-doc in Materials Science at Cornell University studying “AlN”, David's academic credentials are nothing short of impressive.

But that's just the beginning! After enlightening minds as a Physics and Chemistry Professor, David took a bold leap into the corporate world, joining Seagate as a Vacuum Process Engineer. Fast forward 27 years, and he's now the Engineering Director of Yield and Sustaining (24x7 Engineering Support) Engineering at Seagate, with additional responsibilities for Released Product Engineering. His unique blend of academic rigor and practical experience allows him to tackle challenges with a fresh perspective, often leading to innovative solutions that others might overlook.

David's expertise spans across Workflow Automation, Analysis and Detection Systems, Knowledge Management leveraging Microsoft 365, and Engineering Training and Development using micro-Training methods. At Seagate, he has been instrumental in championing Business Continuity for the Wafer Process Engineering Organization. He developed a Factory Continuity Process and Method to augment business continuity and deployed a CTQ Taguchi-based methodology to manage factory health, reduce process variation, and improve yield management. David is known for his ability to work on cross-functional teams across the U.S., Ireland, and Asia, addressing quality, factory control systems, and SPC initiatives. He has created and aligned yield/quality strategies for Wafer Process Engineering, addressing increased process step counts and build complexity to maintain and increase line yields.

Currently, David is focused on developing an AI-ready workforce by leveraging AI/ML and GenAI to improve efficiency and productivity. His passion for democratizing knowledge through passive collection and automation, developing upskilling platforms via crowd sourcing and community action, and his commitment to STEM outreach are truly commendable. He's also a big advocate for leveraging Microsoft tools to boost efficiency and productivity.

David will be sharing his insights on the manufacturing of thin film magnetic recording heads, providing an overview of the industry and its current landscape. He'll delve into key trends and emerging technologies shaping the field, career paths and growth opportunities at Seagate, the skills and qualifications that are most in demand, and real-world applications and case studies from his extensive experience.

When he's not revolutionizing the engineering world, David enjoys exploring the great outdoors, studying the chemistry of food and plants, and even dabbling in Martial Arts. His journey from academia to the corporate world has been quite a journey, and his ability to explore a range of business interests at Seagate keeps him constantly engaged and inspired.