Spring 2027 Co-Op - AI Systems Strategy

Location: Rochester, MN, us Employment Type: {'id': 'intern', 'label': 'Intern'}

Company Description

WD is building the infrastructure behind the AI-driven data economy.

As AI scales, so does data. Every interaction, every model, every system generates data that must be stored, managed, and made accessible over time. That’s where we come in.

We combine deep engineering expertise with global-scale manufacturing to deliver the storage systems that make AI possible, powering hyperscale data centers, cloud platforms, and enterprise infrastructure worldwide.

This isn’t theoretical work. It’s real systems, at real scale, people solving some of the hardest challenges in technology today.

We’re looking for people who want to build, solve, and operate at that level.

Join us and let’s shape the future of data.

Job Description

WD's CTO System Architecture is at the forefront of defining the next generation of HDD storage technology. As a Co-op Engineer on the System Architecture team, you will work alongside senior engineers and technology leaders to shape long-range technology strategy, develop intelligent tools to manage complex engineering programs, and deliver competitive insights that inform critical business decisions.

This is a high-impact, high-visibility role suited for a graduate student who combines strong technical depth with a passion for systems thinking, data-driven decision making, and emerging technology.

What You'll Do:

System Architecture Support

Assist with evaluating and documenting system architecture trade-off decisions across storage technology domains

Research and model performance, cost, and feasibility dimensions for emerging technology options

Support cross-functional architecture reviews and help synthesize findings into clear technical recommendations

Technology Roadmap & Data Management

Help maintain and evolve the team's technology roadmap tools and associated data infrastructure

Develop and improve data pipelines, dashboards, and visualization tools to support roadmap planning and gap analysis

Assist with technology maturation tracking across the component and system lifecycle (TCP0 through TCP2)

AI Agent Development

Design and build AI agents to help manage technology projects, automate status tracking, and surface insights from large volumes of engineering and program data

Leverage LLMs, agent frameworks, and retrieval/tool integrations to prototype intelligent assistants for engineering workflows

Collaborate with the team to identify high-value automation opportunities within the technology development lifecycle

Competitive Analysis & Intelligence

Research competitive storage technology trends, industry standards activity, and academic publications

Synthesize competitive intelligence into structured reports and briefings for senior technology leadership

Track key technology indicators (areal density, interface evolution, component trends) and benchmark against internal roadmap targets

This role is part of WD's early career development program. WD’s early career development program is ideal for individuals at the early stages of their professional career. Participants receive foundational training through structured onboarding, mentorship, and a curated development curriculum. The responsibilities of this role are typically aligned with candidates who have approximately 0–2+ years of relevant professional experience, though candidates of all experience levels are encouraged to apply.

Qualifications

Required:

Currently pursuing a MS in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a closely related field

Strong analytical and systems thinking skills — ability to work through ambiguous problems and build structured frameworks

Experience with data analysis and visualization

Strong written and verbal communication skills — ability to present complex technical topics clearly to mixed audiences

Self-directed with the ability to manage multiple workstreams concurrently

Preferred:

Background or coursework in storage systems, computer architecture, or semiconductor technology

Experience building LLM applications, AI agents, agentic workflows, or ML systems

Experience with project management tools

Prior industry internship or co-op experience in a technology or engineering environment

Additional Information

WD is committed to providing equal opportunities to all applicants and employees and will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on their race, color, ancestry, religion (including religious dress and grooming standards), sex (including pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, breastfeeding or related medical conditions), gender (including a person’s gender identity, gender expression, and gender-related appearance and behavior, whether or not stereotypically associated with the person’s assigned sex at birth), age, national origin, sexual orientation, medical condition, marital status (including domestic partnership status), physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, protected medical and family care leave, Civil Air Patrol status, military and veteran status, or other legally protected characteristics. We also prohibit harassment of any individual on any of the characteristics listed above. Our non-discrimination policy applies to all aspects of employment. We comply with the laws and regulations set forth in the "Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal” poster. Our pay transparency policy is available here.

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 throug