About this role
About the Role WD is seeking an NPI Program Manager for HDD new product introductions to lead development from staging through mass production. This specialist role acts as a central driver across PMO, Development Engineering, Manufacturing, SCM, Quality, and Factory to ensure on-time, cost, quality and performance targets, and to accelerate market introduction. What You'll Do
- Lead HDD new product development programs from initial staging to factory introduction and ramp to mass production, coordinating with US HQ, product development, overseas manufacturing, and other teams.
- Develop and execute prototyping plans, manage schedules, inventory and costs, and drive the NPI builds to meet time-to-market goals.
- Provide cross-functional leadership and ensure timely status updates to stakeholders; define product specifications, development direction, and certification plans; drive BOM planning and configuration in line with QSR.
- Lead end-to-end projects, track progress, resolve manufacturing process issues, and push DX initiatives to improve future work efficiency.
- Manage cross-domain teams, ensuring alignment across PMO, Development Engineering, Manufacturing, SCM, Quality, and Factory. What We're Looking For
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations, or related field.
- 8–14+ years of experience in NPI, Manufacturing Engineering, Program Management, or Operations.
- Strong understanding of product development and manufacturing processes.
- Proven experience leading cross-functional and global teams; experience as a manager or PM.
- Business-level English; native Japanese; willingness to communicate in Japanese for internal/external coordination. Nice to Have
- Master's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, or related field or MBA.
- Experience with high-volume manufacturing or complex electromechanical products.
- Experience working with global manufacturing sites and suppliers.
- Project management certification or equivalent.
- Cost modeling, value engineering, and shoulder cost analysis experience.
- Global supply chain, sourcing, and R&D partnerships experience. Compensation & Benefits
- Estimated annual salary: 9,000,000 – 13,000,000 JPY (range disclosed).
- Relocation allowance for those needing to relocate: 450,000 JPY (single); 750,000 JPY (family).
- Commute allowance up to 150,000 JPY per month (train/bus/auto).
- Housing allowance: up to 6 years.
- Other: retirement and pension programs, 401K-style savings, company stock purchase, life/health insurance, paid time off, illness leave, maternity/paternity support, etc.
- Hybrid work arrangement: in-office at least 3 days per week; base hours 8:45–17:15 with 1 hour lunch.