Overview

Western Digital (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. WD combines 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.

Role Summary

The Strategic Projects Associate will independently own and lead strategic projects spanning WD's core data storage business as well as New Ventures covering new business opportunities in photonics, magnetics, and nano-fabrication. This role serves as a credible thought partner to executives and cross-functional stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Projects Ownership

• •Independently lead and own project outputs end-to-end including market sizing, competitive landscaping, end customer and segment analysis, GTM frameworks, and build-buy-partner assessments
• •Serve as a credible thought partner to executives and cross-functional stakeholders
• •Track timelines, synthesize cross-functional inputs, and deliver against tight deadlines with minimal supervision while escalating appropriately on critical decisions

Research and Analysis

• •Conduct primary and secondary research: market sizing, competitive landscaping, customer and partner dynamics, technology trend tracking, and peer benchmarking
• •Synthesize insights from diverse sources into clear analytical conclusions that inform strategic recommendations

Executive Deliverables

• •Develop executive-quality deliverables: structured slide decks, one-pagers, briefing notes, and read-outs for C-suite and Board audiences
• •Translate complex analysis into clear, compelling narratives suitable for senior leadership consumption

Financial and Analytical Modeling

• •Build and maintain supporting financial and analytical models including market sizing, scenario analysis, business case development, and GTM economics
• •Develop quantitative frameworks that underpin strategic recommendations with rigor and defensibility

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• •Partner closely with cross-functional stakeholders to align on strategic priorities, gather inputs, and drive recommendations through to decisions
• •Build trusted relationships with commercial, product, and finance stakeholders and drive alignment independently

Minimum Qualifications

• •3 to 6 or more years of overall experience with a minimum of 2 years in consulting, corporate strategy, investment banking, or a research-intensive analytical role
• •Progressive career trajectory with increasing scope, ownership, and complexity of work over time
• •Demonstrated ability to own and lead complex strategic projects end-to-end with C-suite output quality
• •Strong financial and analytical acumen including models, scenario analysis, and business case development
• •Experience conducting primary research (expert interviews, customer conversations, channel checks) and secondary research (industry reports, analyst research, public filings)
• •Strong cross-functional collaboration skills with ability to build trusted relationships with commercial, product, and finance stakeholders
• •Experience working with senior leaders and delivering executive-level deliverables independently
• •Solid Excel and PowerPoint skills; data visualization a plus
• •Strong written and verbal communication skills
• •Experience supporting or embedded in commercial, GTM, or sales organizations preferred

Preferred Qualifications

• •Prior experience in deep technology, data storage, semiconductor, or enterprise infrastructure
• •Experience with competitive intelligence or market research tools such as PitchBook, Bloomberg, or Gartner

Education

• •MBA or equivalent work experience preferred
• •Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, Economics, Finance, or a related analytical field