Coherent

Principal AI Data Scientist - Wafer Fabrication

Coherent$138K — $165K *
Manufacturing & Automotive
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Minimum 5 years of experience in AI, with a focus on ML and statistical analysis.
  • Bachelor's degree in Data Science, Engineering, Science, Computer Science, or Mathematics required; Master's preferred.
  • Proven experience applying machine learning and statistical techniques to engineering or manufacturing challenges.
  • Proficiency in SQL and modern data processing platforms for large datasets.
  • Strong programming skills in Python with familiarity in data science and ML libraries.

Responsibilities

  • Analyze wafer fabrication datasets from various sources to extract insights.
  • Implement statistical analysis and machine learning techniques for process monitoring and yield prediction.
  • Collaborate with engineers to turn complex data analysis into actionable engineering recommendations.
  • Develop and maintain reusable data pipelines and analytical tools for ongoing use.
  • Support continuous improvement projects through experimental designs and data-driven methodologies.

Benefits

  • Flexible work options post-initial on-site period, potentially hybrid.
  • Opportunity for travel to different Coherent sites for knowledge sharing and collaboration.
  • Exposure to cutting-edge AI and ML technologies in a manufacturing context.
Full Job Description
Job Description

Primary Duties & Responsibilities
  • Analyze datasets generated by wafer fabrication processes, equipment, sensors, metrology systems, and manufacturing execution systems.
  • Apply statistical analysis, AI, machine learning, and data-mining techniques for:
    • Deeper understanding of devices and fabrication processes.
    • Process monitoring and anomaly detection
    • Wafer and lot excursion analysis
    • Yield analysis and prediction
    • Root-cause investigation
    • Collaborate with others using AI & ML
    • Integrate data from multiple sources, including process recipes, equipment logs, sensor data, metrology results, defect inspection, and production history.
    • Translate analytical results into clear engineering insights and actionable recommendations.
    • Communicate these findings to engineers and managers.
    • Work with engineers to distinguish correlation from likely physical or process-driven causation.
    • Develop reusable data pipelines, analytical tools, dashboards, and model-monitoring methods.
    • Support design of experiments, process characterization, and continuous improvement activities.
    • Help establish best practices for data quality, feature engineering, model validation, documentation, and responsible use of AI in development and manufacturing.

Education & Experience
  • The Candidate will have a minimum of 5 years of experience with AI, preferably including ML, preferably with experience in statistical analytic techniques.
  • A Bachelor's degree in Data Science, Engineering, Science, Computer Science or Mathematics is required, a Master's degree is preferred.

Skills

The candidate will have competency in several of the following areas:
  • Several years of professional experience applying machine learning, artificial intelligence, advanced statistics, and data science to real-world engineering or manufacturing problems.
  • Experience with SQL and modern data-processing or data-platform technologies.
  • Strong knowledge of statistical methods, experimental design, regression, classification, clustering, anomaly detection, and model evaluation.
  • Programming skills in Python and experience with common data-science and machine-learning libraries.
  • Experience in AI/ML model deployment through RESTful APIs, containerization, and container orchestration.
  • Experience with cloud-based ML training and inference using AWS, GCP, Azure, or Databricks is a plus.
  • Experience working with structured, time-series, sensor, or high-volume manufacturing data.
  • Exposure to wafer fabrication, photonics, and telecommunications is a plus.
  • Ability to work collaboratively with domain experts and explain complex analytical results in practical engineering terms.
  • Demonstrated ability to take an analysis from problem definition through deployment, validation, and communication of results.

Working Conditions

The job is on-site for the first three months, with the possibility to convert to hybrid afterwards. The job requires weekly morning hours and occasional evening and weekend hours. Travel to other Coherent sites in the Bay Area and the US may be possible to share knowledge with other experts.

Physical Requirements
  • Sitting or standing several hours per day, with the option of having a sit-stand desk.
  • Extensive keyboard and mouse work.

Safety Requirements

All employees are required to follow the site EHS procedures and Coherent Corp. Corporate EHS standards.

Quality and Environmental Responsibilities

Depending on location, this position may be responsible for the execution and maintenance of the ISO 9000, 9001, 14001 and/or other applicable standards that may apply to the relevant roles and responsibilities within the Quality Management System and Environmental Management System.

About Coherent

Coherent, Inc. is a global leader in providing laser-based solutions to a broad range of commercial and scientific research customers. The company designs, manufactures, and markets lasers, laser-based systems, precision optics, and related accessories for a diverse group of customers. Coherent's markets include scientific research, OEM components and instrumentation, microelectronics, materials processing, and life sciences. The company's products are used in a wide range of applications. Coherent was founded in 1966 and is headquartered in Santa Clara, California.
Learn more about Coherent
Size
5,085 employees
Market Cap
$4.6 billion
Industry
Net Income
-$419.7 million
Founded
1966
5 Year Trend
+27.8%
Revenue
$1.2 billion
NASDAQ

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