Lead Engineer, Automation and Application

COHERENT; Sherman (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Coherent Corp. is seeking an experienced Senior AI/ML Data Analytics Engineer to lead development and deployment of image processing solutions for AVI tools in front-end and back-end wafer fab operations.

The role emphasizes building robust ML models, coordinating with automation and process teams, and ensuring data quality across inspection and analytics systems. You will design vision pipelines, perform model training and validation, and enable anomaly prediction for critical semiconductor

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years' experience in data analytics in semiconductor, materials, or a related industry; or demonstrable equivalent abilities.
• BS/MS or equivalent degrees in computer science, software engineering, physics, mathematics, statistics or similar STEM field.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development, deployment, and production support of AI/ML-driven image processing solutions for AVI tools in wafer fab operations.
• Design and sustain advanced vision and image processing pipelines, including defect detection and stitching.
• Develop, train, validate, and maintain ML models for optical inspection in high-volume manufacturing.
• Integrate AI/ML with fab automation systems for anomaly prediction and early detection.
• Collaborate with automation, operations, process engineering, and equipment teams to deploy and sustain solutions.
• Ensure reliable data foundations for inspection and analytics across equipment and systems.
• Apply analytics and ML to improve throughput, stability, yield, and root-cause identification.
• Respond to production issues to minimize downtime and meet performance requirements.

Skills

Leadership

Collaboration

Data modeling

Statistics

Semiconductor knowledge

Education

BS/MS or equivalent in CS/SE/Physics/Math/Statistics

Job description

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

• Lead the development, deployment, and production support of AI/ML-driven wafer-level and die-level image processing solutions for Automated Visual Inspection (AVI) tools used in front-end and back-end wafer fab operations.

• Design, implement, and sustain advanced vision and image processing pipelines, including Crack detection and advanced defect classification, Die-to-die and wafer-level image stitching, Optical inspection data analysis

• Develop, train, validate, and maintain machine learning models used in AI-powered optical inspection, ensuring robustness, accuracy, and scalability in high-volume manufacturing environments.

• Integrate AI/ML-based solutions with fab automation systems, leveraging in-situ equipment and process data to enable anomaly prediction and early detection for critical processes.

• Work hands-on in the fab environment with automation team members, operations, process engineering, and equipment engineering teams to deploy, debug, and sustain automation, inspection, and process control solutions.

• Ensure reliable data foundations for inspection and process control applications, including data quality, traceability, and consistency across equipment, inspection, and analytics systems.

• Apply advanced analytics and machine learning techniques to improve inspection throughput and accuracy, process stability and yield, and root-cause identification

• Support high-volume manufacturing operations by responding to production issues, minimizing downtime, and ensuring automation and inspection systems meet fab performance and reliability requirements.

Education & Experience

• Minimum 5 years' experience in data analytics in semiconductor, materials, or a related industry; or demonstratable equivalent abilities.

• BS/MS or equivalent degrees in computer science, software engineering, physics, mathematics, statistics or similar STEM field.

Skills

• Leadership capabilities to independently lead complex technical initiatives, provide technical direction in AVI, AI/ML, and automation efforts, and influence cross-functional teams without direct authority.

• Strong interpersonal, collaboration, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to work effectively in high-pressure manufacturing environments.

• Experience modeling, analyzing, and validating complex, imperfect real-world manufacturing and inspection datasets, including image and in-situ equipment data.

• Strong understanding of statistical fundamentals and their application to machine learning, defect detection, process monitoring, and anomaly identification.

• Solid knowledge of semiconductor manufacturing processes; background in process engineering, materials science, or related natural sciences is a plus.

Working Conditions

• This role is 100% onsite

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sustainably work on a computer full-time.

• Willingness and ability to work in a cleanroom environment as needed for system integration, testing, or troubleshooting activities.

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.

Culture Commitment

Ensure adherence to company’s values (ICARE) in all aspects of your position at Coherent Corp.:

I ntegrity – Create an Environment of Trust

C ollaboration – Innovate Through the Sharing of Ideas

A ccountability – Own the Process and the Outcome

R espect – Recognize the Value in Everyone

E nthusiasm – Find a Sense of Purpose in Work

Coherent Corp. is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.

If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at [e-mail] .

ABOUT US

Coherent is a global leader in lasers, engineered materials and networking components. We are a vertically integrated manufacturing company that develops innovative products for diversified applications in the industrial, optical communications, military, life sciences, semiconductor equipment, and consumer markets. Coherent provides a comprehensive career development platform within an environment that challenges employees to perform at their best, while rewarding excellence and hard-work through a competitive compensation program. It's an exciting opportunity to work for a company that offers stability, longevity and growth. Come Join Us!