Principal AI Data Scientist – Wafer Fabrication

Coherent Corp.; Fremont (CA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Coherent Corp. is seeking an experienced Data Scientist to analyze large manufacturing datasets from wafer fabrication, sensors, and MES.

You will apply AI/ML techniques to deepen understanding of devices and processes, monitor production, and predict yields, while collaborating with engineers to turn insights into actionable improvements. The role emphasizes building reusable data pipelines, dashboards, and model-monitoring solutions, with involvement in experiments and process

Qualifications

• Experience applying ML/AI to real-world engineering or manufacturing problems.
• Strong background in statistics, experimental design, regression, classification and anomaly detection.
• Proficiency in Python and common data-science libraries; SQL proficiency required.

Responsibilities

• Analyze datasets from wafer fabrication, equipment, sensors, metrology, and MES.
• Apply statistical analysis, AI, ML, and data-mining to improve devices and processes.
• Develop reusable data pipelines, dashboards, and model-monitoring methods.
• Translate results into engineering insights and actionable recommendations.
• Collaborate with engineers; distinguish correlation from causal factors.
• Support design of experiments and continuous improvement activities.

Skills

AI / ML

Statistical Analysis

Data Mining

Python

SQL

Time Series

REST APIs

Cloud ML

Experiment Design

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s in Data Science, Engineering, CS or Mathematics

Master’s preferred

Tools

Docker

Kubernetes

Pandas

Scikit-learn

MLflow

Job description

Job Description

• 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
• 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.

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.

Culture Commitment

• Integrity – Create an Environment of Trust
• Collaboration – Innovate Through the Sharing of Ideas
• Accountability – Own the Process and the Outcome
• Respect – Recognize the Value in Everyone
• Enthusiasm – Find a Sense of Purpose in Work

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!

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].