Principal AI Data Scientist – Wafer Fabrication

Aimlroles; Iowa; On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Coherent Corp. seeks a skilled AI/ML data scientist to analyze complex manufacturing datasets and develop predictive models for process optimization.

You will build data pipelines, deploy models via RESTful APIs, and collaborate with engineers to translate analytics into actionable improvements. Hybrid work possible after an initial on-site period.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of experience applying machine learning, AI, and statistical methods to engineering or manufacturing problems.
• Bachelor's degree required in a related field; master's preferred.

Responsibilities

• Analyze datasets from wafer fabrication processes, equipment, sensors, metrology, and MES systems.
• Apply AI/ML and statistical techniques for process monitoring, anomaly detection, yield analysis, and root-cause investigation.
• Develop reusable data pipelines, analytical tools, dashboards, and model monitoring methods.
• Communicate findings clearly to engineers and managers; translate results into actionable recommendations.
• Collaborate with domain experts and distinguish correlation from causation.
• Support design of experiments and continuous improvement activities.
• Establish best practices for data quality, feature engineering, and model validation.

Skills

Machine learning

AI

Statistics

SQL

Python

RESTful APIs

Cloud ML

Time-series data

Data engineering

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Data Science/Engineering/Science/CS/Math

Master's degree preferred

Tools

AWS/Azure/GCP

Databricks

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.

CultureCommitment

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

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

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].