Senior/Lead Engineer

Socket.dev; Sherman (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Coherent Corp. is seeking a data analytics and AI/ML specialist to drive intelligent manufacturing initiatives in wafer fabrication.

You will lead cross-functional teams to deliver AI/ML, automation, APC, and FDC solutions that boost yield, stability, and throughput. You will collect and analyze factory data, build scalable ETL workflows, and deploy predictive models for maintenance, anomaly detection, and process control.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Identify, prioritize, and collaborate with cross-functional engineering teams on AI/ML, Factory Automation, APC, and FDC projects that deliver the highest ROI across wafer fabrication facilities.
• Develop, deploy, maintain, and enhance AI/ML apps, Factory Automation solutions, APC controllers, and FDC models to improve yield, stability, and equipment performance.
• Collect, integrate, and analyze manufacturing data from MES, process tools, metrology systems, sensors, and databases.
• Design and maintain scalable ETL pipelines and data workflows for advanced analytics, ML, and intelligent manufacturing.
• Develop ML models and analytics for yield prediction, process optimization, anomaly detection, predictive maintenance, and process control.
• Design predictive analytics, dashboards, and decision-support apps to enable proactive issue detection and data-driven decisions.
• Translate process engineering needs into integrated AI/ML and automation solutions for tool-specific optimization.
• Support equipment integration using SECS/GEM, MES, and factory automation infrastructure.
• Assist new equipment installations and process transfers with robust automation and AI/ML solutions.
• Troubleshoot automation, APC, FDC, data integration, and equipment communication issues.

Skills

Leadership

Collaboration

Problem solving

Data analytics

Statistics

Semiconductor processes

Education

BS/MS in STEM

Equivalent degree in STEM fields

Job description

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

• Identify, prioritize, and collaborate with cross-functional engineering teams on AI/ML, Factory Automation, APC, and FDC projects that deliver the highest operational impact and return on investment (ROI) across the wafer fabrication facility.
• Develop, deploy, maintain, and enhance AI/ML applications, Factory Automation solutions, Advanced Process Control (APC) controllers, and Fault Detection & Classification (FDC) models to improve yield, process stability, equipment performance, throughput, and overall manufacturing efficiency.
• Collect, integrate, and analyze manufacturing data generated through Factory Automation, APC, FDC, MES, process tools, metrology systems, equipment sensors, and manufacturing databases.
• Design, develop, and maintain scalable ETL (Extract, Transform, Load) pipelines and data engineering workflows to acquire, cleanse, transform, and integrate manufacturing data for advanced analytics, machine learning, and intelligent manufacturing applications.
• Develop machine learning models and advanced analytics solutions for yield prediction, process optimization, anomaly detection, predictive maintenance, equipment health monitoring, process drift detection, root cause analysis, and intelligent process control.
• Design and implement predictive analytics, dashboards, and decision-support applications that enable proactive identification of manufacturing issues and data-driven decision making.
• Translate process engineering requirements and customer requests into integrated AI/ML, automation, APC, and FDC solutions for specific process tools, process areas, and fab-wide optimization initiatives.
• Support semiconductor equipment integration using SECS/GEM communication standards, Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES), and factory automation infrastructure.
• Support new equipment installations, product introductions, and process technology transfers by implementing robust automation, APC/FDC, and AI/ML solutions.
• Troubleshoot and resolve automation, APC, FDC, data integration, database, and equipment communication issues to ensure reliable manufacturing operations.
• Collaborate with Process, Equipment, Manufacturing, Yield Enhancement, and IT teams to deploy intelligent manufacturing solutions and continuously improve yield, throughput, cycle time, equipment effectiveness (OEE), and engineering productivity.

Education & Experience

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

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].

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!