Staff AI Data Engineer – Wafer Fabrication

Coherent Corp.; Fremont (CA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Coherent Corp. is seeking a data scientist specializing in ML/AI for on-site work in California. You will analyze complex fabrication datasets, apply advanced statistics, and develop data pipelines and dashboards to guide process improvements.

You will collaborate with engineering and manufacturing teams to interpret results, distinguish correlation from causation, and deploy models via APIs and containerized environments. Prior experience with wafer-related data is a plus.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years of professional experience applying ML/AI to engineering or manufacturing problems.
• Bachelor’s degree in Data Science, Engineering, Science, CS or Mathematics required; Master’s preferred.

Responsibilities

• Analyze datasets from wafer fabrication processes, equipment, sensors, metrology systems, and MES.
• Drive forward detailed data analysis across multiple projects using ML/AI tools.
• Apply statistics, AI, ML, and data-mining for device understanding, process monitoring, anomaly detection, and yield analysis.
• Collaborate with teams using AI/ML and integrate data from various sources.
• Translate results into engineering insights and actionable recommendations.
• Develop reusable data pipelines, tools, dashboards, and model monitoring.
• Support DOE, process characterization, and continuous improvement activities.
• Establish best practices for data quality, feature engineering, model validation, and responsible AI use.

Skills

ML & AI

Data analysis

Team collaboration

Large datasets

SQL

Python

AI deployment

Time-series data

Cloud ML

Wafer fabrication exposure

Education

Bachelor's degree in DS/Engineering/CS/Math

Master's degree preferred

Tools

SQL

Python

RESTful APIs

Containerization

Docker

Kubernetes

Databricks

AWS

GCP

Job description

Job Description

• Analyze datasets generated by wafer fabrication processes, equipment, sensors, metrology systems, and manufacturing execution systems.
• Support multiple projects and drive forward detailed data analysis employing various ML/AI tools
• 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.
• Support multiple projects and drive forward detailed data analysis employing various ML/AI tools
• 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 2 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:

• Minimum two years of professional experience applying machine learning, artificial intelligence, and data science to real-world engineering or manufacturing problems.
• Demonstrated ability to work simultaneously on multiple projects, in detail.
• Demonstrated ability to work in teams involving members from Engineering, Manufacturing, MES Data Systems and AI/ML, with the ability to explain complex analytical results in practical engineering terms.
• Experience with handling large data sets in agentic AI/ML.
• Experience with SQL and modern data-processing or data-platform technologies.
• 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 working with structured, time-series, sensor, or high-volume manufacturing data.
• Basic knowledge of statistical methods, experimental design, regression, classification, clustering, anomaly detection, and model evaluation.
• Experience with cloud-based ML training and inference using AWS, GCP, Azure, or Databricks is a plus.
• Exposure to wafer fabrication, photonics, and telecommunications is a plus.
• Demonstrated ability to take small projects 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

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!