Principal AI Data Scientist – Wafer Fabrication
Coherent Corp. US Open · verified Oct 22, 2026 At a glance
Senior AI Research role at Coherent Corp. US. Fremont · full-time · no salary stated · we estimate $160,550–$249,500 across the United States.
Coherent Corp. US has not published a salary for this role. The figure below is our estimate, not theirs.
aimlroles summary, based on the employer's posting.
What you'll do
- Analyze fabrication, equipment and sensor data to detect process anomalies and investigate wafer or lot excursions
- Use statistical and machine-learning methods to predict yield and identify likely causes of manufacturing issues
- Combine recipes, equipment logs, inspection results and production records into useful analyses
- Turn findings into practical engineering recommendations, and explain them to engineers and managers
- Build reusable data pipelines, analytical tools and dashboards, while supporting experiments and model validation
What you bring
- At least five years applying AI, preferably including machine learning, with statistical analysis experience preferred
- A bachelor's degree in data science, engineering, science, computer science or mathematics
- Professional machine-learning or data-science experience on real engineering or manufacturing problems
- You can take an analysis from defining the problem through deployment, validation and communicating results
Who this fits
This senior role suits someone who can work with engineering experts and explain analytical findings in practical terms. The position is on-site for its first three months, with a possible move to hybrid afterward. Weekly morning hours are required, with occasional evening and weekend work; travel to other sites may be needed.
From the employer
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
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The Candidate will have a minimum of 5 years of experience with AI, preferably including ML, preferably with experience in statistical analytic techniques.
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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
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 talentacquisition@coherent.com.