Director, Data Science & Analytics

Coherent

About The Position

The Director of Data Science & Analytics will build and lead the team that turns Coherent’s manufacturing, supply chain, and commercial data into better decisions. The role sets the analytics strategy, delivers production machine learning, and partners with operations, engineering, finance, and sales leaders. Its work is intended to improve yield, capacity planning, cost, and speed to market as the company scales output for AI infrastructure customers. The Director will define and run the data science and analytics roadmap, connect initiatives to business goals, and track measurable returns. The position leads predictive modeling, machine learning, and statistical analysis; develops the team; guides data and ML infrastructure across global fabs and sites; translates analysis into executive recommendations and operational solutions; and establishes data-quality, governance, and model-risk standards. The role also evaluates emerging methods such as generative AI and LLMs, piloting and scaling those that demonstrate value. The position requires compliance with site EHS procedures and Coherent Corp. Corporate EHS standards. Depending on location, it may also involve executing and maintaining applicable ISO and other standards within the Quality Management System and Environmental Management System. The employee is expected to adhere to the company’s ICARE values: Integrity, Collaboration, Accountability, Respect, and Enthusiasm.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in statistics, computer science, mathematics, engineering, economics, or a related field.
10+ years of experience in data science or analytics.
5+ years of experience leading teams of data scientists, analysts, or engineers.
Hands-on expertise in Python and SQL, machine learning, statistical modeling, and experimental design.
Track record of taking models from prototype to production and measuring their business value.
Experience with modern data and ML platforms, such as Databricks, Snowflake, Spark, or AWS, Azure, or GCP services.
Clear, concise communication with executives and non-technical partners.
Ability to rank competing priorities by business impact and decline lower-priority work.

Nice To Haves

Master’s or PhD in a quantitative field.
Experience in semiconductor, photonics, optical networking, or other high-tech manufacturing.
Familiarity with manufacturing data, such as MES, SPC, test and yield data, or equipment sensor data.
Experience deploying generative AI or LLM solutions in an enterprise setting.
Certifications such as AWS Machine Learning, Databricks, PMP, or CIPP.

Responsibilities

Define and run Coherent’s data science and analytics roadmap, tie initiatives to business goals, and track measurable returns.
Lead development and deployment of predictive models, machine learning, and statistical analysis, especially for yield and process optimization, predictive maintenance, demand forecasting, and supply chain planning.
Hire, develop, and manage data scientists, analysts, and ML and data engineers, creating a culture of rigor, ownership, and collaboration.
Guide data and ML infrastructure, including cloud data platforms, pipelines, MLOps, and BI tools, so it can scale across global fabs and sites.
Translate complex analysis into clear recommendations for executives and partner with operations, engineering, product, finance, and sales to put solutions into daily use.
Set data-quality, governance, and model-risk standards and ensure compliance with security, privacy, and export-control requirements.
Evaluate emerging methods, including generative AI and LLMs, and pilot and scale those that prove their value.
Follow site EHS procedures and Coherent Corp. Corporate EHS standards.
Depending on location, execute and maintain applicable ISO and other standards relevant to the role within the Quality Management System and Environmental Management System.
Adhere to the company’s ICARE values in all aspects of the position.