Senior Machine Learning Engineer, Defect Quality & Systems

Samsung Electronics • Taylor, TX

4d • $106,000 - $145,000 • Onsite

About The Position

Samsung Austin Semiconductor is seeking a Senior Machine Learning Engineer to serve as a technical lead within the Defect Engineering Systems group. The role drives strategy for in-house machine learning models that detect and classify critical defects in real time, covering the full ML lifecycle from defining classification logic with module owners to architecting scalable vision models for a high-throughput, 24/7 manufacturing environment. The engineer will develop models, mentor junior engineers, and establish best practices for deployment, validation, and maintenance.

The role also involves translating physical defect characteristics into modeling proposals and classification frameworks, adapting emerging AI research to semiconductor manufacturing challenges, and improving model performance through feature engineering, hyperparameter tuning, and modern vision architectures. Models must be reliable in production and integrated into the manufacturing environment. The position is full-time and on-site.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in Software Engineering, Computer Science, Data Science, Mathematics, or a related STEM/Engineering field.
• At least 5 years of relevant experience.
• Mastery of open-source machine learning frameworks, including TensorFlow 2.x and PyTorch.
• Proven track record of deploying models into production environments.
• Comfort with command-line interfaces and Linux environments, including Ubuntu.
• Understanding of how to optimize models for hardware performance.
• Ability to communicate complex ML metrics as actionable business insights to engineers and site leadership.
• Experience managing complex technical projects from conception to delivery and adhering to strict deadlines and software design principles.

Nice To Haves

• Semiconductor industry experience is highly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and implementation of machine learning models for defect detection and classification, optimizing accuracy, throughput, and time-to-detection.
• Partner with module owners to translate physical defect characteristics into mathematical modeling proposals and classification frameworks.
• Identify emerging AI research and adapt new architectures to semiconductor manufacturing challenges.
• Improve model performance through feature engineering, hyperparameter tuning, and modern vision architectures such as CNNs and object detection.
• Develop and maintain robust models for a 24/7 production environment, ensuring reliable integration.
• Establish code quality and design principles, mentor junior engineers, and conduct code reviews.
• Manage complex technical projects from conception through delivery while meeting deadlines and software design principles.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Life insurance
• 401(k) matching with immediate vesting
• Onsite cafés and workout facilities
• Paid maternity and paternity leave
• Paid time off, two personal holidays, and ten regular holidays
• Wellness incentives
• Eligible full-time employees may receive MBO bonuses based on company, division, and individual performance
• Competitive benefits package and potential participation in company incentive compensation programs

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior