Head of AI Strategy

Location: Fremont, CA
Department: Strategy & Technology
Reports To: Chief Executive Officer
Type: Full-Time | Exempt | Hybrid

About Enablence

Enablence Technologies is building what comes next in communication — where light replaces electricity as the medium for data and intelligence exchange. Our photonic semiconductor technology enables AI systems to interact faster, with lower power consumption and unprecedented precision.

We’re at an inflection point. AI is driving every major advancement in science and industry, and Enablence is engineering the hardware that makes those advances possible.

The Opportunity

The Head of AI Strategy will define how Enablence uses artificial intelligence across research, manufacturing, and operations. This role combines strategic oversight with hands-on technical direction — guiding how AI supports production efficiency, predictive analytics, data visibility, and next-generation product development.

You will lead the design and implementation of Enablence’s AI roadmap: from model deployment in wafer inspection to generative-AI tools that make engineering knowledge searchable and usable across the company.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Direction

• Build and execute Enablence’s enterprise AI roadmap focused on measurable operational value and competitive advantage.
• Develop frameworks for AI governance, investment prioritization, and ethical implementation.
• Partner with leadership to align AI initiatives with business goals, R&D milestones, and customer commitments.

Technical Execution

• Oversee development of computer vision and predictive models for yield improvement, defect detection, and process optimization.
• Lead integration of large-language models and internal GPT tools that enhance decision support and documentation retrieval.
• Define and standardize MLOps pipelines for reliable deployment, monitoring, and model refresh.
• Collaborate with engineering and operations to embed AI into manufacturing systems and data infrastructure.

Leadership & Influence

• Build a small, high-caliber AI/ML team with clear accountability for results.
• Promote adoption of AI-driven problem solving across R&D, Operations, and Quality.
• Serve as the primary advocate for AI capability development within Enablence and with external research partners.

Qualifications

• Master’s or PhD in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Data Science, or related discipline.
• 8–12 years of progressive experience leading AI or ML initiatives in semiconductor, photonics, or advanced manufacturing sectors.
• Expertise in CNNs, computer vision, and generative AI applications.
• Proven ability to translate data science into business impact — improving yield, throughput, or decision accuracy.
• Solid grasp of MLOps, data governance, and AI risk management.
• Strong communication and leadership skills with a pragmatic, delivery-focused approach.

Preferred Background

• Experience linking AI with MES or ERP systems.
• Familiarity with optical inspection, sensor analytics, or photonic test systems.
• Record of building internal AI platforms or knowledge retrieval systems.

Why Join Enablence

• Impact: Lead the AI function in a company transforming how machines exchange intelligence.
• Ownership: Drive initiatives from concept to measurable results without layers of bureaucracy.
• Innovation: Collaborate directly with R&D and operations teams solving real technical challenges in photonics and manufacturing.
• Growth: Influence a business scaling globally while developing industry-defining technology.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $180,000.00 - $220,000.00 per year

Work Location: In person