Potential career pivoting with semiconductor process + ML? /u/CollegeSTman CSCQ protests reddit

Hi, I’m working for a big semiconductor equipment company in process team and I’ve recently started learning Python and ML in coursera just because it’s fun. Now since I think it fits my interest pretty well, I thought it wouldn’t be bad idea if I can pivot my career to ML side or at least find a job that applies ML to semiconductor or mechanical/materials area (I got mechanical PhD with material focuses) – I would just broadly call it ‘hardware’. My plan is to finish coursera ML specialization and deep learning specialization. And then do GT OMSA since I think at least a degree will be required for pivoting. So I’m thinking of this plan as 4y project. All coursera courses and online GT master are sponsored by the company. Current role is not horrible, but I think work life balance could be better than this and also hoping to increase TC with this ML skill set if possible. My questions are 1. Are there any roles that require both ML and semiconductor or other hardware expertise? I believe there are some in heavy simulation, but I’m wondering other than that. If not, should I look at data scientist roles? 2. It is fun to learn but increasing TC is another reason. But as I mentioned, I’m having trouble finding relevant job and thus I can’t estimate my future possible TC. Will my TC increase overall or it will depend? Any advice will be appreciated. Thanks.

Hi, I’m working for a big semiconductor equipment company in process team and I’ve recently started learning Python and ML in coursera just because it’s fun. Now since I think it fits my interest pretty well, I thought it wouldn’t be bad idea if I can pivot my career to ML side or at least find a job that applies ML to semiconductor or mechanical/materials area (I got mechanical PhD with material focuses) – I would just broadly call it ‘hardware’. My plan is to finish coursera ML specialization and deep learning specialization. And then do GT OMSA since I think at least a degree will be required for pivoting. So I’m thinking of this plan as 4y project. All coursera courses and online GT master are sponsored by the company. Current role is not horrible, but I think work life balance could be better than this and also hoping to increase TC with this ML skill set if possible. My questions are 1. Are there any roles that require both ML and semiconductor or other hardware expertise? I believe there are some in heavy simulation, but I’m wondering other than that. If not, should I look at data scientist roles? 2. It is fun to learn but increasing TC is another reason. But as I mentioned, I’m having trouble finding relevant job and thus I can’t estimate my future possible TC. Will my TC increase overall or it will depend? Any advice will be appreciated. Thanks.