Data ScientistCelestial AI

Data Scientist at Celestial AI — Career Guide 2026

Discover the Data Scientist role at Celestial AI, a leader in photonic interconnect for AI. Learn about responsibilities, skills, and interview process.

Company

Celestial AI

Role

Data Scientist

Salary Range

$160K-$240K

Interview

5-6 rounds

Role Overview

As a Data Scientist at Celestial AI, you will play a crucial role in optimizing and advancing the performance of photonic interconnect solutions for AI. This involves analyzing vast amounts of experimental, simulation, and operational data to identify bottlenecks, improve efficiency, and predict system behavior. You will apply advanced statistical methods, machine learning, and data visualization techniques to derive actionable insights that directly contribute to the development of next-generation AI hardware. Your work will be instrumental in pushing the boundaries of high-speed, low-latency data transfer for AI workloads.

Key Responsibilities

  • Develop and implement statistical models and machine learning algorithms to analyze optical and electrical performance data.
  • Identify trends, anomalies, and correlations in complex datasets related to photonic interconnects and AI accelerators.
  • Design and execute experiments to validate hypotheses and optimize system parameters.
  • Collaborate with hardware engineers, physicists, and software teams to integrate data-driven insights into product development.
  • Create compelling visualizations and reports to communicate findings to technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Required Skills

Strong background in statistics, machine learning, and data analysis. Proficiency in Python (NumPy, Pandas, scikit-learn, Matplotlib) and SQL. Experience with time-series analysis, anomaly detection, and predictive modeling. Familiarity with hardware-related data, sensor data, or high-performance computing environments is highly advantageous. Knowledge of optics, photonics, or semiconductor physics is a significant plus. Excellent problem-solving abilities and strong communication skills are required.

Interview Process

The interview process for a Data Scientist at Celestial AI typically spans 5-6 rounds. It begins with a recruiter screen, followed by a technical phone screen focusing on statistics, ML fundamentals, and Python coding. Subsequent stages include a take-home data challenge or live coding session, followed by an onsite (or virtual) loop. This loop will involve interviews with data science team members, hardware engineers, and the hiring manager, covering behavioral questions, in-depth ML/statistics, case studies related to hardware data, and system design thinking. Expect questions on experimental design and data interpretation.

Salary & Compensation

Data Scientists at Celestial AI can expect a highly competitive salary range of $160,000 to $240,000 annually, depending on experience, expertise, and contribution. The compensation package typically includes a strong base salary, significant equity (stock options or RSUs), and performance bonuses. Benefits often include comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance, generous paid time off, and opportunities for professional growth in a cutting-edge field.

Why Join

Joining Celestial AI offers a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of AI and photonics, a field poised for massive growth. You'll be part of a team innovating at the fundamental hardware level, directly impacting the future of AI computing. The company provides a challenging yet rewarding environment, fostering collaboration and offering the chance to tackle complex problems with real-world implications. This role is ideal for those passionate about applying data science to hardware optimization and advanced technology.

Tips for Applicants

  1. Emphasize Hardware/Physics Data: Highlight any experience working with sensor data, experimental data, or data from physical systems, especially in optics or semiconductors.
  2. Showcase Statistical Rigor: Be prepared to discuss your understanding of statistical inference, experimental design, and how to draw robust conclusions from noisy data.
  3. Demonstrate Problem-Solving for Optimization: Focus on examples where you've used data to optimize performance, diagnose issues, or improve efficiency in complex systems.