Prashanth Kumar

About Prashanth Kumar

Driving Strategic Growth Through AI/ML Innovation and Systems LeadershipI lead the design, development, and deployment of AI/ML-powered products and automation systems that transform complex challenges into scalable, high-impact solutions.With deep expertise across product management, systems engineering, and digital transformation, I deliver end-to-end product strategies — from customer discovery to full-scale platform adoption. I led the creation and expansion of Applied Materials’ AIx platform, building a strategic AI foundation that reshaped how the organisation scales technology and optimises operations.Focused on aligning technology innovation with business needs, I turn complexity into competitive advantage — building systems that are not just powerful, but built to endure and evolve.Core Skills & Expertise Strategic Product Leadership: Defining and executing AI/ML product strategies that align technology innovation with business growth. AI/ML-Driven Systems Innovation: Building cross-functional platforms that automate complex workflows and drive operational transformation. End-to-End Lifecycle Management: Leading the complete journey from market discovery to scalable product delivery across global teams. Digital Transformation Execution: Driving AI/ML adoption to modernise operations, optimise system performance, and strengthen organisational resilience. Hardware-Software Integration: Delivering seamless AI-enhanced solutions that bridge complex systems across engineering and production environments. Operational Excellence & Reliability: Implementing AI/ML validation frameworks that enhance product quality, accelerate deployment, and drive continuous improvement.

Experience

1. Senior Program Manager

   Yield Engineering Systems

   May 2024 — Present · Fremont, CA, US

   A semiconductor manufacturing startup specializing in advanced thermal, chemical, and plasma processing equipment.I managed a $17M product portfolio, leading strategic planning, resolving project escalations, and coordinating cross-functional teams to deliver solutions that aligned with customer requirements and business goals. Revived a $5M program by qualifying tools within 1 month: Successfully managed end-to-end customer engagement, mitigated risks, and delivered a solution, restoring stakeholder confidence through daily interactions. Redesigned customer-specific tools for the Chinese market: Collaborated with clients to re-engineer existing systems and resolve design flaws, fostering long-term partnerships via hands-on involvement and weekly updates. Led development of next-gen systems: Managed programs from inception, gathering requirements, aligning expectations, and coordinating with software engineers to integrate solutions for a sensitive, high-stakes product.

Education

• National Institute of Information Technology, Chennai, IN

  Diploma, Information Technology

  1999 — 2002

• University of Madras, Chennai, IN

  Bachelor of Engineering (B.E.), Electrical and Electronics Engineering

  1999 — 2003

• The University of New Mexico

  Master of Science (M.S.), Electrical Engineering

  2004 — 2007

• The University of New Mexico

  Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Electrical Engineering

  2007 — 2011

Skills

• Plasma Physics
• Uwb Antennas
• Antennas
• Data Anaylsis
• Simulations
• Data Governance
• Anechoic Chamber
• Strategic Planning
• Experimentation
• Design of Experiments
• Quality Assurance
• Python
• Microcontroller Programming
• Latex
• Rapid Prototyping
• C++
• Cst Microwave Studio
• Numerical Analysis
• Algorithm Development
• Electrostatic Chuck
• Matlab
• Electromagnetics
• Six Sigma
• R
• Root Cause Analysis
• Systems Engineering
• Characterization
• Project Management
• Hardware
• Effective Problem Solving
• Firmware
• Rf and Electrical Circuits
• Modeling
• Critical Thinking
• Process Improvement
• Ansys
• Teamwork
• Engineering
• Machine Learning
• Semiconductors