Optical Contamination and Cleaning Engineer

Introduction to the job

The Advanced Processing Optical Cleaning Engineer will support the cleaning and preparation of precision optical components. This is a 2nd shift, hands-on engineering role with significant time spent working directly with optical components, cleaning equipment, chemicals, technicians, and production processes.

The engineer will support daily manufacturing, execute cleaning test plans, troubleshoot process issues, and implement practical improvements to reduce contamination and defects. This role is ideal for an engineer who enjoys hands-on work and wants to develop expertise in optical cleaning and contamination control.

Role and responsibilities

Shift Details: Monday through Friday 2:00PM - 10:30PM

• Support manual, chemical, ultrasonic, and automated cleaning processes for precision optical components.
• Prepare and evaluate optical surfaces before optical coating, including identification of particles, stains, residues, and other surface quality imperfections.
• Work directly with technicians to troubleshoot cleaning, handling, equipment, and contamination issues during 2nd shift production.
• Execute engineering experiments, cleaning trials, and qualification activities to evaluate chemicals, process parameters, and cleaning methods.
• Collect and analyze process data to identify trends, variation, and opportunities for improvement.
• Participate in root-cause investigations involving cleaning, contamination, handling, and coating defects.
• Support cleaning and contamination measurement equipment, including troubleshooting, qualification, and process improvements.
• Develop and maintain work instructions, test plans, process specifications, and qualification documentation.
• Train and support technicians on cleaning processes and process changes.
• Coordinate with optical coating, equipment engineering, quality, and operations teams to resolve production issues and support continuous improvement.
• Communicate production issues, experiments, and unresolved technical concerns between shifts.
• Follow applicable chemical handling, cleanroom, and EHS requirements.

Education and experience

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Chemistry, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related technical field.
• Minimum 3 years of relevant engineering, laboratory, or manufacturing experience.
• Hands-on experience in a laboratory, manufacturing, cleanroom, chemical processing, or equipment environment preferred.
• Experience with precision optics, optical coating, optical cleaning processes, or contamination control is preferred.
• Familiarity with structured problem solving, SPC, or manufacturing process control is a plus.
• Experience with Excel, Minitab, JMP, Python, MATLAB, or similar analysis tools is beneficial but not required.

Skills

• Strong interest in hands-on engineering and working directly with manufacturing processes and equipment.
• Attention to detail when handling sensitive optical components and executing controlled processes.
• Able to work independently, troubleshoot problems systematically, and recognize when issues require escalation.
• Comfortable performing repetitive engineering tests and detailed process work when necessary.
• Interested in learning and developing deeper expertise in optical cleaning and coating processes.
• Position is assigned to 2nd shift and involves significant work in cleanroom, laboratory, and production environments.
• Some schedule flexibility may be required for training or coordination with 1st shift engineering teams.

The current base annual salary range for this role is currently $87,150 - $159,775

Additional Responsibilities: There is potential for exposure to strong magnetic fields, high voltage and currents.

The current base annual salary range for this role is currently:

$0-0

Pay scales are determined by role, level, location and alignment with market data. Individual pay is determined through interviews and an assessment of several factors that that are unique to each candidate, including but not limited to job-related skills, relevant education and experience, certifications, abilities of the candidate and pay relative to other team members.

The Company offers employees and their families, medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance. Employees are able to participate in the Company’s 401k plan. Employees will also receive eight (8) hours of vacation leave every month and (13) paid holidays throughout the calendar year. For more information, please contact the Recruiter or click on this link Compensation & Benefits in the US.

All new ASML jobs have a minimum application deadline of 10 days.

This position requires access to controlled technology, as defined in the United States Export Administration Regulations (15 C.F.R. § 730, et seq.). Qualified candidates must be legally authorized to access such controlled technology prior to beginning work. Business demands may require ASML to proceed with candidates who are immediately eligible to access controlled technology.

Inclusion and diversity

ASML is an Equal Opportunity Employer that values and respects the importance of a diverse and inclusive workforce. It is the policy of the company to recruit, hire, train and promote persons in all job titles without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, or gender identity. We recognize that inclusion and diversity is a driving force in the success of our company.

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Request an Accommodation

ASML provides reasonable accommodations to applicants for ASML employment and ASML employees with disabilities.  An accommodation is a change in work rules, facilities, or conditions which enable an individual with a disability to apply for a job, perform the essential functions of a job, and/or enjoy equal access to the benefits and privileges of employment. If you are in need of an accommodation to complete an application, participate in an interview, or otherwise participate in the employee pre-selection process, please send an email to [email protected] to initiate the company’s reasonable accommodation process.

Please note: This email address is solely intended to provide a method for applicants to initiate ASML’s process to request accommodation(s). Any recruitment questions should be directed to the designated Talent Acquisition member for the position.