Principal Plasma and Laser Physics Engineer

Introduction to the job

Help solve some of the most complex physics and engineering challenges in the semiconductor industry.

As a Principal Plasma and Laser Physics Engineer on the EUV Source Performance team in San Diego, you’ll help ensure that ASML’s EUV light sources meet or exceed customer performance requirements. You’ll develop deep system-level expertise and work at the intersection of laser physics, plasma physics, optics, controls, data analysis, and system engineering.

You’ll contribute throughout the product development lifecycle, from early technology development and system definition through integration, validation, field introduction, and sustaining support. Your work will help improve the performance, reliability, and availability of EUV source technology used by customers around the world.

Role and responsibilities

You’ll be part of the EUV Source Performance team, working across disciplines to characterize system performance, validate new technologies, troubleshoot complex issues, and drive continuous improvement of EUV source products.

As a Principal Plasma and Laser Physics Engineer, you’ll:

• Develop system-level expertise of the EUV light source and serve as a technical expert in areas such as laser light generation and amplification, laser-plasma interaction, debris mitigation, optics, and control systems.
• Apply physics-based models, analytical methods, and experimental techniques to characterize and improve EUV source performance across multiple technical disciplines.
• Design and execute experiments to validate hardware and software performance, investigate technical issues, and verify system and subsystem requirements.
• Collect, process, and analyze large data sets using tools such as MATLAB and Python to assess system performance, identify technical risks, and determine root causes.
• Develop and review system and subsystem test plans, ensuring traceability between functional requirements, test methods, and performance results.
• Lead structured troubleshooting and root-cause analysis of complex system-level issues and recommend improvements to performance, reliability, serviceability, and system design.
• Collaborate with systems engineering, development engineering, scientists, manufacturing, customer support, marketing, and other teams to establish technical direction and resolve cross-functional challenges.
• Support customer-site escalations through remote and on-site troubleshooting, data analysis, recovery planning, and technical guidance while transferring knowledge to factory and field engineering teams.
• Document and communicate technical findings, test results, recommendations, and lessons learned while helping drive. technology improvements and future product development.
• Other duties as assigned.

Education and experience

To help us tackle the technical challenges we face, you’ll need a strong background in physics or engineering combined with experience solving complex technical problems.

As a Principal Plasma and Laser Physics Engineer, you’ll need:

• Bachelor’s degree with at least 10 years of relevant experience, Master’s degree with at least 8 years of relevant experience, or PhD with at least 5 years of relevant experience in Plasma Physics, Engineering Physics, Applied Physics, or a related technical discipline.
• Strong knowledge and experience in one or more areas such as optics, lasers, laser-induced plasma, plasma physics, optical metrology, or control systems.
• Experience applying physics and engineering principles to complex system-level problems.
• Experience designing experiments, developing test plans, analyzing results, and performing root-cause analysis.
• Experience with complex system or subsystem integration, characterization, validation, and troubleshooting.
• Experience with semiconductor equipment development or other complex high-tech systems is a plus.

Skills

Working at the cutting edge of technology, you’ll regularly encounter technical challenges that require collaboration across disciplines. You’ll work closely with scientists, engineers, customer support teams, manufacturing organizations, and other groups to solve problems and improve product performance.

To thrive in this job, you’ll need the following skills:

• Strong understanding of complex system integration and multidisciplinary engineering.
• Strong knowledge of optics, lasers, plasma generation, and/or control systems.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and structured troubleshooting capabilities.
• Proficiency with data analysis and scientific computing tools such as MATLAB and Python.
• Ability to analyze large data sets, identify meaningful trends, and communicate results through concise written and graphical formats
• Hands-on ability to set up and operate optical, laser, plasma, electrical, and diagnostic test equipment.
• Ability to translate product and design requirements into comprehensive test plans, experiments, and technical procedures.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to clearly explain complex technical concepts.
• Ability to build effective working relationships and influence technical direction across teams, disciplines, and organizations.
• Ability to independently define and execute technical activities while managing multiple priorities.
• Ability to translate technical knowledge and hands-on experience into procedures, documentation, and training for other engineers.
• Willingness to travel as needed to support troubleshooting, system performance recovery, and customer-site activities.

Other Information

• This position is located on-site in San Diego, CA .  It requires onsite presence to attend in-person work-related events, trainings and meetings and to further ensure teamwork, collaboration and innovation.
• A flexible workplace arrangement may be available to employees working in roles conducive to remote work (up to two days a week).
• Routinely required to sit; walk; talk; hear; use hands to keyboard, finger, handle, and feel; stoop, kneel, crouch, twist, reach, and stretch. Occasionally required to move around the campus.
• Occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
• Must be willing to work in a clean room environment, wearing coveralls, hoods, booties, safety glasses and gloves for entire duration of shift.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee routinely is required to sit; walk; talk; hear; use hands to keyboard, finger, handle, and feel; stoop, kneel, crouch, twist, reach, and stretch.

#LI-MO1

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

$172,875-253,550

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.

Need to know more about applying for a job at ASML? Read our frequently asked questions.

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.