Internship-Optical Modeling and Simulation Engineering

ASML US, LLC; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 34,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

ASML US, LLC in San Jose seeks an Optical Modeling and Simulation Engineering Intern to advance research in optical metrology and sensor technologies for advanced semiconductor systems.

You will work with researchers on nano-optics, photonics, and computational electromagnetics, applying numerical methods and software to model light–matter interactions and optimize simulations. This role blends physics, computation, and software development in a fast‑paced, collaborative environment.

Qualifications

• Current pursuit of a master’s degree or PhD in a relevant field.
• Experience with optics, photonics, or computational physics.
• Strong background in computational electromagnetics and Maxwell’s equations.
• Proficiency in Python, MATLAB, or C/C++ on Linux/HPC.

Responsibilities

• Develop advanced computational methods for optical simulation and optimization.
• Create and enhance numerical models of light–matter interactions at nanometer scales.
• Design simulation studies to evaluate concepts and quantify performance.
• Analyze data and interpret results using scientific principles.
• Collaborate with researchers to solve optics and photonics challenges.
• Document findings and present results in reports and talks.
• Contribute to research initiatives for future optical metrology tech.

Skills

Python

MATLAB

C/C++

Linux

HPC

Education

Master's degree or PhD in Physics, Applied Physics, Electrical Engineering, Optics, Photonics, or related field

Tools

FDTD

Maxwell Solver

Scientific Computing

Job description

Are you passionate about computational physics, optical modelling, and solving complex scientific challenges? As a Optical Modeling and Simulation Engineering Intern, you will contribute to advanced research in optical metrology and sensor technologies that support the continued innovation of semiconductor manufacturing systems.

The Optical Modeling and Simulation Engineering Intern role offers an opportunity to work on cutting-edge problems involving nano-optics, photonics, and computational electromagnetics. You will collaborate with researchers and engineers developing advanced simulation and optimization methodologies used to model light-matter interactions at sub-wavelength scales. Through this internship, the Optical Modeling and Simulation Engineering Intern will gain hands‑on experience applying numerical methods, scientific computing, and optimization techniques to real‑world engineering challenges. This position is ideal for students interested in combining physics, computation, and software development to advance next‑generation optical technologies.

Role and Responsibilities

As a Optical Modeling and Simulation Engineering Intern, you will support research and development activities focused on optical simulation, numerical modeling, and computational optimization. You will work with multidisciplinary teams to investigate new concepts, validate methodologies, and improve simulation capabilities.

• Develop advanced computational methods and software capabilities for optical simulation and optimization.
• Create and enhance numerical models that characterize light‑matter interactions at nanometer scales.
• Design and perform simulation studies to evaluate new concepts and quantify performance improvements.
• Analyze simulation data and interpret technical results using scientific and engineering principles.
• Collaborate with researchers and engineers to solve complex optics and photonics challenges.
• Document technical findings and communicate results through reports, presentations, and technical discussions.
• Contribute to research initiatives and innovation projects supporting future optical metrology technologies.

Education and Experience

• Currently pursuing a master's degree or PhD in Physics, Applied Physics, Electrical Engineering, Optics, Photonics, or a related technical field.
• Experience through research, coursework, publications, or academic projects involving optics, photonics, or computational physics.
• Strong understanding of computational electromagnetics and numerical solutions to Maxwell's equations.
• Experience developing or applying Finite‑Difference Time‑Domain (FDTD) methods or similar electromagnetic simulation techniques.
• Knowledge of semiconductor nanofabrication processes such as lithography, deposition, dry etching, and chemical mechanical polishing (CMP).
• Proficiency with scientific programming using Python, MATLAB, C, or C++.
• Familiarity with Linux or Unix operating systems and high‑performance computing (HPC) environments.

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.