Plasma and Laser Physics Engineer

ASML US, LP. (US30); San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

ASML US, LP. in San Diego seeks a Plasma and Laser Physics Engineer to validate and optimize EUV source performance, ensuring products meet customer requirements.

You will contribute across the product development lifecycle, combining advanced physics, data analysis, and hands-on engineering to enable world-class system performance. The role involves designing experiments, developing test plans, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to drive performance improvements and customer support

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Plasma Physics or related field; Master's/PhD preferred.
• 5+ years of related experience in optics, laser-induced plasma, or laser systems.
• Experience with complex system integration and multidisciplinary engineering environments.
• Proficiency with MATLAB, Python, or similar data analysis tools.

Responsibilities

• Develop system-level expertise on EUV light source performance, including laser generation and amplification, laser-plasma interactions, debris mitigation, and control systems.
• Apply theoretical models and experimental techniques to analyze source performance across disciplines.
• Design, execute and document scientific experiments to validate prototype hardware and software performance.
• Collect, process, and analyze large datasets using MATLAB, Python, and automated diagnostic tools.
• Troubleshoot performance issues, perform root-cause analysis, and recommend design improvements.

Skills

Optics

Laser systems

Data analysis

MATLAB

Python

Diagnostics

Troubleshooting

Education

Bachelor's degree in Plasma Physics

Master's or PhD preferred

Tools

MATLAB

Python

Job description

Introduction to the job

The EUV Source team in San Diego operates in a fast-paced, innovative, and highly technical environment to deliver next-generation products that support the commercialization of Extreme Ultraviolet (EUV) lithography technology.

As a Plasma and Laser Physics Engineer within the EUV Source Performance team, you will play a critical role in validating and optimizing EUV source performance to ensure products meet or exceed customer requirements and expectations.

You will contribute throughout the product development lifecycle by participating in technology development, system validation, performance improvement initiatives, and customer support activities. This role combines advanced physics, data analysis, experimental design, and hands‑on engineering to solve complex technical challenges and enable world‑class system performance.

Role and responsibilities

• Develop system-level expertise on EUV light source performance, including laser generation and amplification, laser‑plasma interactions, debris mitigation, and control systems.
• Apply theoretical models, scientific methods, and experimental techniques to analyze source performance across multiple technical disciplines.
• Design, execute, and document scientific experiments to validate and optimize prototype hardware and software performance.
• Develop and execute system and subsystem test plans, ensuring traceability of system requirements.
• Collect, process, and analyze large datasets using MATLAB, Python, and automated diagnostic tools.
• Troubleshoot complex performance issues, perform root‑cause analysis, and recommend corrective actions and design improvements.
• Use advanced diagnostic equipment and analytical tools to characterize and validate system performance.
• Create clear technical documentation, communicate findings, and align recommendations with cross‑functional stakeholders.
• Collaborate closely with system architects, design engineers, scientists, manufacturing teams, customer support engineers, and senior leadership.
• Support customer escalations through remote and on‑site troubleshooting, data analysis, and system recovery activities.
• Provide technical training and knowledge transfer to factory and field engineering teams.
• Travel as needed to support customer‑site troubleshooting and performance recovery efforts.
• Ensure safe operation of equipment and adherence to ASML safety procedures.
• Other duties as assigned.

Education and experience

• Bachelor's degree in Plasma Physics, Engineering Physics, Applied Physics, or a related field. Master's or PhD preferred.
• Must possess 5 years of related experience.
• Experience with optics, laser‑induced plasma, optical metrology, and/or control systems.
• Experience working with complex system integration and multidisciplinary engineering environments.
• Experience designing and executing scientific experiments for product development and validation.
• Proficiency with MATLAB, Python, or similar data analysis and modeling tools.
• Experience with semiconductor equipment development is preferred.
• Hands‑on experience operating optical, electrical, or plasma‑related laboratory instrumentation is a plus.

Skills

• Strong understanding of optics, lasers, plasma generation, and control systems.
• Excellent analytical, troubleshooting, and root‑cause analysis capabilities.
• Ability to translate technical requirements into comprehensive test plans and procedures.
• Ability to interpret and summarize large datasets and effectively communicate results through reports and visualizations.
• Strong laboratory and experimental skills, including operation of test and analytical equipment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship‑building skills across cross‑functional teams.
• Ability to create clear technical documentation, procedures, and work instructions.
• Self‑directed with the ability to execute technical tasks with minimal supervision.
• Customer‑focused mindset with the ability to support high‑priority field escalations and technical recovery efforts.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a dynamic, fast‑paced, and highly collaborative environment.

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 avail