Plasma and Laser Physics Engineer

ASML; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 119,000 - 175,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

On-site in San Diego

Flexible work arrangement up to two/3?

Job summary

ASML US, LLC in San Diego seeks a Plasma and Laser Physics Engineer to advance EUV light source performance. You will apply plasma physics, optics, and data analysis to validate and optimize system performance across development stages.

Responsibilities include designing experiments, analyzing large datasets with MATLAB and Python, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and supporting field and customer escalations while maintaining safety standards in a clean-room environment.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Develop system-level expertise on EUV light source performance and control systems.
• Apply models and experiments to analyze source performance across disciplines.
• Design, execute, and document experiments to validate prototype hardware/software.
• Develop and execute system/subsystem test plans with traceability.
• Collect and analyze large datasets using MATLAB and Python.
• Troubleshoot performance issues and propose corrective actions.
• Use advanced diagnostic tools to characterize system performance.
• Create clear technical documentation and communicate findings to stakeholders.
• Collaborate with system architects, design engineers, scientists, and leadership.
• Support customer escalations through remote/on-site troubleshooting.
• Provide technical training to factory and field teams.
• Travel as needed for customer-site troubleshooting and recovery.
• Ensure safe operation and adherence to safety procedures.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

Optics and lasers

Data analysis

Troubleshooting

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's in Plasma Physics / related field

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

As a Plasma and Laser Physics Engineer, you will:

• 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

To help us solve some of the semiconductor industry's most challenging technical problems, you'll need a strong background in plasma physics, optics, and complex system development. You'll need:

• 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

Working at the forefront of semiconductor technology means solving complex challenges alongside a diverse team of scientists and engineers. Success in this role requires a combination of technical expertise, analytical thinking, and strong collaboration skills.

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

$119,250-174,900

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.

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.

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 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.