Plasma and Laser Physics Engineer

asml; United States; On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

ASML in San Diego is seeking a Plasma and Laser Physics Engineer within the EUV Source Performance team to validate and optimize EUV source performance and ensure products meet customer requirements.

You will design experiments, analyze large datasets with MATLAB/Python, and collaborate with system architects and manufacturing teams to drive robust, field-ready solutions. The role requires hands-on lab work and travel to support installations and customer sites.

Qualifications

• 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.

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.

Skills

Optics & lasers

Plasma generation

Control systems

Data analysis

Experiment design

Test plans

Documentation

Cross-functional collaboration

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

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 avail