Process Engineer –Deterministic Polishing & Lap Figure Control

ASML Germany GmbH; Wilton (CT); On-site; USD 95,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

ASML Wilton seeks a Process Engineer to own deterministic polishing lap figure control across optical fabrication. You will manage CP, PP, and spindle lap flatness, conditioning methods, and cross-platform standardization to improve FPY and reduce defects.

You will collaborate with Manufacturing, Metrology, Quality, and Equipment Engineering to implement universal polishing standards and sustain improvements. This is a leadership-focused, proactive role.

Qualifications

• BS/MS in a mechanical/optical-related field with fabrication experience.
• 5+ years in optical fabrication, polishing, or similar processes.
• Experience in metrology interpretation and process development.

Responsibilities

• Own lap flatness and figure control across polishing platforms.
• Define specifications, limits, measurements, and acceptance criteria.
• Develop deterministic methods to monitor and correct lap geometry.
• Lead cross-functional efforts to standardize conditioning methods and reduce variation.
• Drive qualification of new conditioning methods and materials.

Skills

Process Engineering

Polishing

Metrology

Data Analysis

Root Cause Analysis

Cross-functional Leadership

6P Readiness

Education

BS in Mechanical Engineering

MS in Optical/Materials

Tools

JMP

Minitab

Job description

Job Summary

ASML Wilton is seeking a Process Engineer to own deterministic polishing lap figure control across optical fabrication. The role is responsible for Continues Polishing (CP), Speed Polishing (PP), and spindle lap flatness, standard conditioning methods, and consistent polishing practices across platforms. The engineer will use process and metrology data to improve predictable polishing behavior, First Pass Yield (FPY), and defect performance.

This is a technical ownership role focused on standardization, qualification, and sustained process control. The engineer will work with Manufacturing, Metrology, Quality, Technology, Equipment Engineering, and other Process Engineers to implement universal polishing standards and close gaps affecting lap performance and process readiness.

This role requires a proactive engineering mindset: anticipating issues before they impact production, driving structured 6P readiness, performing thorough RCA, and continuously evaluating new technologies and deterministic tools to strengthen long-term process control. This is not a reactive support role; the expectation is ownership, foresight, and continuous improvement.

Job Description

The Deterministic Polishing & Lap Figure Control Engineer will serve as the technical owner for lap flatness, conditioning methods, and polishing standardization across MGP. The role will establish measurable control requirements, qualify standard methods, reduce cross-platform variation, and ensure improvements are documented and sustained.

Primary Responsibilities

Lap Flatness and Figure Control

• Own CP, PP, and spindle lap flatness performance across Machining, Generating, Polishing (MGP).


• Define lap flatness specifications, control limits, measurement methods, and acceptance criteria.


• Develop deterministic methods to monitor, correct, and maintain lap geometry.


• Convert interferometry, profilometry, and process data into clear conditioning and process actions.

Conditioning Methods and Standardization

• Develop, qualify, and maintain standard lap conditioning methods.


• Define conditioner selection, operating settings, conditioning frequency, and recovery methods.


• Create and maintain universal standards for lap preparation, conditioning, monitoring, and release.


• Maintain work instructions, specifications, and standard work required for sustained method adoption.

Cross-Platform Process Consistency

• Benchmark lap and polishing performance across CP, PP, and spindle platforms.


• Identify and reduce machine-to-machine, product-to-product, and shift-to-shift variation.


• Establish common process requirements while documenting justified platform-specific differences.


• Support transfer and deployment of proven methods across applicable MGP work centers.

Qualification, Readiness, and Continuous Improvement

• Lead qualification of new conditioning methods, lap materials, measurement techniques, and related process changes.


• Drive structured root cause analysis for lap-related defects, FPY loss, figure instability, and process variation.


• Ensure corrective actions are verified, documented, implemented, and sustained.


• Own process readiness milestones and close assigned actions within committed dates.


• Support technician and engineer training and qualification on approved polishing standards.

Key Performance Indicators

• Lap flatness compliance


• Process consistency across applicable platforms


• First Pass Yield improvement


• Reduction in lap-related defects and rework


• Standard method adoption


• Qualification progress


• Process readiness


• On-time action and AIR closure

Education and Experience

• BS, MS in Mechanical, Optical, Materials, or a related engineering field.


• Minimum 5 years of experience in optical fabrication, precision machining, grinding, polishing, or a related manufacturing process.


• Experience with polishing mechanics, lap conditioning, figure control, metrology interpretation, process development, and production support.


• Demonstrated ability in structured problem solving, data analysis, root cause analysis, qualification, and process improvement.

Skills

• Strong understanding of optical polishing, lap behavior, conditioning, and material removal mechanisms.


• Experience with interferometry, profilometry, and surface inspection methods.


• Ability to establish process specifications, control plans, capability targets, and long-term monitoring.


• Proficiency with JMP, Minitab, or equivalent statistical analysis software.


• Strong cross-functional communication and technical leadership in a production environment.


• Ability to manage multiple priorities and drive actions to closure.

Physical Requirements

Work includes time on the fabrication floor, interaction with metrology and manufacturing equipment, and periods of standing or walking. The role may require lifting materials up to 20 pounds. Visual acuity for inspection tasks is required. The manufacturing environment includes noise, vibration, and equipment hazards requiring appropriate PPE.

You must be work authorized in the United States without the need for employer sponsorship now or in the future.

This position requires access to controlled technology, as defined in the 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.

Additional Responsibilities: There is potential for exposure to strong magnetic fields, high voltage and currents.

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

$0-0

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.

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