Senior Plasma and Laser Physics Engineer

ASML US, including its affiliates and subsidiaries, brings together creative minds in science and technology to develop lithography machines that produce faster, cheaper, more energy-efficient microchips. Cymer, an independently operated business within ASML, develops, manufactures, and services deep-ultraviolet (DUV) light sources, including excimer lasers using argon fluoride (ArF) or krypton fluoride (KrF) gases to generate light for photolithography scanners. The DUV light sources research, development, and manufacturing are centered in San Diego, with a focus on the Discharge Chamber—a core module where plasma generates DUV light (193nm or 248nm). Development goals include extending chamber lifetime, improving energy efficiency and stability, and reducing costs through collaboration across plasma physics, material science, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, and flow dynamics.

This position does not require a green card; the company will sponsor a working visa (H1-B, O1, etc.) and future green card applications. Access to controlled technology may be required, and candidates must be legally authorized to access such technology prior to beginning work.

Responsibilities

• Drive the development and integration of innovative core technology elements and system concepts to improve excimer laser chambers.
• Apply expertise in engineering (electrical or mechanical) or physics (electromagnetics, flow dynamics, plasma physics, or acoustics) to enhance chamber performance and reliability.
• Validate concepts through prototype builds, system-level testing, and analysis.
• Investigate scientific and technical challenges independently, evaluating and recommending solutions.
• Interact with customers, suppliers, and peers; prepare and present reports to management and at internal meetings and conferences.
• Assist management with technical aspects of external collaboration activities.
• Prepare and revise technical documentation, including memos, specifications, and design validation reports.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Minimum of three (3) years of relevant industry or research institute experience with a Master’s degree; less experience required for PhD.
• Master’s degree required; PhD strongly preferred in Physics, Plasma Physics, Material Science, Metallurgy, Electrical Engineering, Engineering Physics, Mechanical Engineering, Physical Chemistry, or related fields.
• Specialization in plasma-materials (especially metal) interaction and gas-state laser physics.

Skills

• Track record of proposing and validating innovative solutions to technical problems.
• Extensive experimental experience in a laboratory environment.
• Proficiency in MATLAB or Python for data analysis.
• Practical experience with laser systems in manufacturing or laboratory settings.
• Experience with CAD design for mechanical parts (e.g., Creo, SolidWorks).
• Project planning and execution experience, including leading a successfully completed project.
• Ability to translate, statistically analyze data, and report problems effectively.
• Advanced experimental and analytical skills to define requirements and devise solutions.
• Ability to develop and review conceptual or engineering models.
• Experience planning and developing complex experiments and tests.
• Ability to carry a product design from conception into production.
• Preferred experience with plasmas, electromagnetics, lasers, flow dynamics, and acoustics.
• Experience with excimer lasers or other gas-state discharge lasers is a plus.
• Experience with semiconductor capital equipment is a plus.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency in MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and email systems.

Pay

The base annual salary range for this role is $117,750–$176,625. Pay scales are determined by role, level, location, and market alignment. Individual pay is assessed based on skills, relevant education, experience, certifications, and candidate-specific factors.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance for employees and their families.
• 401k plan participation.
• Eight (8) hours of vacation leave every month.
• Thirteen (13) paid holidays throughout the calendar year.