Controls Scientist

ASML US, LP brings together the most creative minds in science and technology to develop lithography machines that are key to producing faster, cheaper, more energy-efficient microchips. We design, develop, integrate, market and service these advanced machines, which enable our customers - the world’s leading chipmakers - to reduce the size and increase the functionality of their microchips, which in turn leads to smaller, more powerful consumer electronics. Our headquarters are in Veldhoven, the Netherlands, and we have 18 office locations around the United States including main offices in Wilton, CT, Chandler, AZ, San Jose, CA and San Diego, CA. 

We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced Controls Scientist to join our dynamic and innovative Controls team in San Diego, Ca. This team is focused on conceiving and demonstrating the technologies required for next generations of high-power extreme ultraviolet (EUV) light sources within ASML. Based on a laser produced plasma (LPP), our light source relies on a wide range of unique and challenging technologies, ranging from laser light amplification and high-power optical systems to laser produced plasma for EUV generation, electro-optical signal detection and algorithm-based actuation for process control. You are invited to bring your passion, knowledge and expertise in areas of applied physics, plasmas, metrology, optics, controls, lasers, and experiment design to push the boundaries of these technologies forward.

The Controls team is responsible for the development and engineering of the control system for the experimental EUV light source system within research.  The complexity of the EUV source puts exciting and challenging demands on the Control Scientist who will be engaged in all phases of the control system development and integration, such as developing advanced control solutions that improve the performance, stability, real-time embedded software, and capability of next generation EUV light sources. This role blends experimental research, modeling, algorithm development, and cross functional collaboration to drive technology innovation from concept to validated prototype within ASML’s Source Research organization.

The successful candidate will be comfortable operating in this diverse mix of physics, engineering and computer science, in order to define the control architecture for next generations of the EUV source. The successful candidate will also have a passion for innovation, be driven by curiosity, and have deep technical understanding, in order to excel in a Research environment operating at the fuzzy front end of product development. A key ingredient for success in this space is the ability to operate across multi-competence boundaries and translate learnings between them. A strong analytical mindset is needed to abstract requirements into models which capture the relevant physics, resulting in predictable behavior of the control system.

Key Responsibilities

• Innovate new control strategies and concepts aligned with long term EUV source technology roadmaps. 

• Design, execute, and analyze experiments to characterize dynamic system behavior.

• Own and mature one or more controls related competencies or technologies.

• Coordinate the specification of system functionalities, and design the system Develop and validate feedback, feedforward, predictive, and machine learning based controllers.

• Build and use system level simulations and digital twins to evaluate architectures and algorithms.

• Integrate metrology and actuator data into robust, real time control frameworks.

• Operate test benches and EUV prototype systems, and execute technical test plans independently.

• Implement and test algorithms using rapid prototyping environments (e.g., Python, model in the loop, etc.).

• Identify system limitations and translate findings into improved controls approaches.

• Define requirements, performance budgets, and verification criteria for controls solutions.

• Identify risks and develop mitigation strategies across research and development interfaces.

• Support technical contact for controls topics with SE, D\&E, and research partners.

• Work closely with Laser, Plasma, Droplet Generation, Tin Management, Systems Engineering, and Software and Firmware teams.

• Contribute to integrated system design and roadmap discussions.

• Produce clear documentation of algorithms, models, experimental results, and handoff criteria.

• Support organizational alignment on roles and responsibilities within the research structure.

• Present findings and recommendations to technical leaders and cross functional teams.

• Perform duties as assigned.

• Ph.D. with a minimum of 4+ years of experience or a Master’s degree with at least 6+ years of experience in Controls Engineering, Electrical/Mechanical Engineering, Applied Physics, or related discipline.

• Strong competence with the various tools, procedures, programming languages used to accomplish the job

• Strong foundation in control theory, dynamic systems, system identification, and modeling.

• Experience conducting experiments on complex physical systems.

• Proficiency with scientific programming (Python, MATLAB, etc.).

• Strong communication and cross functional collaboration skills.

Preferred

• Experience with lasers, plasma systems, real time control hardware, or high precision mechatronics.

• Exposure to machine learning for control applications.

• Familiarity with EUV lithography or semiconductor capital equipment.

• Excellent knowledge of and experience with Matlab and Simulink.

• Experience with System Identification desirable.

• Working knowledge of C/C++ and Python desirable.

• Working knowledge of firmware development/VHDL desirable.

• Experience with embedded software systems desirable.

• Experience with FPGA desirable.

• Ability to clearly and logically communicate ideas and knowledge to various audiences.

• Demonstrated ability to work effectively as a part of a team and lead investigation and research efforts involving multiple stakeholders and constraints.

• Proven ability to build trust and credibility, enabling effective leadership through influence.

• The successful candidate will not only have excelled in their technical field, but will have demonstrated inter-personal and communications strengths.

• Deep understanding of scientific research methods and strong curiosity.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• 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.

• The employee is occasionally required to move around the campus including working while fully gowned in a clean room environment.

• The employee may occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

• The employee may be required to travel based on business needs.

• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

• The environment generally is moderate in temperature and noise level.

• Extended periods of time in a clean room environment should be expected. Requires gowning in Class 10K gowning protocol.

• May need to work in labs with equipment that emit high-pitched noise.

• May spend extended periods of time at a computer workstation.

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

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.

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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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 [email protected] 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.