Controls Scientist

ASML • San Diego, CA

3d

About The Position

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. Job Mission 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.

Requirements

• 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.

Nice To Haves

• 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.

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.

Benefits

• 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree