Senior Plasma and Laser Physics Engineer

Senior Plasma and Laser Physics Engineer

Introduction to the job

ASML US, including its affiliates and subsidiaries, bring 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.

Cymer is an independently operated business within the ASML group that develops, manufactures and services deep-ultraviolet (DUV) light sources. The product portfolio includes excimer lasers using argon fluoride (ArF) or krypton fluoride (KrF) gases to generate light in the deep-ultraviolet spectrum. These lasers generate the light that photolithography scanners use to image patterns on silicon wafers. The research, development and manufacturing of DUV light sources is centered in San Diego.

The Discharge Chamber is one of the core modules for DUV light sources, where the discharge plasma is generated to provide DUV light (193nm or 248nm). The development goals include extending chamber lifetime, improving energy efficiency and stability, reducing cost, etc. Achieving these goals requires extensive collaboration among plasma physics, material science, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, flow dynamics, and more. If you have a passion for technology and innovation, please join us to develop this complex and challenging DUV discharge plasma chamber!

This position does NOT require a green card and the company will sponsor a working visa (H1-B, O1, etc.), as well as the green card application in the future.

This position may require 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 the Company to proceed with candidates who are immediately eligible to access controlled technology.

Role and responsibilities

A Sr. Plasma and Laser Physics Engineer is the technical owner for the development of Cymer DUV laser discharge chambers: responsible for designing, validating and reviewing new features that improve chamber performance. The Plasma and Laser Physics Engineer works in a cross-functional team with Program/Project Managers, Technical Marketing, and System Engineers to develop and productize new technologies that enhance chamber performance.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Drives the development & integration of innovative core technology elements and/or system concepts to improve excimer laser chambers.
• Applies knowledge and experience in engineering (electrical engineering or mechanical engineering) or physics (electromagnetics, flow dynamics, plasma physics or acoustics) to improve the performance and reliability of excimer laser chambers.
• Validates concepts through prototype builds, system level testing and analysis.
• Independently investigates scientific and technical problems and challenges and evaluates and recommends solutions.
• Interacts with customers, suppliers and peers, prepares and presents reports to management, as well as in internal meetings and conferences.
• Assists management on technical aspects of external collaboration activities.
• Prepares and revises technical documentation, including technical memos, specification documents and design validation reports.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Education and experience

• Minimum of three (3) years of relevant industry or research institute experience is required with Master’s degree. Less experience required for PhD.
• Minimal educational degree requirement: Master's degree. PhD is strongly preferred. Areas: Physics, Plasma Physics, Material Science, Metallurgy, Electrical Engineering, Engineering Physics, Mechanical Engineering, Physical Chemistry or a related Engineering/Applied Physics.
• Specialty: plasma-materials (especially metal) interaction and gas-state laser physics.

Skills

Working at the cutting edge of tech, you’ll always have new challenges and new problems to solve – and collaboration is the only way to do that. You’ll be part of a creative, dynamic work environment with supportive colleagues. There is always space for innovation and you’ll have the flexibility and trust to choose how best to tackle tasks and solve problems.

To thrive in this job, you’ll need the following skills:

• Track record of proposing and validating innovative solutions to technical problems.
• Extensive expe