Materials Engineer

About the Position

Help solve some of the most complex materials challenges in the semiconductor industry. As a Materials Engineer at ASML, you will serve as the primary materials expert within a multidisciplinary team developing advanced modules and components for the EUV Lithography Light Source. You'll help ensure our products achieve the highest levels of performance, reliability, and quality while supporting the technology innovation that continues to move the world forward.

Location

San Diego, CA, US

Job ID

J-00351762

Role and Responsibilities

As a Materials Engineer, you will provide technical leadership and expertise related to material selection, compatibility, characterization, and reliability for components operating in demanding thermal, mechanical, vacuum, plasma, and contamination-sensitive environments.

Materials Engineering & Technical Expertise

• Evaluate material compatibility within the EUV Lithography Light Source, including interactions under high-temperature, vacuum, plasma, and contamination-sensitive environments.
• Provide expert materials guidance to design teams throughout concept development, detailed design, and verification phases.
• Analyze material interactions such as corrosion, diffusion, oxidation, and multi-material compatibility.
• Apply knowledge of engineering metals, including ferrous, non-ferrous, specialty alloys, and refractory metals.

Characterization, Testing & Microstructure Analysis

• Perform and interpret materials evaluation techniques including hardness testing, tensile/compressive testing, fracture analysis, and metallography.
• Analyze material microstructures, including grain morphology and phase distribution.
• Evaluate surface conditions such as roughness, contamination, and cleanliness.
• Utilize advanced characterization techniques including SEM, EDS/EDX, XPS, and AFM to support technical investigations and decision-making.

Failure Analysis & Problem Solving

• Lead or support structured failure analysis and root-cause investigations.
• Relate material behavior to system-level performance and reliability.
• Document findings, recommendations, and mitigation strategies through clear technical reports and presentations.

Cross-Functional Collaboration & Project Support

• Collaborate with development engineers, scientists, suppliers, and quality teams to resolve materials-related challenges.
• Provide technical recommendations during design reviews and support project decision-making.
• Support project planning activities, including key deliverables, schedules, resource planning, and budget considerations.
• Present technical data and findings to engineering teams, management, and external suppliers.
• Support domestic and international travel up to 10% as required.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Materials Science, Materials Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Nano Engineering, or a related field. Master's or PhD preferred.
• Must have 5 years of relevant experience in Materials Engineering.
• Strong understanding of engineering metals, specialty alloys, and refractory materials.
• Experience with material characterization, microstructural analysis, and surface evaluation techniques.
• Hands-on experience with analytical tools such as SEM, EDS/EDX, XPS, AFM, or similar characterization technologies.
• Experience supporting failure analysis, root-cause investigations, and reliability improvement efforts.
• Experience in semiconductor, high-tech manufacturing, or advanced technology environments is preferred.

Skills

• Strong customer focus with commitment to quality, efficiency, and professionalism.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
• Strong attention to detail and dedication to technical accuracy.
• Ability to quickly learn and apply new technologies, methods, and tools.
• Strong ownership, accountability, and results-driven mindset.
• Ability to identify technical risks, bottlenecks, and improvement opportunities.
• Effective collaboration skills across multidisciplinary teams.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while contributing effectively to team objectives.
• Flexibility and adaptability in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with changing priorities.
• Ability to build productive working relationships across organizational boundaries.
• Comfortable working within established procedures, schedules, and project timelines.

We Offer

• Competitive salary range: $109,200 - $150,150 annually.
• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance.
• Participation in the Company’s 401k plan.
• Eight (8) hours of vacation leave every month and (13) paid holidays throughout the calendar year.
• Hybrid workplace arrangement available (up to two days a week remote).

About the Company

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.

About the Location

San Diego, CA

Learn More

For more information, please contact the Recruiter or click on this link Compensation & Benefits in the US.

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.