Optical Fabrication Process Engineer- Polishing

Job Description:

This position is for a highly skilled individual with innovative attitude and motivated Process Engineer to join ASML Wilton Factory Optical Fabrication team. The ideal candidate will play a critical role in process development optimization and sustaining support for optics manufacturing technologies. This position focuses on driving yield improvement reducing scrap and enhancing overall process efficiency across various polishing and fabrication operations while supporting industrialization of new development processes for production integration.

Role and responsibilities:

• Champion a safety-first culture through the identification of potential hazards application of risk assessment methodologies and implementation of mitigation controls in accordance with Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) standards. Ensure all tasks are executed in compliance with site-specific safety procedures and regulatory requirements such as of wearing all required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) including but not limited to safety glasses hearing protection and other task-specific protective equipment within manufacturing areas.
• Drive a quality-motivated approach through rigorous process validation consistent quality metrics monitoring and zero-defect mindset.
• Maintain focus on on-time delivery by balancing process improvements with production schedules and customer commitments.
• Develop optimize and sustain optical fabrication processes including generating grinding high-speed polishing pad polishing (PP) and continuous polishing (CP). Implement process controls and lead troubleshooting efforts for process-related issues including root cause analysis and corrective/preventive actions.
• Ensure all processes meet ISO9001 and ISO14001 standards maintaining traceability compliance and audit readiness.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including production quality metrology and equipment maintenance to resolve technical challenges and implement sustainable solutions.
• Define process specifications and control limits; utilize statistical analysis tools (e.g. JMP Minitab) to evaluate process capabilities and drive data-driven decision-making and maintain 6PP from feasibility to production readiness phases.
• Apply Six Sigma principles to continuous process improvement initiatives and support cost reduction projects using structured problem-solving methodologies to identify and address sources of variation in optical fabrication processes.
• Perform hands-on process trials and support qualification of new equipment materials and process changes to enhance production performance.
• Document and maintain process specifications work instructions and standard operating procedures (SOPs) to ensure knowledge retention and standardization.
• Provide training and mentorship to junior engineers and technicians to build process expertise within the team.
• Regularly report on process Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) with data-backed findings and report progress to management.
• Support process control initiatives lead troubleshooting efforts for process-related issues and implement solutions to prevent recurrence.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelors or Masters degree in Engineering (Mechanical Optical Materials or related field)
• Minimum 2 years of experience in optical fabrication process engineering or a related manufacturing environment
• Hands-on experience with optics fabrication techniques including polishing and surface inspection
• Strong understanding of process control methodologies and statistical analysis techniques
• Proficient in statistical process control (SPC) root cause analysis (RCA) and lean manufacturing tools
• Familiarity with metrology techniques and quality assurance in optics manufacturing
• Proficiency in data analysis tools such as JMP Minitab or equivalent software
• Demonstrated ability to lead problem-solving initiatives and implement process improvements
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills with ability to work effectively across different departments
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver results under tight deadlines

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex data sets for process optimization.
• Knowledge of production planning to address potential bottlenecks while maintaining high-quality outputs.
• Experience in a semiconductor or precision optics manufacturing environment
• Knowledge of Design of Experiments (DOE) and Six Sigma methodologies
• Familiarity with coating or cleaning processes
• Previous experience in a leadership or mentorship role within an engineering team
• Experience with SAP or MES systems
• Knowledge of cleanroom protocols and practices

Additional Information

The physical demands described below represent those required to successfully perform the essential functions of this Process Engineer role. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Regular computer work requiring sitting typing and precise hand-eye coordination
• Frequent movement within the optics fabrication floor and office environments
• Occasional need to lift or move equipment tooling or materials weighing up to 35 pounds
• Required visual abilities include close vision color differentiation (for inspection and analysis) and the ability to interpret detailed technical information
• Work performed primarily in an optics fabrication environment that may include exposure to noise vibration and various processing equipment
• Must be comfortable working around lasers working with ladders working on platforms and working around chemicals.
• Must be able to wear required PPE (personal protective equipment) including safety glasses hearing protection and other protective equipment as required in manufacturing areas
• Ability to analyze complex data interpret technical documents and communicate findings effectively
• Capability to respond to production issues in a timely manner which may occasionally require extended periods of standing or walking through production areas with various fabrication equipment
• Some travel may be required to support global manufacturing and supplier interactions dependent on business needs.

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.

Diversity and inclusion

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 diversity and inclusion 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 to initiate the companys reasonable accommodation process.

Please note: This email address is solely intended to provide a method for applicants to initiate ASMLs process to request accommodation(s). Any recruitment questions should be directed to the designated Talent Acquisition member for the position.