Internship Optics Engineering Summer 2026

Introduction

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 worlds 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 Netherlands and we have 18 office locations around the United States including main offices inChandler Arizona San Jose and San Diego California Wilton Connecticut and Hillsboro Oregon.

Our San Diego-based division Cymer Light Sources is renowned for developing deep ultraviolet (DUV) lithography light sources. Far from a basic consumer laser these machines are complex powerful and flexible. The lasers we make require: durable and high-speed precise motion-controlled optics to maintain wavelength to femtometer accuracy under high laser powers; advanced materials to endure the harsh Fluorine-rich environments and high powers; clever mechanical designs to allow high performance and fit all the parts within a confined space but still allow easy manufacturing and servicing; very fast high power electronics and electrical designs to deliver short high voltage pulses at precise timing to control pulse energy within hundredths of a percent; gas flows at hurricane speeds to keep the laser discharge area clear; cutting edge controllers and algorithms to deliver stable and consistent performance and automate all operations; and advanced real-time electronics firmware and software to control the laser and interact with other equipment.

The Optics Engineering Group is responsible for the modules and components within the laser that shape and direct the DUV radiation controlling the laser wavelength and addition we provide the external and on-board metrology that measures and reports the laser performance. This involves the development and testing of materials coatings performance metrics and understanding of lifetime and failure modes.

You must be work authorized in the United States without the need for employer sponsorship.

Your Assignment:

Spectral Linewidth Metrology

• Cymer uses on-board Fabry-Perot etalon spectroscopy to monitor and control the output of our DUV lightsources. Monitoring etalon finesse is therefore a critical need for quality control calibration and lifetime evaluation of this metrology. Our existing tooling to evaluate finesse is limited to measurements of the etalon as a component but we have a need to do in situ evaluations for calibration and performance drift evaluations. The goal of the internship project is to upgrade and refine our capabilities for measuring etalon finesse.
• As part of this internship you will learn about working in a corporate setting and get hands-on experience solving real world problems working alongside experienced engineers.
• Interns will typically be required to document and present their findings as well as making an end of summer presentation to the group about what they achieved during their internship.
• This job description subject to change and other duties may also be assigned.

Your Profile:

• Candidate must be currently pursuing a Masters or PhD in Optical Engineering Physics Electrical Engineering Mechanical Engineering or related discipline
• Specific tasks will be tailored to match the education / experience level of the intern as well as the interns learning objectives for the summer.
• Hands on experience in optical experiment design and optical alignment preferred.
• Knowledge of lasers optical engineering principles and demonstrated creativity in solving complex optical system problems is required.
• Interns are expected to be comfortable with laboratory safety protocols including use of safety shoes gloves laser eyewear handling of delicate parts and approved hazardous materials.
• Experience with tools and techniques for analysis of complex data such as regression fits statistical analysis and spectral analysis is desired.

Skills & Competencies

• Can observe and respond to people and situations and interact with others encountered in the course of work.
• Can learn and apply new information or skills.
• Must be able to read and interpret data information and documents.
• Strong customer focus and commitment to customer satisfaction through prioritization quality efficiency and professionalism.
• Ability to complete assignments with attention to detail and high degree of accuracy.
• Proven ability to perform effectively in a demanding environment with changing workloads.
• Result driven-demonstrate ownership and accountability.
• Identifies bottlenecks and drives improvements.
• Work independently or as part of a team and follow through on assignments with minimal supervision.
• Demonstrate open clear concise and professional communication.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with co-workers and customer.
• Work according to a strict set of procedures within the provided timelines.

Travel

• No business travel anticipated

Other Information

• This position is located on-site in San Diego CA. It requires onsite presence to attend in-person work-related events trainings and meetings and to further ensure teamwork collaboration and innovation. (Important to insert additional onsite language specific to the role: i.e. inspection specific training and supervision etc.)
• A flexible workplace arrangement may be available to employees working in roles conducive to remote work (up to two days a week).

Role within Office

Responsibilities

• Routinely required to sit; walk; talk; hear; use hands to keyboard finger handle and feel; stoop kneel crouch twist reach and stretch. Occasionally required to move around the campus.
• Occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision color vision peripheral vision depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

• Must be willing to work in a clean room environment wearing coveralls hoods booties safety glasses and gloves for a partial shift.

The current base annual salary range for this role is currently $17.00 - $53.00. 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. Our recruiters can share more information about our bonus program benefits and equity during the hiring process.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement: 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.

Inclusion and diversity

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 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.