Advanced Processing Cleaning & Contamination Engineer

ASML 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 main headquarters are located in Veldhoven, the Netherlands, and we also have 18 office locations around the United States ‑ including main offices in Wilton, CT, Chandler, AZ, San Jose, CA and San Diego, CA.

As an Advanced Processing Cleaning & Contamination Engineer, you will directly support our mission to enable the world’s most advanced chip manufacturing. You will be a subject‑matter expert in precision cleaning, contamination mitigation, and optical cleanliness standards.

In this role, you will work in a dynamic, collaborative environment supporting production teams, development groups, and cross‑functional engineering partners to create clean, stable, and highly reliable processes.

The Advanced Processing Cleaning & Contamination Engineer will develop and industrialize precision cleaning processes, reduce particle/molecular contamination risks, and drive continuous improvement for high‑value optical components. You will lead equipment introductions, support contamination test systems, and ensure robust, repeatable cleaning performance in a fast‑paced, high‑tech manufacturing environment.

• Develop a deep understanding of precision optical cleaning requirements across all relevant departments.
• Evaluate, develop, and optimize chemical and ultrasonic cleaning methods for sensitive optical components.
• Identify common contaminants and implement effective removal strategies.
• Support and improve semiconductor‑grade cleaning technologies and cleanliness standards.
• Support contamination test systems, maintaining procedures, settings, and process improvements.
• Troubleshoot contamination‑related issues and provide support during escalations.
• Analyze process and test data to identify trends, stabilize operations, and reduce variation.
• Contribute to process improvements that enhance productivity and reduce defects.

• Generate high‑quality technical documentation such as engineering test plans, work instructions, equipment specifications, and qualification reports.
• Maintain documentation for contamination testing, lab processes, and cleaning systems.
• Apply Job Safety Analysis principles and collaborate with EHS to ensure safety and compliance.

• Lead new equipment projects from specification and vendor engagement through procurement, FAT/SAT, installation, and internal qualification.
• Assist with laboratory activities and support equipment maintenance and calibration.
• Support new product introduction (NPI) through qualification activities and documentation updates.

• Collaborate with engineering, operations, and lab teams to maintain stable processes and support daily production needs.
• Support KPI tracking, reporting, and data‑driven decision making.
• Engage with cross‑functional groups during escalations to diagnose and resolve contamination issues.

• Master’s degree with 2+ years of relevant experience, or Bachelor’s degree with 6+ years of relevant experience in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, or related fields.
• Experience in lithography, precision optics, contamination control, surface science, or semiconductor manufacturing highly preferred.
• Strong understanding of chemical cleaning media, material compatibility, reaction mechanisms, and precision cleaning science.
• Experience with automated or semi‑automated cleaning processes for optical components (direct or indirect).
• Experience with manual cleaning processes for optical components.
• Experience with FMEA, control plans, 4C, DMAIC, 8D, or other structured problem‑solving frameworks.
• Background in surface science, contamination…