Staff Laser Scientist

ASML

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Quick summary

Work type
On-site
Location
San Diego, CA
Salary
$144,400–$198,550 / yr
Employment
Full-time
Posted
8 days ago
Freshness
Confirmed live today

Market check

Salary context

Below market

How this pay compares to similar roles

Similar $199k
This role $171k
$133k $249k
below market most similar roles pay here above market

This role pays less than 72% of similar roles. Most pay $165,703–$233,137 — the blue band above. At the midpoint, this role pays about $171k versus about $199k for comparable roles.

Based on 240 similar postings.

Employer

About ASML

ASML is a leading supplier of lithography equipment, used by the world’s top chipmakers to print microchips that are increasingly powerful, fast and energy efficient.

ASML currently has 49 open roles on FindRole.

Listed pay typically runs $118,800–$173,500 across 44 roles with salary data.

Most-posted roles

View all roles at ASML

At a glance

TL;DR · Staff Laser Scientist

The Staff Laser Scientist joins the Source Research team to develop technologies for next-generation high-power Laser Produced Plasma Extreme Ultraviolet light sources and DUV lasers. This role involves guiding high-level architecture definitions for laser design, including discharge types, gas flow, and optical designs. The scientist will lead product pathfinding from low technical readiness to system-level validation, creating optical and gain models to identify innovation areas. Key responsibilities include identifying scientific learning objectives, executing performance tests, and troubleshooting sub-system issues to meet future technology roadmaps. Required expertise includes applied physics, plasmas, metrology, optics, controls, and experiment design. Candidates must possess hands-on experience with breadboard laser and optical system design, alignment, and performance characterization, alongside a deep understanding of laser physics, engineering, and control systems to solve complex lithography light source problems.

What you'll do

  • Guide high-level architecture definitions for laser design including discharge type, gas flow, and optical design.
  • Lead product pathfinding from low technical readiness through to system-level validation.
  • Create optical, gain, and gas flow models to identify areas for innovation and improvement.
  • Identify and maintain bi-directional requirements between lasers and other system functions.
  • Define scientific learning objectives and design experiments to advance laser technology.
  • Execute system and subsystem performance tests and extract actionable knowledge from results.
  • Troubleshoot laser and sub-system issues to enhance overall system performance.
  • Document learnings and communicate technical knowledge to engineering and product development teams.

What we're looking for

  • PhD with 3+ years of relevant experience in laser physics, optics, photonics, electrical engineering, or an equivalent field.
  • MS degree with 6+ years of relevant experience in laser physics, optics, photonics, electrical engineering, or an equivalent field.
  • Proven track record of identifying system-level needs and decomposing them into specific technical directions.
  • Understanding of laser physics, engineering, and control.
  • Hands-on experience with breadboard laser and optical system design, alignment, and performance characterization.
  • Understanding of scientific research methods and strong scientific curiosity.
  • Ability to clearly communicate ideas and knowledge to various audiences.
  • Legal authorization to access controlled technology as defined by United States Export Administration Regulations.

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