Optical Metrology Algorithms Engineer

Introduction to the job

The Modeling and Inference Group covers the development of optical and mathematical models and methods required to infer physical model parameters from optical metrology data. Relevant new metrics and algorithms as well as new measurement functions, with optimum performance characteristics, are identified, designed and implemented. The availability and development of fast and accurate optical models and calibrations, and the optimal inference strategy, are essential. The group secures both the ASML competencies Applied Mathematics for Parameter Estimation and Scatterometry.

Role and responsibilities

We are looking for a knowledgeable and ambitious colleague to strengthen us in the field of optics, algorithms and machine learning, applied to the development of highly challenging metrology applications. You will be part of a motivated and dynamic group that hosts optical modeling as well as metrology and inference competences.

In this role you will be engaged with the development of inference and calibration strategies for optical metrology, smart algorithmic approaches to improve accuracy and computational robustness. In this, Fourier optical understanding is combined with application-specific approaches, that may include machine learning methods for accuracy and performance. You will also become an

expert-user of our ASML in-house electromagnetic and optical simulation code base to industry standard software, including user-friendliness, security, modularity, scalability, robustness and maintainability, for ASML-wide internal use in e.g. machine budget analysis and customer use-case studies. Next to this you will have the following responsibilities:

• Drive and guide coding maturity and software WoW improvements, being part of the small team of scientific computational engineers and architects, and bring learnings from the Key User community back to the competence and close the feedback loop to the simulation software baseline.
• Communicate crystal clearly without omitting the essentials on the simulation software and algorithmic solutions to internal stakeholders such as in the ASML Research, and ASML D&E counterparts.
• Contribute to the group ASML Competencies, and propose and develop new or improved metrics and algorithm improvements that meet internal and external customers’ product requirements.
• Review technical analyses from the team, and structure team contributions keeping the overview.
• Consolidate technical-team identity in communication with other departments.
• Contribute to technical product roadmaps and generate intellectual property protecting ASML products.
• Work as a team with similar-minded people, and collaborate to benefit from each other’s specific competences.
• Keywords: optics, optical modeling, physical calibration, mathematics, inverse problem, parameter inference, (non-)convex optimization, physics, software,  machine learning, deep learning, neural network, regression, information theory.

Education and experience

• PhD or Master's in physics, electrical engineering, applied mathematics, or computer science.
• Academic or industrial experience to develop tailored numerical algorithms in the physics / engineering domains is an advantage, with skills over the full range of optical metrology: identification of the essential physics, design of rigorous numerical optimization schemes for parameter inference and calibration, and efficient code implementation.
• Demonstrated expertise in optical metrology, with solid (theoretical) optics understanding.
• Experience in code development in optical simulation algorithms, or in domains such as acoustics or electronic structure, that is linked to experimental physics is preferred, and in development of scalable codes based on iterative solvers and spectral methods is an advantage.
• Experience with HPC, Linux environment, and knowledge of C++11 / Python / Fortran / MATLAB programming languages, is an advantage.

Skills

• Affinity with software development and software architectures and their productization.
• Good team working skills, strategic thinking, and self-motivated.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills and drive creative solutions with the product and customer in mind.
• Ability to explain complex physical models and algorithms in a crisp way, without omitting the essentials.
• Decisive and self-initiating in an ambiguous environment, and ability to influence without power.
• Pragmatic approach and pro-active attitude, with focus on the result and a ‘can do’ spirit.
• Affinity with semiconductor lithography and IC design is an advantage.

Other

We would like to receive a letter of motivation in which it is clearly stated how you have applied your knowledge and experience in practice. 

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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