Principal Mechanical Engineer - Research

Introduction to the role

As a Principal Mechanical Engineer - Research, you help shape the next generation of lithography technology that powers the world's most advanced microchips. Your work supports ASML's mission to push the boundaries of physics, engineering, and manufacturing. You contribute to systems that enable smaller, faster, and more energy-efficient devices used every day in homes, hospitals, cars, and communication networks.

Role and responsibilities

In this role, you guide the mechanical design and research activities for complex subsystems within our light-source technology. You work with engineers, scientists, suppliers, and cross-functional partners to bring new concepts to life. You balance design rigor, feasibility, and quality while supporting long-term technical innovation.

• Lead mechanical research and design efforts for advanced subsystems.
• Develop concepts, detailed designs, and layouts for new or improved modules.
• Perform structural, thermal, and vibration analyses to validate design performance.
• Drive prototype development, testing, data analysis, and reporting.
• Conduct tolerance analyses for systems and subassemblies.
• Collaborate with internal teams and suppliers to resolve technical issues.
• Mentor engineers and present technical insights to diverse audiences.

Education and experience

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering with at least 12 years of relevant experience, or a master's degree with 10 years, or a PhD with equivalent experience.
• Apply strong mechanical design expertise across complex parts, assemblies, and subsystems.
• Perform and review tolerance analyses at system and subsystem levels.
• Use solid modeling tools such as Siemens NX or similar platforms.
• Create and review technical drawings using geometric dimensioning and tolerancing.
• Work confidently with PLM and ERP tools, including Siemens Teamcenter.
• Conduct finite-element analysis using software such as Ansys or NX, supported by hand calculations.
• Demonstrate extensive experience in one or more of the following areas: opto-mechanical systems, thermal systems, high-pressure systems, vacuum systems, laser systems or electromechanical designs.
• Apply knowledge of engineering materials, including metals and specialty materials, with attention to manufacturability and weldability.
• Use design-for-manufacturing principles for advanced machining and fabrication processes.
• Communicate effectively with cross-functional partners and manage multiple priorities in fast-moving environments.

Skills

• Working at the cutting edge of tech, you'll always have new challenges and new problems to solve - and working together is the only way to do that. You won't work in a silo. Instead, you'll be part of a creative, dynamic work environment where you'll collaborate with supportive colleagues. There is always space for creative and unique points of view. You'll have the flexibility and trust to choose how best to tackle tasks and solve problems. To thrive in this job, you'll need the following skills:
• Communicate clearly with colleagues at all experience levels.
• Approach problems with an analytical and structured mindset.
• Work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams.
• Prioritize effectively in changing environments.
• Demonstrate ownership and follow-through on commitments.
• Identify issues early and propose improvements.
• Mentor junior engineers with patience and clarity.
• Apply strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Adapt quickly when learning new methods or tools.
• Build positive working relationships across teams and suppliers.

Other information

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee routinely is required to sit; walk; talk and hear; use hands to keyboard, finger, handle, and feel; stoop, kneel, crouch, twist, crawl, reach, and stretch.
• The employee is occasionally required to move around the campus.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
• The employee may occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds.
• Will require travel dependent on business needs.
• Can work under deadlines.
• The environment generally is moderate in temperature and noise level.
• Must be able to read and interpret data, information, and documents.
• 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.

The current base annual salary range for this role is currently:
$148,125-222,188

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.

The Company offers employees and their families, medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance. Employees are able to participate in the Company's 401k plan. Employees will also receive eight (8) hours of vacation leave every month and (13) paid holidays throughout the calendar year. For more information, please contact the Recruiter or click on this link Compensation & Benefits in the US.

All new ASML jobs have a minimum application deadline of 10 days.

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.

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.

Need to know more about applying for a job at ASML? Read our frequently asked questions.

Request an Accommodation

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 company's reasonable accommodation process.

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