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.

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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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…