Mechanical Engineering | Physics internship: wafer flatness optimization

Introduction

You will join the Tables & Clamps Analysis group within ASML’s Development and Engineering department in Veldhoven. This team focuses on the design and optimization of wafer tables used in high-precision systems. In this internship, you will contribute to improving wafer flatness at the nanometer scale through modeling and optimization. Your work will directly support the performance of advanced lithography machines. This Mechanical Engineering | Applied Physics internship: wafer flatness optimization offers a unique opportunity to combine physics, mechanics, and numerical methods in a real-world application.

Your assignment

In this internship you will develop and improve a modeling and optimization approach for wafer table design. You will explore how stiffness and load distribution influence wafer flatness and translate insights into practical solutions. The goal is to create a reliable and usable method that supports engineering decisions. Your main responsibilities will be:

• Perform a structured literature study on wafer mechanics and optimization methods

• Improve an existing numerical model for wafer table behavior

• Define objective functions for wafer flatness optimization

• Develop and apply an adjoint-based optimization approach

• Validate the model using simulation or available data

• Conduct sensitivity analysis to understand key parameters

• Create a user-friendly interface for practical use

This is a master non thesis/thesis internship for 6 months, minimum 4 days per week (3 days on-site). The start date of this internship is as of September 2026.

Your profile

To be suitable for the internship, you:

• Are pursuing a master’s degree in mechanical engineering or applied physics

• Have experience with numerical modeling and optimization techniques

• Have programming skills in MATLAB or a similar language

• Demonstrate strong analytical thinking and a structured approach to problems

• Are proactive, independent, and communicate clearly with team members

Other requirements you need to meet:

• You are enrolled at an educational institute for the entire duration of the internship;

• Attach your cover letter with a clear motivation why you are interested in this internship assignment in particular;

• You need to be located in the Netherlands to perform your internship. In case you are currently living/studying outside of the Netherlands, your CV/motivation letter needs to include the willingness to relocate.

• If you are a non-EU citizen, studying in the Netherlands, your university is willing to sign the documents relevant for doing an internship (i.e., Nuffic agreement).

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.