Physics | Mechanical Engineering internship: particle bouncing model validation

Introduction

Within the Wafer Defectivity team at ASML in Veldhoven, you will help improve the reliability of advanced semiconductor manufacturing systems. Dust particles can land on silicon wafers and affect the performance of computer chips. The team investigates where particles originate and develops long-term solutions to reduce particle contamination. In this internship, you will contribute to a better understanding of particle-surface interactions and help improve prediction models for particle transport and trapping.

Your assignment

In this internship, you will support research on particle bouncing behavior to improve the understanding of particle-surface interactions. You will work with experimental measurement data and use your findings to validate and enhance existing physical models. The results of your work will contribute to more accurate predictions and support product improvements. Your main responsibilities will be:

• Process and analyze large experimental datasets related to particle-surface interactions.
• Identify particle-bouncing characteristics, trends, and relevant physical insights from measurement data.
• Compare experimental results with predictions from existing particle-bouncing models.
• Investigate differences between measurements and simulations and propose model improvements.
• Support experimental activities to validate models and explore interaction mechanisms.
• Summarize findings in clear reports and presentations.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to support technical discussions and decision-making.

This is a master's internship for minimum 4 months, minimum 4 days per week (3 days on-site). The start date of this internship is as of March 2027.

Your profile

To be suitable for the internship, you:

• Are pursuing a master’s degree in chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, physics, applied physics, or a related technical field.
• Have experience with Python for data processing, analysis, and visualization.
• Are analytical and enjoy translating experimental results into physical understanding.
• Are proactive and comfortable combining experimental work with modeling and simulation activities.
• Have strong communication skills in English and enjoy collaborating with diverse stakeholders.

Other requirements you need to meet:

• You are enrolled at an educational institute for the entire duration of the internship, and you are at least 18 years old at the start of the internship;
• 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);
• You attach your cover letter with a clear motivation on why you are interested in this internship assignment in particular;
• You need to be located in the Netherlands to be perform your internship. In case you are currently living/studying outside of the Netherlands, your application shows the willingness to relocate.

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.

Do you want to know more about the internship allowance, visa support and applying for an internship at ASML? Read this page.