Computer science | IT internship: improve job scheduling in high performance compute cluster

Introduction

The growing complexity of ASML machines and the aim to deliver higher quality faster has increased focus on Engineering Simulations. We are part of the 'Hardware Simulation' group within the 'IT R&D Solution Delivery' department, responsible for engineering infrastructure services and applications/tooling for ASML’s development and engineering (D&E) sector.
 

Our Hardware Simulation group manages, supports, and maintains several high-performance computing (HPC) clusters and simulation applications, accessible via Windows Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDIs). This creates an 'Engineering Simulation Workspace' for ASML D&E worldwide. We follow Agile principles and the Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe). The 'Software & Optimization' team optimizes and accelerates Engineering Simulation Applications, enhancing computational efficiency, precision, and reliability. Our mission is to deliver an unparalleled HPC user experience, ensuring seamless integration, optimal performance, and exceptional support.
 

Your assignment

Since our team works closely with the on-premise HPC cluster, we are interested in making sure its scheduling performance is as close to optimal as possible. Existing scheduling policies are based on the  out-of-the-box capabilities of the used scheduler – PBS. While in general it satisfies core requirements from the system, the nature of the algorithm(s) (e.g. FIFO, fair share, etc.) is greedy and (almost) non-adaptive to the nature of HPC jobs submitted to the cluster. The backbone of the assignment therefore is to explore new avenues towards how the scheduling in the cluster can be improved – using state-of-the-art computational methods.

Key aspects of the assignment:

• Formulate & define problem state space, utilizing historical data and external job context.

• Existing job data analysis

• Explore various (manageable) ways to applied new policies to a (simulated) cluster environment.

• Select and apply relevant algorithms (vast field of gradient optimization both in classical ML and DRL, genetic algorithms, domain-dependent heuristics, etc.)

• Validate and compare policy performance with the current status quo in the cluster
   

You will have the opportunity to learn from and interact with other team members from diverse specializations---system admins, computer scientists, software developers, backend engineers all working on the same floor within hearing distance.
 

This is a Master's graduation project for a duration of minimum 5 months, for 4 to 5 days per week. The start date of this internship will be as of September 2025.
 

Your profile

To be a fit for this internship, you:

• Work towards a University Master in mathematics, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, computer science or similar domains;

• Have affinity with programming and have programming skills;

• Have interest in optimization with practical mindset;

• Have Python knowledge with data science stack (numpy, pandas, etc.);

• Having SQL and data processing skills is a pre.
   

Other requirements you need to meet

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

• You need to be located in the Netherlands to be perform your internship. In case you ‘re currently living/studying outside of the Netherlands, your CV/motivation letter includes 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).

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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