4-minute read - by Kristiana Lalou, April 5, 2023
Mechanical development engineering is not only a cornerstone of modern tech, but also one of ASML’s most important core competencies. Engineers working in our mechanical development department are involved in the full life cycle of ASML’s products: feasibility studies, design, evaluation and maintenance.
From reliability engineering to assembly and all the steps in between, the field demands unique problem-solving abilities and bright minds to help its advancement. To get a better idea of what life at ASML looks like for engineers working in our mechanical development department, we enlisted six of them to share their experiences.
Working in mechanical development
ASML is growing rapidly, along with the need for unique engineering talent that will help us push the limits of technology further. “The speed of light isn’t fast enough to keep up with ASML,” says Jelm Franse, senior director in Mechanical Development (known as 'MDev’ within ASML).
Jelm’s statement illustrates how quickly ASML is growing, but also, the pressing demand of the semiconductor industry to boost production.
At ASML, our machines are extreme in terms of engineering. To achieve the level of precision that the semiconductor industry requires, our equipment has to become faster and more accurate all the time.
“A key part of mechanical development is to constantly achieve what we call ‘a first-time right’. This means that there is no room for error, and we try to understand the physics, the chemistry, the mechanical and the electrical parameters to the point where we know it so well that we get it right the first time,” Jelm notes.
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Frederique joined our mechanical development department in 2008 and made use of the opportunities that ASML offers for continuous growth. “ASML needs fresh perspectives. There’s so much we still don’t know because we’re using our materials and methodologies for the first time. There’s no blueprint for what we do.”
In other fields, you might be able to reference college textbooks or new research to find solutions. But at ASML there are so many new applications where the physics isn’t completely understood yet that you might really become a pioneer in your area of expertise.
“Many companies focus on risk avoidance,” adds Frederique. “They want to use proven technology and take no risks. At ASML, we love to take risks, try new things and build bridges. This environment always keeps you inspired.”
