About this NEA SC&Q Supplier Quality Engineer (SQE) – MLP Optics Competence role at ASML
Introduction to the job
The Supplier Quality Engineer (SQE) for MLP Optics Competence is responsible for ensuring supplier capability, quality performance, and manufacturability of complex optical components and assemblies supporting ASML products. The SQE works closely with Development & Engineering (D&E), Manufacturing, Procurement, and suppliers to secure robust NPI introductions, drive continuous quality improvement, and mitigate supply chain risks.
The role focuses on early supplier involvement, supplier process qualification, NPI quality readiness, and resolution of complex quality and manufacturability challenges related to optical manufacturing processes such as precision optics fabrication, coating, cleaning, metrology, and optical assembly. This position requires influencing suppliers and stakeholders to achieve optimal quality, yield, cycle time, and technology readiness.
Role and responsibilities
1. NPI & Supplier Development
- Engage suppliers during early Product Generation Process (PGP) phases.
- Evaluate optical manufacturing technologies and supplier capabilities for new product introductions.
- Drive supplier readiness reviews and qualification activities for complex optical components and modules.
- Facilitate technology transfers and industrialization activities supporting new optical designs.
2. Supplier Quality Management
- Establish and maintain supplier quality requirements, control plans, process validations, and acceptance criteria.
- Ensure suppliers operate effective quality management systems consistent with ASML requirements.
- Review process control methodologies for critical optical characteristics and key process indicators.
- Monitor supplier quality performance and drive sustainable improvements.
3. Quality Issue Resolution
- Lead structured problem-solving activities for supplier quality incidents.
- Drive containment, root cause analysis, corrective and preventive actions using methodologies such as 8D, DMAIC, and FMEA.
- Coordinate cross-functional teams to resolve complex optical quality issues impacting product performance or delivery.
4. Risk Assessment & Mitigation
- Conduct supplier process audits and risk assessments.
- Analyze manufacturing capability, yield performance, process stability, and metrology effectiveness.
- Identify risks related to optical fabrication, coatings, contamination control, and assembly processes.
- Develop mitigation plans to secure supply continuity and product quality.
5. Supplier Selection & Technology Assessment
- Support sourcing and supplier selection activities through capability assessments and technical benchmarking.
- Evaluate emerging optical technologies and manufacturing solutions.
- Assess supplier maturity, scalability, and capability to meet future technology roadmaps.
6. Stakeholder & Supplier Partnership
- Act as the primary quality interface between suppliers and ASML stakeholders.
- Influence supplier management and engineering teams to implement quality improvements and process optimizations.
- Facilitate alignment among D&E, Procurement, Manufacturing Engineering, SCM, and suppliers.
- Build sustainable supplier relationships that support long-term business objectives.
7. Performance Reporting
- Monitor and report supplier performance indicators including:
- PPM
- Yield
- On-time qualification
- Process capability
- Audit findings
- NPI readiness
- Provide management visibility of supplier risks and improvement plans.
8. Knowledge Development
- Maintain expertise in optical manufacturing technologies, quality systems, and industry best practices.
- Stay current on developments in precision optics, coating technologies, contamination control, and optical metrology.
9. Coaching & Best Practice Sharing
- Provide technical guidance to peers and project teams.
- Promote supplier quality excellence and continuous improvement methodologies within the organization.
- Share lessons learned across optical supplier networks and internal teams.
Education
- Optical Engineering
- Physics
- Precision Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Materials Science
- Manufacturing Engineering
- Related technical discipline
Experience
- 5+ years of experience in Supplier Quality, Manufacturing Engineering, Quality Engineering, or Supplier Development.
- Experience with complex NPI products in high-tech manufacturing environments.
- Experience working with optical suppliers or precision manufacturing suppliers.
Skills
Strong understanding of one or more of:
- Precision optics manufacturing
- Optical polishing and grinding
- Thin-film coating processes
- Optical cleaning and contamination control
- Optical assembly and alignment
- Interferometry and optical metrology
- Precision machining and ultra-precision manufacturing
- Statistical Process Control (SPC)
- MSA, FMEA, APQP, PPAP
- Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma
Quality Competencies
- Supplier auditing
- Process qualification
- Root cause analysis (8D, Ishikawa, 5 Why)
- Risk management
- Quality system development
- Supplier performance improvement
Other information
The SQE operates independently within their area of expertise and influences decisions through technical knowledge and negotiation. The role interfaces with:
External
- Supplier Engineering Managers
- Manufacturing Managers
- Process Engineers
- Quality Managers
- Technology Leaders
Internal
- D&E Project Leads
- Lead Engineers
- NPI Project Leaders
- Logistics & Supply Chain Managers
- Procurement Category Managers
- Manufacturing Engineering
- Quality Assurance Teams
The role requires influencing stakeholders through technical argumentation, supplier negotiations, and risk-based decision making
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.
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.
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