Senior Production Technician

Semiconductor Manufacturing & Optical Metrology

ASML US - Wilton, CT

05/2021 - 2023

Wilton Production Floor: YieldStar Department

YieldStar Optical Metrology Platform

YieldStar 375F, 380G, and 1385

Worked on the YieldStar optical metrology platform, including the 375F, 380G, and 1385 systems, for process monitoring and control as well as lithography system stability and matching. Performed sub-system assembly, optical alignment, functional testing, equipment calibration, station setup, and process development support.

Wilton Manufacturing Site

The Wilton site is one of ASML's main global manufacturing tech hubs, building wafer alignment sensors and DUV/EUV sub-systems. High-mix, schedule-driven environment; cross-trained across multiple sub-system competencies.

Sub-System Build & Sensor Alignment

Sensor and Branch Alignment

Sensor alignment, UIA alignment, focus branch alignment, Z-stage installation, Pupil Branch, Alignment Branch, Reference Branch, cables and covers. Pre-qualifications and final qualifications.

Final Qualifications

Measured sensor performance, calibrations, alignment of branch optics, objective lens performance, and diffraction-based overlay measurements.

Photolithography System Work

Build, alignment, and diagnostic execution on production photolithography systems shipped to leading-edge semiconductor fabs. Familiarity with electro-optical, optical-mechanical, and imaging and testing systems.

High-Precision Sub-Assembly Qualification

Owned high-precision sub-assembly qualification under tight contamination, ESD, and tolerance controls comparable to fab module qualification standards.

Tools and Test Equipment

Mechanical and Electronic Tools

Standardized tools and electronic equipment for assembly, install, removal, testing, and troubleshooting on optical metrology systems: torque wrenches, electric and pneumatic screwdrivers, ball drivers, lifting equipment, computers, oscilloscopes, voltage and current probes, multimeters, micrometers, and calipers.

Optical Test Equipment

Optical fibers, spectrometers, and power meters used to obtain and analyze results during functional testing and qualification.

Root Cause, Process, and Documentation

Root Cause Investigation (8D)

Performed root cause analysis on production issues with the SAP system, Opti Angle, and YieldStar software. Developed corrective actions and monitored results. Partnered with engineering teams on structured 8D workflows for electromechanical and optical anomalies.

Design and Procedure Improvements

Assisted with making recommended changes in design, methods, and procedures to enhance product quality. Developed Excel spreadsheets to track key performance indicators on the production floor.

Process and Inspection Documentation

Maintained accurate process and inspection documentation supporting traceability, change control, and continuous improvement.

Cross-Functional Teamwork

Participated in cross-functional teams with manufacturing, quality, and procurement departments. Sub-assembly handoff to test; partnership with Production Engineering on escalations.

Cleanroom Operations & Shift Discipline

Cleanroom Protocols and PPE

Worked in a cleanroom environment under strict safety procedures and ASML 5S+1 requirements. Wore coveralls, hoods, booties, safety glasses, and gloves for the entire duration of 12-hour night shifts.

Quality and Process Discipline

Contamination control, ESD discipline, tolerance control, change control, and traceability across the build, qualification, and handoff cycle.

Technical Skills & Domain Knowledge

Optical Metrology

YieldStar 375F / 380G / 1385 Sensor and Branch Alignment UIA Alignment Z-Stage Installation Pupil / Alignment / Reference Branch Diffraction-Based Overlay Wafer Alignment Sensors

Photolithography

DUV / EUV Sub-Systems Production Scanner Build Diagnostics and Qualification Process Development Support

Quality, Process, Cleanroom

Contamination Control ESD Discipline Tolerance Control 8D Root Cause Change Control Traceability 5S+1 PPE Protocols

Tools, Test, Software

Oscilloscopes Multimeters Voltage and Current Probes Micrometers and Calipers Torque Wrenches Spectrometers Power Meters Optical Fibers YieldStar Software Opti Angle SAP Excel (KPI Tracking)

Skills Developed in This Role

Technical

  • Optical metrology system build
  • Precision sub-assembly qualification
  • Cleanroom operations
  • Diagnostic and corrective workflows

Quality & Process

  • Contamination, ESD, and tolerance discipline
  • 8D root cause and corrective action
  • Process and inspection documentation
  • Change control and traceability

Manufacturing Context

  • High-mix, schedule-driven production
  • Cross-trained sub-system competencies
  • Production-engineering handoff
  • Wilton-site DUV/EUV manufacturing

Role Context

This role gave direct exposure to ASML production scanner build, alignment, qualification, and diagnostic workflows on the Wilton manufacturing floor, one of ASML's main global manufacturing tech hubs for wafer alignment sensors and DUV/EUV sub-systems. The contamination, ESD, and tolerance discipline required is comparable to fab module qualification, and the cross-functional cadence between manufacturing and production engineering directly informs how I approach quality and inspection work today at General Dynamics Electric Boat.