How to Apply to ASML

9 min read Last updated April 20, 2026 6 open positions
Blake Crosley
Blake Crosley Researched using publicly available information, hiring data, and ATS analysis.

Key Takeaways

  • ASML holds a complete monopoly on EUV lithography — there is no competitor. Every advanced chip in the world depends on their technology, making this one of the most strategically significant employers in the technology sector.
  • The application process flows through ASML's Workday-powered careers portal. Applications are reviewed by a dedicated Talent Acquisition team, followed by a virtual first interview and an on-site second interview that may include a talent exploration questionnaire.
  • Technical interviews are substantive and domain-specific. Expect questions that test fundamental understanding of physics, engineering principles, or systems design rather than generic coding puzzles or brainteasers.
  • ASML values authenticity over polish. Their recruiters explicitly encourage candidates to ask clarifying questions, take time to think, and admit when they don't know something. Genuine intellectual engagement matters more than rehearsed perfection.
  • The company invests heavily in employee development, offering classroom training, personal coaching, acceleration programs, and one of the largest developer events in the world annually. Career growth is a genuine priority.
  • ASML provides competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits including relocation support and spouse employment assistance for international hires, reflecting the global nature of their workforce across 60+ locations.
  • Research the company's technology before interviewing. Understanding the basics of how lithography works, why EUV is revolutionary, and what challenges ASML is solving with High-NA EUV demonstrates genuine interest and sets you apart from candidates who only know the company's market position.
  • Security clearances and export control regulations may apply to certain roles, particularly given the geopolitical sensitivity of ASML's technology. Pre-employment screening processes vary by country and role sensitivity.
  • ASML's Glassdoor rating of 4.1/5 across 2,822 reviews signals strong employee satisfaction, with particularly high marks for Diversity & Inclusion (4.2) and Compensation and Benefits (3.9). The Culture & Values score of 3.8 reflects a demanding but rewarding work environment.

About ASML

ASML Holding N.V. is the world's sole manufacturer of extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography machines, making it one of the most strategically important companies in the global semiconductor supply chain. Founded in 1984 as a joint venture between Philips and ASM International in Veldhoven, the Netherlands, ASML has grown into a technology monopoly that underpins virtually every advanced semiconductor chip produced today. With approximately 42,000 employees across more than 60 locations worldwide and annual revenue exceeding €28 billion, ASML occupies a singular position in the technology ecosystem: no company on Earth can manufacture cutting-edge chips below 7nm without ASML's EUV systems. Each EUV machine costs roughly €350 million, weighs over 180 tons, contains more than 100,000 precision components, and requires multiple Boeing 747 cargo planes to ship. ASML's customers include every major chipmaker — TSMC, Samsung, Intel, SK Hynix, and Micron — and its technology directly enables the processors in smartphones, data centers, autonomous vehicles, and AI systems worldwide. The company's monopoly on EUV lithography stems from decades of investment in a technology so complex that no competitor has been able to replicate it: generating plasma at 500,000 degrees Celsius by striking molten tin droplets with a high-powered laser 50,000 times per second, then focusing the resulting light through mirrors polished to sub-atomic precision. ASML also produces deep ultraviolet (DUV) lithography systems, which remain essential for manufacturing less advanced but high-volume chips, and its newer High-NA EUV platform represents the next frontier in chipmaking, enabling features at 2nm and below. The company's geopolitical significance has intensified as the United States and its allies restrict EUV exports to China, making ASML a focal point of technology export controls. ASML is publicly traded on Euronext Amsterdam and NASDAQ, and consistently ranks among Europe's most valuable companies by market capitalization. Its research and development expenditure exceeds €4 billion annually, with R&D centers in the Netherlands, the United States, Taiwan, South Korea, and Germany. Working at ASML means joining a company where physics, engineering, optics, software, and systems integration converge at the absolute frontier of what is technically possible.

Application Process

  1. 1
    Browse open positions on ASML's careers portal at asml

    Browse open positions on ASML's careers portal at asml.com/en/careers/find-your-job. Filter by location (60+ sites across the Netherlands, US, Taiwan, South Korea, Japan, Germany, and China), team function (Engineering, Manufacturing, R&D, Software, Customer Support, and more), technical field, and experience level to find roles that match your background.

  2. 2
    Submit your application through ASML's Workday-powered career portal by click...

    Submit your application through ASML's Workday-powered career portal by clicking 'Apply Now' on a job listing. Upload your resume and complete the online application form. You will receive an email confirmation and can track your application status through the candidate portal at any time.

  3. 3
    After submission, ASML's Talent Acquisition team reviews your profile against...

    After submission, ASML's Talent Acquisition team reviews your profile against the job requirements. If there is a match, a recruiter will contact you for an initial introduction call to discuss your background, motivation, and basic fit for the role. Response times vary but ASML aims to follow up promptly.

  4. 4
    The first formal interview is typically conducted virtually

    The first formal interview is typically conducted virtually. Expect an in-depth discussion of your educational background, professional experience, technical competencies, and motivation for joining ASML. For engineering roles, anticipate technical questions related to your domain — optics, mechatronics, software, systems engineering, or manufacturing processes.

  5. 5
    If you advance, you may be asked to complete a talent exploration questionnai...

    If you advance, you may be asked to complete a talent exploration questionnaire before the second interview. This behavioral and motivational assessment is used as a conversation starter, not as a pass/fail gate. The second interview is usually conducted on-site at an ASML facility, giving you the opportunity to meet the team, tour the workspace, and experience the environment firsthand.

  6. 6
    Following successful interviews, both you and the ASML team evaluate mutual fit

    Following successful interviews, both you and the ASML team evaluate mutual fit. If selected, ASML extends a formal job offer. Depending on the country, a pre-employment screening (background check, security clearance, or reference verification) may be required before finalizing the hire.

  7. 7
    If you are not selected at any stage, ASML provides feedback on your application

    If you are not selected at any stage, ASML provides feedback on your application. Candidates are encouraged to apply for other suitable positions, and ASML maintains your profile in their talent pool for future opportunities that may be a better match.

Resume Tips for ASML

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Lead with technical depth: ASML is an engineering-first company

Lead with technical depth: ASML is an engineering-first company. Highlight specific technical competencies — semiconductor process knowledge, optics, mechatronics, embedded software, systems integration, or precision manufacturing. Quantify your achievements with metrics like yield improvements, throughput gains, or accuracy specifications.

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Keep your resume clear, concise, and well-structured

Keep your resume clear, concise, and well-structured. ASML's recruiters explicitly advise candidates to illustrate their strongest experiences and talents without clutter. Use a clean format with clear section headers, consistent formatting, and no more than two pages for experienced professionals.

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Include both professional and academic achievements

Include both professional and academic achievements. ASML values advanced education (many roles require MSc or PhD) and published research. List your degree, institution, thesis topic, and any relevant publications or patents, especially in physics, electrical engineering, computer science, or mechanical engineering.

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Prepare concrete STAR-method examples for every competency you list

Prepare concrete STAR-method examples for every competency you list. ASML's interview tips page specifically states: 'When listing your competencies, make sure to prepare concrete examples of how you applied your talents and skills in your current or past roles.' Your resume should preview these examples.

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Tailor your resume to the specific job description

Tailor your resume to the specific job description. ASML's career page advises candidates to 'read the job description carefully and see how it matches with relevant experiences in your resume.' Mirror the language and requirements from the posting, particularly technical terms and domain-specific keywords.

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Demonstrate cross-functional collaboration

Demonstrate cross-functional collaboration. ASML's work culture emphasizes teamwork across disciplines — optical engineers work alongside software developers, mechanical engineers, and physicists. Show evidence of multidisciplinary project experience and stakeholder management.

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Highlight experience with precision, quality, or regulated environments

Highlight experience with precision, quality, or regulated environments. ASML's products operate at nanometer tolerances. Experience in cleanroom environments, ISO-certified manufacturing, aerospace, medical devices, or other precision industries translates directly.

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If applying to international roles, note language skills and international ex...

If applying to international roles, note language skills and international experience. ASML's primary business language is English, and the company employs 140+ nationalities. Relocation support and spouse employment assistance are available, so demonstrate adaptability and global mindset.

ATS System: Workday

ASML uses Workday (tenant: asml.wd3.myworkdayjobs.com) as their applicant tracking and human capital management system. All job applications flow through ASML's branded careers portal at asml.com/en/careers/find-your-job, which connects to the Workday backend for candidate profile management, application tracking, and hiring workflow. Candidates create a Workday profile when they first apply and can log in to track application status across multiple positions.

  • Create a complete Workday candidate profile with detailed work history — Workday profiles persist across applications, so invest time in a thorough initial setup.
  • Upload your resume in a clean, ATS-parsable format (PDF or Word). Avoid complex layouts, tables, headers/footers, and graphics that Workday's parser may not interpret correctly.
  • Use standard section headings (Experience, Education, Skills, Certifications) that Workday's resume parser recognizes. Non-standard creative headings may cause parsing failures.
  • After upload, review the parsed fields in your Workday profile and correct any errors. Workday's parser sometimes misinterprets dates, job titles, or company names from formatted resumes.
  • Set up job alerts through the ASML careers portal to be notified when new positions matching your criteria are posted. ASML posts approximately 350+ positions at any given time across all locations.
  • If applying for multiple roles, tailor your resume for each application rather than submitting the same generic version. Workday tracks each application independently.

Complete Workday Resume Guide →

Interview Culture

Interviewing at ASML is a rigorous, multi-stage process that reflects the company's engineering-driven culture and the extreme precision demanded by its products.

The interview process is designed to assess not only technical competence but also cultural fit with ASML's core values of Challenge, Collaborate, and Care. For engineering and R&D positions, expect deeply technical interviews that probe your fundamental understanding of physics, mathematics, optics, mechatronics, or software engineering — not just surface-level knowledge. Interviewers are often senior engineers or architects who work on the actual EUV or DUV systems, and they will test whether you can reason through novel problems rather than recite memorized answers. ASML values authenticity and intellectual honesty during interviews. Their recruiters explicitly advise candidates that 'it's ok to ask a clarifying question, to take some time before responding, and even to admit that you don't know something. Authenticity will make you stand out.' This is not a company that rewards rehearsed corporate answers — they want to see how you think, how you approach ambiguity, and whether you have the intellectual curiosity that drives innovation at the frontier of physics. The behavioral component of the interview process is equally thorough. The talent exploration questionnaire used before second-round interviews assesses your drivers, ambitions, and cultural alignment. During the second interview, which is typically held on-site, expect questions about how you handle complex team dynamics, how you manage conflicting priorities, and how you approach failure and learning. ASML looks for people who thrive in collaborative environments where no single person has all the answers. The on-site interview also serves as a mutual evaluation: you will meet potential colleagues, tour facilities (including potentially seeing lithography systems being assembled in cleanroom environments), and get a genuine feel for the work culture. Glassdoor data shows ASML interviews rated at approximately 3.0-3.2 out of 5.0 for difficulty, reflecting a challenging but fair process. Interview timelines can extend several weeks for specialized positions, particularly those requiring security clearances or positions at sensitive locations. For customer support field roles in Taiwan, South Korea, or the US, expect scenario-based questions about troubleshooting complex electromechanical systems under time pressure, as these engineers work directly at customer fabs (TSMC, Samsung, Intel) to maintain and upgrade lithography equipment. Software engineering interviews will cover systems-level programming, real-time software, and algorithm design rather than typical web-development coding challenges. ASML's interview process is thorough because the work is consequential — the company cannot afford to compromise on talent when building machines that push the boundaries of what physics allows.

What ASML Looks For

  • Deep technical expertise in a relevant domain: optics, physics, mechatronics, electrical engineering, software engineering, systems architecture, precision manufacturing, or semiconductor process technology. ASML pushes the limits of multiple engineering disciplines simultaneously.
  • Advanced academic credentials: many engineering positions require an MSc or PhD in physics, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, computer science, or applied mathematics. Research experience and publications in relevant fields are valued.
  • Collaborative mindset and ability to work across disciplines. ASML's products require integration of optics, mechanics, software, and electronics. The ability to communicate effectively with experts in different domains is essential.
  • Intellectual curiosity and comfort with complexity. ASML solves problems that have never been solved before. They seek candidates who are energized by ambiguity and who approach novel challenges with systematic thinking and creative problem-solving.
  • Quality orientation and attention to precision. When your machines operate at nanometer tolerances, there is zero margin for error. Candidates should demonstrate a track record of rigorous, detail-oriented work in high-stakes environments.
  • Global mobility and cultural adaptability. With 60+ locations, 140+ nationalities, and critical operations in the Netherlands, Taiwan, South Korea, and the US, willingness to work internationally or in multicultural teams is important for many roles.
  • Alignment with ASML's values of Challenge, Collaborate, and Care. They look for people who challenge assumptions, collaborate generously with colleagues, and treat others with respect and empathy.
  • Growth mindset and commitment to continuous learning. ASML invests heavily in employee development through on-the-job training, coaching, acceleration programs, and knowledge management. They want candidates who will actively drive their own development.

Frequently Asked Questions

What ATS does ASML use for job applications?
ASML uses Workday as their applicant tracking system. Job listings are hosted on asml.com/en/careers/find-your-job and the application backend is powered by Workday (asml.wd3.myworkdayjobs.com). When you click 'Apply Now' on a job listing, you are redirected to the Workday application portal where you create a candidate profile, upload your resume, and complete the application form.
How long does ASML's interview process typically take?
The timeline varies by role and location, but the full process typically takes 3-6 weeks from application to offer. After submitting your application, initial recruiter outreach usually occurs within 1-2 weeks if there is a match. The virtual first interview and on-site second interview may be scheduled 1-2 weeks apart. For roles requiring security clearances or pre-employment screenings, the process may extend further.
What is the talent exploration questionnaire that ASML mentions?
The talent exploration questionnaire is a behavioral and motivational assessment that some candidates are asked to complete between the first and second interviews. It evaluates your drivers, work style preferences, and cultural alignment. ASML explicitly states that the outcome is 'purely used as a conversation starter' during the second interview — it is not a pass/fail gate. Answer honestly rather than trying to game the assessment.
Does ASML offer relocation support for international hires?
Yes, ASML provides relocation support for international hires, including assistance with housing, visa processing, and settling into a new country. Notably, ASML also offers spouse employment assistance, helping partners of relocated employees find job opportunities. This reflects the company's 60+ locations across the Netherlands, US, Taiwan, South Korea, Japan, Germany, and China, and its workforce of 140+ nationalities.
What programming languages and technologies are relevant for ASML software roles?
ASML software engineering roles typically involve systems-level programming in C and C++, with Python used for tooling and data analysis. Real-time and embedded software development is common, as the lithography systems require precise timing and control. Experience with Linux, RTOS, model-based design, CI/CD pipelines, and large-scale software architectures is valued. ASML also has growing teams in data science, machine learning, and computational lithography.
Can I apply for multiple positions at ASML simultaneously?
Yes, ASML's FAQ confirms that candidates can apply for more than one job at a time. Each application is reviewed independently. However, it is better to focus on positions that genuinely match your background rather than applying broadly. Tailor each application to the specific role's requirements.
What is the primary language spoken at ASML?
English is the primary business language at ASML across all global locations. While Dutch is spoken socially at the Veldhoven headquarters and local languages are used at regional offices, all technical documentation, meetings, and cross-site collaboration are conducted in English. Proficiency in English is required for virtually all positions.
Does ASML offer remote or hybrid work arrangements?
ASML offers flexibility in work arrangements, but many roles — particularly in manufacturing, customer support, and hardware engineering — require on-site presence due to the physical nature of the work. Software and corporate function roles may have more hybrid flexibility. ASML's career page notes that employees are given 'flexibility and trust to choose how best to tackle tasks and solve problems,' but specific arrangements depend on the team and role.
What educational background do I need to work at ASML?
Requirements vary by role. Engineering and R&D positions typically require at minimum an MSc in physics, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, computer science, applied mathematics, or a related field. PhD holders are common and valued, particularly in research-oriented roles. Manufacturing and customer support roles may accept BSc with relevant experience. ASML also offers internship and graduate programs for students currently pursuing degrees.
How does ASML's export control situation affect hiring?
Due to the geopolitical sensitivity of EUV technology and US-led export controls restricting sales to China, certain ASML positions — particularly those involving EUV technology — may require security clearances or have nationality restrictions. Pre-employment screening processes vary by country and role. This does not affect most positions, but candidates should be aware that some roles may have additional requirements related to export control compliance.

Open Positions

ASML currently has 6 open positions.

Check Your Resume Before Applying → View 6 open positions at ASML

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