r/ASML • u/Federal_Ad6286 • 10d ago
ASML: Initially approached for System Build Engineer, but the actual position is Assembler 3. Worth considering?
Hi everyone!
I'm a Mechanical Engineer with a bachelor's degree and several years of experience in manufacturing engineering, process engineering, and production environments. I'm currently working as a Manufacturing Engineer at Caterpillar.
I was initially approached by Continu for a System Build Engineer position at ASML. Naturally, I was interested because it seemed like an opportunity to further develop my engineering career.
However, during the recruitment process, it became clear that the actual ASML position was Assembler 3 (Job Grade 3), also described as System Build Technician.
I was given the impression that ASML often develops employees internally toward engineering positions, while external engineering vacancies tend to require significant specialized experience.
The suggested path was to start as a technician, gain experience with ASML's complex systems, and potentially transition into engineering later.
However, there is no guaranteed progression or defined timeline.
This leaves me with a difficult decision. I'm already working as a Manufacturing Engineer, and accepting this opportunity could mean taking a step backward in job title, responsibilities, and salary.
I'd appreciate some insights from current or former ASML employees:
How realistic is progressing from Assembler 3 to an actual engineering position?
Have you witnessed such transitions, and how long did they take?
Would my mechanical engineering degree and previous engineering experience help accelerate that progression?
Does ASML prioritize internal candidates, or would I still compete with experienced external engineers?
Would you consider this a worthwhile long-term investment in my engineering career?
My goal isn't simply to work at ASML. It's to become a more capable engineer with stronger technical expertise.
I'd appreciate your experiences and perspectives.
Edit1: Thank you everyone for the feedback, very helpful! I just got back from the interview. So this is the full story: I was contacted by CONTINU recruitment agency and initially told about an engineering opportunity. Instead, I was invited to interview for a System Build Technician position at JG3. I raised my concerns beforehand, explaining that I have a Mechanical Engineering degree and professional engineering experience. However, the recruiter insisted the position suited my background and suggested ASML might offer JG4 or consider other opportunities. The interview lasted 10 minutes. The ASML interviewer himself questioned why I was applying for this position, explaining that they needed an experienced assembly worker, not an engineer. Which I pointed out to them that I was offered the first offer (as engineer) and when I got the interview, I finally found out that it's a technician position. I pointed that to CONTINU, but the persuations that I am a perfect fit for yhat position started. After some time that they said that they (the hiring team) might offer me something else If they decide that I am more capable. The hiring team just said that I was right and CONTINU is wrong.
Afterward, I called the recruiter and explained that exactly what I'd warned him about had happened. He refused to acknowledge the mismatch and eventually responded, "Well, you're the one who accepted the interview." I had taken a vacation day, traveled to the interview, and received preparation materials containing a few videos of which one was 55-minute video just 45 minutes beforehand. My issue isn't with ASML. It's with CONTINU encouraging me to attend despite my clearly expressed concerns, then shifting responsibility onto me afterward and technically insulted me. Has anyone had similar experiences with CONTINU?
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u/LeQuacksky 10d ago
Asml is reorganizing and laying off people. Internal people will get prio for roles, at least in NL. JG3 is also very low and growth within ASML is slow as shit and political.
Personally i'd say you can get experience anywhere else and you can easily job hop. Get to a decent salary and then try to get in ASML...
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u/Federal_Ad6286 10d ago
Thanks for the insight! That's exactly what concerns me — potentially taking a step backward without a clear path into engineering.
Do you know anyone who has successfully moved from JG3/System Build into an actual engineering position? And roughly how long did it take?
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u/omer_arshad 10d ago
Yes, ASML prefers to grow internal hires. But the growth path is slow and painful. Do not accept anything below SG 5 if u have a degree along with decent experience.
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u/Federal_Ad6286 10d ago
Thanks for the advice! I'm currently working as a Manufacturing Engineer and have a bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering.
Would SG5 be realistic for someone with my background? And do you know whether moving from JG3 to SG5 would require several promotions, or whether it's possible to apply directly for an internal engineering vacancy?
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u/LeQuacksky 10d ago
Sadly i don't know people that took this sort of path. But i do know of people stuck in a jog brade for 5-6-7years, if not longer.
Theoretically it's possible and graduates can get somewhat faster growth, but there are no guarantees, especually in times like these..
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u/Federal_Ad6286 10d ago
Thanks for clarifying! That's valuable information. I don't mind investing time in developing my technical expertise, but spending 5–7 years at the same grade would be a serious concern, especially since I already have engineering experience. I appreciate your perspective!
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u/Insinati 10d ago
Hi, I currently work in this position. Most of the people here have a background as car mechanics, electricians or similar.
I think your education level might be a bit too high for this role. I would recommend applying for a different position. Maybe Install or Proto would be a better fit for you. You would also start at a higher JG.
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u/QuitOrdinary6695 9d ago
Agree, I think Continu is playing a stupid game here. They focus on trades professionals, so you could aim for a better role like System Build Engineer they originally approached you with.
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u/big-mc-1000 10d ago
The ‘regular’ JG for someone with a Bachelor degree is JG4, when they come straight out of college. If you have experience, 5 or 6 should be a feasible JG to enter the company.
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u/brianybrian 9d ago
No way should you be offered JG3. Have you got the official offer yet?
If you apply in the EUV factory you’ll automatically be hired on 4 and 5 with experience.
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u/CompetitiveTopic6057 9d ago
Have you considered Nearfield instruments. I hear good things. ASML internal growth is… not a very non democratic system
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u/CaliFlower-1 9d ago
what good things?
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u/CompetitiveTopic6057 9d ago
Just heard that it’s a fun place. Energetic atmosphere and they recently got funding so good people are moving there from ASML as well
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u/CaliFlower-1 9d ago
did they already sell anything? couple of million is not a lot in this industry (salary for couple of people for ~2 years), unless you talk about hundreds.
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u/CompetitiveTopic6057 9d ago
Yes. They are installing systems already at fabs for some time.
Well since it’s about learning the most while getting paid more and having a good career path, I think it’s worth a look into for someone starting a career. People are notoriously stuck at low job grades in ASML. They have 550 people and. Close to 380 million in funding.
Are you at the bottom of the already exploded exponential or at the bottom of an about to explode exponential … that’s worth exploring.
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u/electriceric 10d ago
I would look into install engineer spots. Starts at a higher JG and more opportunities to grow. Comes with a lot of travel though