IMEC

We all share the same vision: a connected, sustainable future for everyone. And imec believes technology will help us to reach that goal.

That’s why we strive to be a world-leading innovation hub in nanoelectronics and digital technologies. By providing the brilliant minds from all over the world with a stimulating environment. By leveraging a world-class infrastructure. And by bringing together a local and global ecosystem of partners from a multitude of industries.

Are you also passionate about accelerating progress? Whether you’re a wellestablished company, start-up or academic institution, you’ll find a trusted partner in imec. We’re looking forward to shaping the future with you.

Career opportunities

These are just an example of the types of job opportunity the company offers. More information on available positions will be available at the Summit.

Process Integration Engineers TIP (Technology Integration & Prototyping)

R&D Project Leader

Senior Analog and Mixed-Signal Design Engineer

Software developer/engineer

Field Service Engineer

Imec career website

About

Imec aims to be the world-leading R&D and innovation hub in nanoelectronics and digital technologies. As a trusted partner for companies, startups and academia we bring together brilliant minds from all over the world in a creative and stimulating environment. By leveraging our world-class infrastructure and local and global ecosystem of diverse partners across a multitude of industries, we are accelerating progress towards a connected, sustainable future.
Work alongside 5,000 researchers at imec. Researchers at HR, researchers in the process and the fab, researchers at the technical department, researchers at the cafeteria and researchers at the research department, of course.

A brilliant idea needs the best colleagues, the best working environment and a cleanroom that is amazingly clean. And most importantly, it needs research. Research that leads to nanotechnology to detect cancer cells, software for self-driving vehicles, bendable displays and renewable energy sources. All this comes from combined research by different people. The most advanced equipment can only deliver the most desired results if the people using these tools join forces.

Technology starts with people. At imec the names include Hilde, Kim, Praveen and Umberto. 97 nationalities. 5,000 researchers who make our company grow. 5,000 researchers who grow at our company.
In this story everybody has a role, whether it be a leading or a supporting one. Because in ten years from now someone somewhere will live a better life thanks to you and your team at imec.

Process Integration Engineers TIP (Technology Integration & Prototyping)

 

You will be responsible for development and characterization of new silicon technologies in the Life science and Sensor & Actuators area.

IMEC performs world-leading research in nano-electronics. Imec leverages its scientific knowledge with the innovative power of its global partnerships in ICT, healthcare and energy. Imec delivers industry-relevant technology solutions. In a unique high-tech environment, its international top talent is committed to providing the building blocks for a better life in a sustainable society. Imec is headquartered in Leuven (Belgium) and has offices in the Netherlands, Taiwan, US, China, Japan and India. Its staff of more than 5000 people from over 95 nationalities includes over 750 industrial residents and guest researchers.

IMEC Technology Integration and prototyping (TIP) department offers companies to develop and fabricate customized specialty microsystems that cannot be produced in standard CMOS technology. The basis of our CMORE fab is an advanced 0.13µm CMOS platform that runs a 24/7 operation. To do this, we have added platforms for processing of various CMOS imagers – hyperspectral, backside illuminated, embedded CCD-, MEMS and NEMS, photonics, and microfluidics chips. We are able to tune our technology to the demands of the customer and develop the technology flow for both prototypes and low-volume production.

The TIP department uses industry standard semiconductor wafer fabrication equipment to prototype innovative devices based on various technologies modules covering applications areas from Healthcare (implantable, genomics, diagnostics) to Sensors and Actuators :

  • SiN and Si photonic
  • Microfluidic on Si and glass
  • MEMS devices
  • Electrical Sensors based on standard Si technology but enabled by special metal materials
  • 3D integration
  • Nano-probes

What you will do

You will be working in IMEC’s Technology Integration and prototyping department (TIP) as a process integration engineer. You will be responsible for development and characterization of new silicon technologies in the Life science and Sensor & Actuators area. We have several open positions.

  • You will define and pro-actively follow up process development and device lots
  • You will support device, process and module optimization
  • You will assist in troubleshooting and solving problems
  • You will team up with other integration engineers to execute the project plan and are co-owner of the project targets
  • You will interpret in-line data and defectivity monitoring information from patterned wafer inspection systems.
  • You will lead projects and communicate and report to customers.

What we do for you

We offer you the opportunity to join one of the world’s premier research centers in nanotechnology at its headquarters in Leuven, Belgium. With your talent, passion and expertise, you’ll become part of a team that makes the impossible possible. Together, we shape the technology that will determine the society of tomorrow.

We are committed to being an inclusive employer and proud of our open, multicultural, and informal working environment with ample possibilities to take initiative and show responsibility. We commit to supporting and guiding you in this process; not only with words but also with tangible actions. Through imec.academy, 'our corporate university', we actively invest in your development to further your technical and personal growth.

We are aware that your valuable contribution makes imec a top player in its field. Your energy and commitment are therefore appreciated by means of a market appropriate salary with many fringe benefits.

Who you are

  • You have a Master’s degree in chemistry, physics, electrical engineering or equivalents
  • PhD or an equivalent experience post-graduation is a plus
  • Experience in semiconductor process technology and wafer fabrication is an asset
  • You can work in a fast-paced setting, multi-task and prioritize assignments.
  • You can take initiative and work independently, while being part of a team acting as an effective team player.
  • You have good communication, computer- and organizational skills.
  • Experience in project management would be an asset.
  • You are comfortable handling and analyzing data.
  • Since you will be working in a highly international environment and will be maintaining a good contact with colleagues and customers, fluency in English is essential.

R&D Project Leader

 

Manage internal development projects, Joint Development Projects, European funded projects and become one of the key players in operational management of the Compute System Architecture unit. What you will do.

What you will do

The imec Compute System Architecture (CSA) unit, is responsible for the system level innovation of next generation computing systems. This unit is currently expanding significantly. As R&D Project Manager, you manage several internal development projects, Joint Development Projects (JDPs), European funded projects, and take on certain aspects of the operational management of our organization.
In this role you assume the following responsibilities:
  • Manage the scope of the project and flag requested changes
  • Start from a high-level plan and define in collaboration with the team a work breakdown structure to the level of individual tasks.
  • Carry out the first internal assessment of the resources required to execute research projects (definition of milestones and deliverables, the project team members required to reach the objectives and an overview of dependencies). In addition, you ensure a balance between customer needs and imec’s available resources and priorities in collaboration with the technical lead/manager.
  • Define a way of working for the project team (meeting schedule, documentation, and reporting, ...).
  • Monitor progress with respect to the approved plan (e.g., keep track of key deliverables, critical lot progress, create and track resource dashboards).
  • Capture and examine issues/risks and estimate the impact. When required you escalate to higher management.
  • Explore and identify value creation opportunities in work methods and business processes in collaboration with the various stakeholders in the different units.
  • Lead or participate in projects that drive operational effectiveness.
  • Work on implementing and improving our overall project methodology.

What we do for you

We offer you the opportunity to join one of the world’s premier research centers in nanotechnology at its headquarters in Leuven, Belgium. With your talent, passion and expertise, you’ll become part of a team that makes the impossible possible. Together, we shape the technology that will define the society of tomorrow.
We are committed to being an inclusive employer (http://www.imec-int.com/en/careers#diversity) and proud of our open, multicultural, and informal working environment with ample possibilities to take initiative and show responsibility. In everything we do, your future colleagues are guided by the imec values of passion, excellence, connectedness and integrity. We commit to supporting and guiding you in this process; not only with words but also with tangible actions. Through imec.academy, 'our corporate university', we actively invest in your development to further your technical and personal growth.
We are aware that your valuable contribution makes imec a top player in its field. Your energy and commitment are therefore appreciated by means of a market appropriate salary with many fringe benefits.

Who you are

“Must-haves” (essential skills)

  • Master’s degree in engineering with electronics as a key part of your studies.
  • Minimal 5 years of experience in project management or equal responsibilities.
  • True team player.
  • English professional proficiency (spoken and written).
  • Knowledge of Agile, Scrum and waterfall way of working.
  • Constructive communication approach.
  • Strong analytic reasoning & problem-solving capabilities.
  • Customer oriented.
  • Ability to communicate on all levels of the organization.
  • Enthusiastic about new CPU/GPU architectures and the potential of Artificial Intelligence.
  • An interest in research and innovation.
  • High level of discretion when handling confidential information.

"Should-haves” (a great candidate is familiar with most of these)

  • you have used agile & scrum project management in previous projects.
  • Knowledge of change management and project delivery management.
  • Experience in system-level R&D projects.
  • You enjoy building strong internal and external relationships, have a customer focus and are result-oriented.
  • You can share your point of view in a convincing way, and you have strong presentation skills.

"Could-haves" (it nice to tick a few of these boxes)

  • knowledge on computer architecture: CPU and GPU architecture, memory and cache organization, internals of an out of order core, etc.
  • PMP or Prince2 certification and the knowledge to apply the methodology in a pragmatic way.
  • Expertise in writing project proposals (for funded projects).
  • Knowledge of software development process, git.
  • Knowledge of AI and ML

Senior Analog and Mixed-Signal Design Engineer for Image Sensors

 

Design high-performance analog and mixed signal circuits for image sensor. Develop complex Systems on Chip from concept to low volume production. Join us and find the perfect balance between research and industry.

What you will do

Imec enjoys a world-class reputation in advanced Integrated Circuit and System design and in technology development. Combining these skills, imec’s Imager System on Chip group (ISOC) develops specialty image sensors where the pixel is based on its own proprietary technology and developed by a parallel specialists’ team.  The sensor readout interface, the control and supporting circuits are designed in-house for beyond state-of-the-art performance.  Our team takes care of the full development of these image sensors, from concept to low volume production. We work with industry leading customers operating in niche market applications and our image sensors will be integrated into tomorrow’s biomedical, pharmaceutical and industrial most advanced imaging equipment.

You will belong to imec’s wide and famous analog design community of which the Imager SoC group is a part. You will be working in a dynamic environment, and you will interact with the other analog, mixed-signal and RF design teams.

Your main responsibilities will be:

  • design high-end electronic circuits for image sensors with challenging specifications (e.g. switched-cap amplifiers, analog-to-digital converters, clock generation circuits, high speed serializers, high speed drivers, biasing and reference circuits...);
  • have the system level overview, understand or define the specifications at system level and propagate the specification budget to the building blocks and cells;
  • master the procedures and tools to build, simulate, verify and lay out large blocks and complex on-chip systems;
  • cooperate in a real team spirit with your colleagues (designers and layouters) to build the circuits in the best and most efficient way;
  • understand and be able to link your work to the specifications and restrictions of the blocks or sub-system at higher and lower level of abstraction;
  • Supervise and verify layout and make layout yourself (of critical blocks or at critical timeline);
  • Evaluate the sensor and its building blocks in our lab: define the measurements, specify the measurement hardware and build/use the measurement SW for semi-automatic measurements and data analysis;
  • Participate to the writing of technical publications or patents as main or as co-author;
  • Collaborate with specialists from our cross-disciplinary (e.g. pixel) design and technology teams;
  • Support the production start-up (e.g. test program definition and critical yield parameters).

What we do for you

We offer you the opportunity to join one of the world’s premier research centers in nanotechnology at its headquarters in Leuven, Belgium. With your talent, passion and expertise, you’ll become part of a team that makes the impossible possible. Together, we shape the technology that will determine the society of tomorrow.

We are committed to being an inclusive employer and proud of our open, multicultural, and informal working environment with ample possibilities to take initiative and show responsibility. We commit to supporting and guiding you in this process; not only with words but also with tangible actions. Through imec.academy, 'our corporate university', we actively invest in your development to further your technical and personal growth.

We are aware that your valuable contribution makes imec a top player in its field. Your energy and commitment are therefore appreciated by means of a market appropriate salary with many fringe benefits.

Who you are

  • You have a PhD degree in Analog IC Electronics or an MSc degree and at least 5 years of experience.
  • Excellent insight in analog circuit design is an absolute must, preferably in on-chip signal processing by high-performance analog-to-digital converters, high speed serializers, clock generation circuits etc.
  • You are knowledgeable on Cadence design flows and Calibre tools.
  • You know and like to measure in the lab.
  • You are disciplined and accurate in your work.
  • You clearly and openly report on the progress of your work and situate it in the context of the project.
  • You are a good team player, able to pursue and find compromise.
  • You have a natural desire to interpret and solve problems and you are self-critical.
  • You are result-driven, and you can set and respect deadlines.

We want to meet enthusiastic developers

 

Are you a software developer/engineer, passionate about building the technologies that will drive the smart health, city, mobility & logistics solutions of tomorrow? Would you love to join a multi-disciplinary and talented team? Then we would love to hear from you!

imec EDiT

As a high-tech research centre that is partially publicly funded, imec carries a responsibility to ensure global as well as local impact. imec’s EDiT (“Enabling Digital Transformations”) department plays a leading role in realising local impact of digital technology by conducting demand-driven R&D, in collaboration with authorities, other imec divisions, (academic) research institutes, companies, and citizens’ organisations. Our mission is to tackle so-called “wicked problems” in 3 main domains, or “clusters”: smart cities, mobility & logistics, and public health. Our activities are guided by an “Open for Impact” vision, which puts an emphasis on open knowledge, open source, and open data. Examples of our research programmes include City of Things, Mobilidata, Internet of Water, and Nervocity. EDiT is primarily based in Ghent and Antwerp, but also maintains a presence at imec’s main campus in Leuven.

What you will do

You will join one of EDiT’s 3 clusters, which are multi-disciplinary teams focused on innovation projects related to a specific societal domain – Public Health, Smart Cities, or Mobility & Logistics. There will collaborate with other developers, architects, analysts, designers, project managers, product owners, user researchers, and domain experts. The clusters operate through a process based on Scrum and SAFe principles.
As an Application Engineer (internal job title) you will also join EDiT’s DEV competence centre, where we will provide coaching, arrange training, evaluate and fine-tune your role and responsibilities, and plan your path within EDiT/imec together. Additionally, through our EDiT Communities of Practice initiative you will regularly interact with other developers, architects, designers, and user researchers across EDiT.

What we do for you

In exchange for your talent, passion, and expertise, imec offers you a challenging high-tech environment and a stimulating diverse culture. Employees enjoy market-competitive compensation and benefits packages, engaging career opportunities, and state of the art facilities. EDiT’s main offices are centrally located in Ghent & Antwerp, but we are also present at imec’s HQ campus in Leuven. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, working from home is currently the default across imec. Once governmental and imec-specific restrictions allow, you will be able to choose freely at which of our sites you spend most of your time. We have always been, and will remain, quite flexible with regards to working hours and remote working, as most team communications take place online.

We are committed to being an inclusive employer and proud of our open, multicultural, and informal working environment with ample possibilities to take initiative and show responsibility. We commit to supporting and guiding you in this process; not only with words but also with tangible actions. Through imec.academy, 'our corporate university', we actively invest in your development to further your technical and personal growth.

Who you are

We are always open to meet research-minded, high-potential software developers/engineers/architects, with various technical specialisations, and with senior, medior, or junior experience levels alike. While there may not always be a fitting open position available right away, we believe it is always valuable to us (& vice-versa, we dare think) to get acquainted with passionate candidates. These are some of the qualities we tend to look for:

“Must-haves” (essential skills):

  • Educational background:
    o (Prof.) Bachelor, Master, or PhD degree in a “STEM” domain, typically (but not exclusively) Computer Science, I(C)T, or (applied) Informatics;
    o Or, equivalent self-thought expertise acquired through proven professional experience & certified training;
  • Able to quickly learn new paradigms, patterns, languages, frameworks, libraries, …;
  • An interest in research & innovation with societal relevance;
  • Javascript, as your language of choice (or are willing to embrace);
  • Relational & document-based databases (PostgreSQL, Mongo, etc.);
  • Git (duh!);
  • Team player, preferably accustomed to Scrum or similar Agile process;
  • English (professional proficiency).

“Should-haves” (a great candidate is familiar with most of these):

  • Able to efficiently, and iteratively translate requirements to software architecture & implementation choices;
  • TypeScript, as a Javascript dialect you like or can live with;
  • Node.js, for implementation of back-ends & APIs …;
  •  … deployed as micro-services using Docker/Kubernetes;
  • Python, Go, Rust, Scala, Kotlin, Java as your second or third language;
  • (notions of) HTML/CSS.

“Could-haves” (it is nice to tick a few of these boxes):

  • Being knowledgeable of [technology specific to] the healthcare, smart cities, mobility, or logistics domain;
  • Having contributed, from a technical point of view, in scoping & functional requirements analysis;
  • Design of micro-service/back-end architectures;
  • MS Azure cloud ecosystem (or equivalent, e.g. AWS, Google Cloud);
  • CI/CD & DevOps technologies (e.g. Azure DevOps/Pipelines, Helm, Terraform, etc.);
  • Big data technologies such as Apache Hadoop, Apache Spark, …;
  • Geo-spatial technologies: e.g. PostGIS, Mapbox, Leaflet, CesiumJS, ArcGIS, QGIS, etc.;
  • Experience with (Web) front-end framework(s) such as React, Vue.js, …;
  • “Beyond-REST” client-server interaction: GraphQL, Web Sockets, Protocol Buffers, …;
  • Event-driven systems, stream processing, caching, queuing & brokering technologies such as Apache Kafka, Redis, …;
  • Mobile app development experience (Android, iOS, or cross-platform/PWA);
  • Testing methodologies (TDD, Consumer-driven Contract Testing) & frameworks (e.g. Jest, Mocha, Chai, PACT, etc.);
  • Having made contributions to open-source projects (please mention in your application!);
  • Dutch (notions or intention to learn).

We typically give preference to hiring developers as payroll employees. However, freelance/consultant/flex-force staff – usually recruited through our network of preferred suppliers – can be considered to cover temporary capacity or capability requirements.

Field Service Engineer

 

We are looking for engineers with a passion for machines. Even if they are complex, delicate, unique tools for the production of chips. Can you help us get the best out of our equipment in our cleanroom? Then we would love to hear from you!

What you will do

In our cleanrooms, some of the most advanced machines in the world run the production of chips. Some of them are first versions, and sometimes even prototypes. As a service engineer (equipment engineer) you will be responsible for the proper functioning of these various pilot production tools and devices.

  • You intensively collaborate with process engineers and equipment constructors; identify preventive actions and assure the correct maintenance and repair of the equipment. Together with the manufacturers, you identify, execute and evaluate improvement opportunities.
  • In a context in which continuous improvement is a key success factor, you are driven to make maintenance more efficient and cost effective, while the quality and availability of the equipment is guaranteed.
  • You take care of a first analysis of all technical questions regarding the hardware aspects of the machinery in your domain and you ensure an adequate solution.
  • With your extensive device knowledge you will be able to assist in setting up new processes.
  • Together with your colleagues of the hookup department, you install new equipment in the pilot production line.
  • You will work in shifts (early, late, 1 weekend out of 3).

You have to know this: imec is an internationally pioneering R & D center. We collaborate with all the big electronics companies to find out how the chips of the future can be made. Key in this is our extremely advanced pilot production line for chips, which contains the tools you will work on. On this advanced equipment, we test production processes. When those production processes work optimally and are stable, they transferred to the real chip factories.

What we do for you

In exchange for your talent, passion and expertise, you will join a multicultural and high-tech company, with challenges there for the taking. Our flexible, progressive and informal working environment offers you a range of possibilities to take initiative and show responsibility. This is your opportunity to contribute to the technology that will determine the society of tomorrow. imec supports and guides you in this process; not only with words but with concrete actions. Through imecAcademy, 'our corporate university', we are actively investing in the further development of all our employees to assure their technical and personal growth. Your valuable contribution and that of your colleagues make imec a top player in its field. Your energy and commitment are therefore appreciated by means of an attractive and competitive salary with many fringe benefits.

Who you are

You obtained a Master’s degree in Industrial Engineering Electromechanics, Mechanics or equal through technical experience. By preference, you have a first similar professional experience. Motivated graduates are definitely encouraged to apply as well!
You are fascinated by new technologies and equipment. You are highly technically skilled and have a hands-on knowledge of pneumatics, hydraulics, mechanics, electronics, etc. You are not afraid to roll up your sleeves and dive right into the action. You can work autonomously, take the initiative and are capable to plan and organize your own work. You are a real team player and have strong communication skills in English.