Ecosystem Manager (imec Germany)

About imec Germany

Imec Heilbronn is a new regional hub pioneering open chiplet architectures that will power the next generation of automotive innovation and AI‑driven systems. Situated at the heart of the Innovation Park Artificial Intelligence (IPAI), imec Germany brings together world‑class semiconductor expertise and a vibrant ecosystem of AI innovation. This unique combination positions the site as a catalyst for technological breakthroughs that will shape the next generation of mobility and intelligent systems.

The Advanced Chip Design Accelerator (ACDA) is the core of our mission in Heilbronn—establishing a state‑of‑the‑art competence center dedicated to advanced chiplet design, system integration, and cutting‑edge methodologies. ACDA provides the expertise and tools needed to bridge the gap between early‑stage research and industrial adoption, enabling faster, safer, and more scalable deployment of chiplet‑based technologies in the automotive domain. Building on the foundation of imec’s Automotive Chiplet Program (ACP), ACDA extends this work into a regional accelerator that translates imec’s research leadership into practical, industry‑ready solutions. By combining advanced design capabilities with deep local collaboration, ACDA empowers both regional and global automotive players to derisk development, accelerate innovation cycles, and industrialize next‑generation chiplet platforms with confidence.

Be part of the team from the very beginning, joining us as Ecosystem Coordinator.

What you will do

Within the imec organization, the team at imec Germany is aiming to drive innovative semiconductor R&D capabilities across various business sectors and bridge between cutting-edge research and industrialization. Additionally, we foster relationships within the deep tech start-up and scale-up EU community. Your role will be to help build and maintain strong connections, identify collaboration opportunities, and represent imec as an active contributor to the regional deep‑tech and mobility ecosystem.
Being part of this team and to succeed in this role, you will:

• Drive Business Activities:
  • Help translate imec’s chiplet roadmaps into clear insights for partners across sectors such as Automotive, Compute & Systems, AI & Robotics, Industry & Consumer as well as ASIC services.
  • Support engagement with companies ranging from multinationals to deep-tech startups to explore collaboration opportunities.
  • Represent imec at industry and academic events, conferences, and innovation forums to promote our technological leadership and build new relationships.
• Support Opportunity Validation & Partnership Agreements:
  • Lead workshops with potential partners to help understand their needs and how imec can support them.
  • Guide partners through imec’s engagement lifecycle, collaborating with internal stakeholders (R&D, Program Management, IP, Legal) to ensure successful partnership/project scoping and execution.
  • Contribute to the preparation of materials for business discussions and support senior colleagues during partnership negotiations.
• Build Client Intimacy & Ecosystem Growth:
  • Cultivate long-term relationships with key clients and ecosystem partners.
  • Conduct market and ecosystem research to identify emerging opportunities or promising actors.
  • Support the setup of governance structures for partnerships and programs.

What we do for you

As an Ecosystem Manager at imec, you will represent a global research institution with the largest semiconductor ecosystem. You will have the opportunity to contribute to roadmaps across all technological areas from an ecosystem management perspective. You will represent an organization that builds industry partnerships with the goal of making a positive societal impact.

You will interact with senior management decision-makers, industry leaders, and experts to build collaborations that shape the future. This position offers flexibility, working in a multidisciplinary team in an international culture, and opportunities for continuous learning.

In exchange for your skills, passion, and expertise, you will join an organization with various challenges. Our working environment provides opportunities to take initiative. This is your chance to contribute to technology that will influence future society. Your contributions and those of your colleagues make imec prominent in its field.

We offer you the opportunity to join one of the world’s premier research centers in nanotechnology at its local footprint in Heilbronn, Germany. 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 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 package. 

Who you are

• Master’s degree in engineering, business, ecosystem management, or a related field with strong business acumen and a passion for technology innovation is required.  A PhD is not necessary for this position.
• 5+ years of experience in building strategic partnerships, programs or ecosystem management in a high-tech or deep-tech environment.
• Strong understanding of semiconductor technologies and their applications, preferably in the automotive segment, but also in emerging domains such AI, sensing, robotics.
• Comfortable with multi-level, multi-stakeholder partner interactions and enjoy developing and nurturing partner and ecosystem relationships. 
• Strong entrepreneurial mindset with a passion for innovation and ecosystem building.
• A network in the automotive and/or semiconductor industry and an understanding of various market dynamics and cultures across Europe would be advantageous.
• You have strong organizational, planning, verbal, written communication, and analytical skills. You are a team player with a can-do attitude. 
• You are willing to spend regular time in the Baden-Württemberg region and travel to meet local partners.
• Fluent in English and German.