Integrated Photonics Design Expert

What you will do

We are looking for a highly skilled and motivated photonics expert to join our team. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in integrated photonics, including design, layout, and characterization.  

You will play a key role in advancing and expanding imec’s photonics technologies to support a broad spectrum of applications. At imec, we are developing several new photonics platforms, and you will have the opportunity to put your mark on them. 

The role is focused on the design of new components for the platform, layout of test structures and circuits, and planning and following up on large scale characterization of devices and circuits as they come out of imec’s state-of-the-art 200mm and 300mm pilot lines. The role will also take part in analysing and visualizing the data and to track device performance from die-to-die, wafer-to-wafer and lot-to-lot. Such statistical performance information is crucial for customers using imec’s platforms to design robust circuits, and also for monitoring and fine tuning the fabrication processes.

To ensure quality in all stages, you will collaborate closely with internal teams and external partners. As such, this role requires a combination of technical expertise and excellent communication skills.  

Key Responsibilities 

• Simulations, design and layout of integrated photonic components and circuits. 
• Setup design of experiments and analyse test data. 
• Improve existing photonic platforms and contribute to development of new photonic platforms for emerging applications. 
• Continuously align with process, characterization, application experts. 
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams and external partners to ensure project alignment and success. 
• Contribute to the organization and standardization of documentation and design cycles. 
• Facilitate the integration and linking of various design tools to improve workflow efficiency. 
• Promote knowledge sharing and recycling of information across projects and teams. 

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

• A PhD with 2 years of experience or MSc with at least 5 years of experience in the field of silicon photonics 
• Extensive experience in design, optimization, layout, and characterization of photonic components and circuits. 
• Experience with photonic design software (e.g., Lumerical, Cadence, IPKISS, etc.). 
• Good programming skills. Experience with Python is a strong plus. 
• Familiarity with experimental setups, measurement techniques, and characterization methods for photonic integrated circuits; hands-on experience is considered an advantage. 
• A good understanding of CMOS and silicon photonics fabrication techniques is a plus. 
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to take initiative. 
• Excellent communication and presentation skills. 
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team-oriented environment. 
• The ability to work according to agreed timelines and manage time efficiently according to the project schedule. 

IMEC and its affiliates will not accept unsolicited resumes from any source other than directly from a candidate. IMEC will consider unsolicited referrals and/or resumes submitted by vendors such as search firms, staffing agencies, professional recruiters, fee-based referral services and recruiting agencies (hereafter “Agency”) to have been referred by the Agency free of charge. IMEC will not pay a fee to any Agency that does not have a prior written agreement with IMEC, validated by its HR department, in place regarding a specific job opening and allowing to submit resumes.