IT/OT Architect 

What you will do

As an IT/OT Architect, you will play a critical role in shaping and owning imec’s IT/OT architecture, bridging the digital and operational technology worlds. You will define and evolve the strategic IT/OT architecture vision, act as product owner for the key IT/OT components (e.g., MQTT message bus, time-series data infrastructure), and provide architectural oversight and support across all IT/OT initiatives and programs. 
You will collaborate closely with ICT, R&D, infrastructure, automation, and process engineering teams to ensure all IT/OT solutions are secure, future-proof, and aligned with imec’s digital transformation strategy. As a trusted advisor, you bring clarity, consistency, and technical leadership across a complex and rapidly evolving environment. 

Your key responsibilities will include: 

• Define and own the end-to-end IT/OT architecture and roadmap, aligned with enterprise architecture, security guidelines, and industry standards. 
• Act as product owner for shared IT/OT architectural components, such as: 
  
  • MQTT message bus / mesh and other messaging platforms 
  • Edge connectivity frameworks 
  • Time-series data pipelines 
  • Device integration frameworks 
  • Asset management platform
• Manage the IMEC Unified Namespace 
• Ensure consistency, scalability, and interoperability across IT/OT platforms and tools. 
• Translate functional and business requirements into robust architectural designs and decisions. 
• Support and guide all IT/OT programs and project teams with architecture reviews, solution validation, and strategic alignment. 
• Define and enforce architectural principles, technical standards, and integration patterns. 
• Collaborate with solution architects, infrastructure engineers, cybersecurity teams, and process experts to deliver secure and efficient solutions. 
• Stay on top of emerging trends in smart manufacturing, industrial connectivity, and IIoT (Industrial Internet of Things) and assess their relevance for imec. 
• Facilitate cross-domain workshops and architecture review boards (ARB) to align on decisions and ensure implementation feasibility. 

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 are passionate about bridging IT and operational technology in an industrial or research context. 
• You have experience in architecting complex, multi-layered IT/OT environments. 
• You can translate business needs into clear architectural visions and practical designs. 
• You are a strong communicator who can engage with diverse technical and non-technical stakeholders. 
• You combine strategic thinking with hands-on technical knowledge and are comfortable working across system domains.
• You are proactive, structured, and can lead by influence in a matrixed organization. 

We are looking for a highly motivated person with 3 to 5 years of experience in: 

• 5+ years of experience in IT/OT architecture, solution design, or system integration. 
• Proven track record in defining and implementing architectures involving: 
  
  • Industrial communication protocols (e.g., MQTT, OPC UA, Modbus) 
  • Edge computing platforms 
  • SCADA, PLC, MES, and IT systems integration 
• Solid understanding of cybersecurity in OT environments 

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.