Optical IO System Architect (Japan)

What you will do

AI/ML applications are driving an exponentially growing need for compute capacity. The accelerators used for training and inference (known as xPUs such as tensor processing units, graphics processing units) face an increasingly severe IO bandwidth bottleneck, which makes industry consider disruptive approaches such as co-packaged optics (CPO) as recently announced by leading players. A CPO transceiver is integrated onto the same substrate as the xPU, which reduces power consumption and improves bandwidth density. However, it is currently anticipated that already five years from now, also the use of CPO will not be sufficient to sustain the connectivity needs of future AI/ML applications. imec is now exploring different options to bring the optics even closer to the xPU, involving state-of-the-art small-footprint Silicon Photonic devices, optical interposers, advanced assembly techniques such as hybrid bonding and directly interfacing the optics with scaled-CMOS circuitry. 
Your task will be to establish the detailed architecture of such optical IO interfaces relying on advanced Silicon Photonics processes (integrating state-of-the-art modulators and detectors), electronics relying on scaled CMOS, both integrated through advanced processes such as hybrid bonding. You will develop a holistic view on both the optical link architecture including the necessary electronics, and ensure the OIO link achieves state-of-the-art energy efficiency (pJ/bit) and shoreline density (Tb/s/mm); as well as the detailed cross-section of the optical IO interface and its floorplan. To achieve this goal you will work closely with photonic integrated circuit and device teams, electronic integrated circuit design teams and integration teams. You will drive the top-level specifications and detailed functionality of each part of the optical IO link, and adjust those during the development and design phase. You are responsible to deliver a carefully crafted optical IO demonstrator leveraging the above mentioned cutting edge Silicon Photonics, scaled-CMOS and advanced integration technologies.   

What we do for you

We offer you the opportunity to join one of the world’s premier research centers in nanotechnology at its location in Hokkaido, Japan. 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 rewards package. 

Who you are

• You hold a PhD or MSc in microelectronics, electrical engineering, photonics, physics, applied physics, material science, or equivalent.
• You have 5+ years of working experience in the area of high-speed (optical or electrical) transceivers and optical transmission systems. You are passionate about technology and can quickly grasp the essence of technical discussions. 
• You have the ability to work according to agreed timelines and manage time efficiently according to the project schedules
• You possess strong reporting and presentation skills. 
• You thrive in a multidisciplinary and international team.   
• You focus on quality.  
• You communicate fluently in English.

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.