R&D manager – Silicon Photonics based Optical IO (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.

Imec wishes to establish a team in Hokkaido, Japan that will realize demonstrators of such advanced “Optical IO” technology. The team will conduct the photonic IC design (relying on a suitably modified Silicon Photonics process run through imec’s extensive pilot lines) and the electronic IC design (relying on a scaled-CMOS process, whereby the design includes front-end circuitry such as transimpedance amplifiers, modulator drivers, as well as e.g. simple clock-and-data recovery circuitry). System-level specifications, the transceiver architecture that drive the PIC and EIC designs, as well as the detailed cross-section and floorplan will be established by a system architect. The fabricated and assembled demonstrators will then be tested and characterized using suitable equipment. 

We are looking for a local R&D (project) manager who will establish and drive a team that will deliver research as outlined above. More in particular:

• You will establish a team that consists of a transceiver system architect, photonic and electronic IC designers and test engineers.
• You will drive the research and development necessary for realization of the above outlined demonstrator.
• You will collaborate closely with a consortium of Japanese universities and research institutes to deliver on the envisioned OIO transceiver demonstrator.
• You will collaborate closely with imec teams across the globe who will be working on critical aspects of the technologies required for the demonstrator, such as for example the Silicon Photonics technology, established EIC design teams etc. 
• You are responsible for leading the team technically and operationally, promoting interactions and innovations. You represent the demonstrator project adequately to all key stakeholders, both internally and externally. From project definition until project closure, you will be the main contact. 

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 reward package. 

Who you are

• You hold a PhD or MSc in microelectronics, electrical engineering, photonics, physics, applied physics, material science, or equivalent.
• You have 10+ years of Semiconductor experience, including Photonics.
• You have 5+ years of working experience in the area of high-speed (optical or electrical) transceivers. You are passionate about technology and can quickly grasp the essence of technical discussions.
• Previous industrial experience as a R&D project manager is a real asset. You enjoy supporting teams in reaching their objectives.
• You are an enthusiastic team player with excellent written and verbal communication skills in Japanese with strong command of English. You are diplomatic and able to easily interact with management, researchers, and administrative staff.
• You have a positive mindset and an “always improving” mentality.
• You are willing to work in a dynamic, collaborative and multicultural environment.

 

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