R&D Manager Surface and Interface Preparation (SIP) Group

Supporting imec’s Advanced Process development 

Many of these projects extend beyond standard Si CMOS flows and require dedicated development of cleans, recesses, and surface preparation schemes, tightly coupled to tool configuration and chemical selection. Your expertise will drive best‑practice methodologies for novel materials, combining deep process understanding with close collaboration with equipment and chemical suppliers to ensure robust, scalable, and operationally effective solutions.

What you will do

• Lead and inspire a group of ~30 talented R&D engineers and experts across three specialised expertise teams. 
• Collaborate with the expertise team leaders to manage the resources of the full group using imec’s HR tools and guidelines. 
• Define and execute strategies to meet the next generation Surface and Interface Preparation’s (SIP) challenges. 
• Set priorities and track progress using performance metrics and scorecards. 
• Foster communication within the group and with the broader R&D stakeholder community. 
• Coordinate and manage Joint Development Projects (JDPs) with SIP’s tool, chemical, and filter suppliers. 
• Build strategic partnerships and align on a long-term technology roadmap. 
• Monitor technology trends and ensure readiness for future nodes. 
• Manage operations to ensure efficient wafer usage and faster learning cycles. 
• Interface with hardware and engineering teams to maintain tool uptime and capabilities. 
• In addition, you will oversee and support efforts to improve process and module maturity using tools such as DOE, FMEA, SPC, and FDC. 

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

• PhD in Physics, Chemistry, Physical Chemistry or Material Engineering  
• Technical expert with at least 10-15 years of experience in semiconductor research and in SIP related process development and integration knowledge. 
• You easily build trust, connect well with others and communicate assertively yet diplomatically. 
• Bring strong analytical and problem-solving skills. 
• You can make firm decisions and formulate a vision. 
• Own a proven track record and have relevant experience in people management, operational management and technical team leadership. 
• You have strong communication and interpersonal skills and can collaborate with all levels of the organization 
• Your enthusiasm and drive enable you to reach the ambitious team objectives. 
• Demonstrate excellent planning and organisational skills. 
• Given the international character of imec, good knowledge of spoken and written English is a must.   

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.