R&D Team Leader Silicon Photonics PDK

Within the Connectivity Pathfinding (COP) department at imec, the Silicon Photonics pathfinding PDK team focuses on providing robust, scalable, and industry-relevant design kits and flows for integrated photonics technologies. By bridging process integration, device development, and design methodologies, the team plays a key role in translating imec’s photonics platforms into usable, validated solutions for internal demonstrators and external partners. The work supports imec’s optical IO, AI/HPC interconnect, and advanced photonics roadmaps. 

What you will do

We are seeking a skilled and motivated professional to lead the pathfinding PDK team, composed of senior and junior PDK and design flow engineers. Together with the team, your mission is to enable and mature PDK, enabling efficient circuit and system design. You will ensure high technical quality, alignment with technology roadmaps, and strong adoption by internal and external users. 

• You lead and coordinate the development, maintenance, qualification, and release of silicon photonics PDKs across multiple technology platforms, ensuring consistency and long-term sustainability. 
• You help define the PDK maturity targets, release criteria, and roadmap, in close alignment with process integration, device development, and imec objectives. 
• You provide hands-on technical leadership and mentorship to a team of PDK engineers, fostering technical excellence. 
• You act as the primary technical interface with EDA vendors, leading bilateral collaborations to co-develop, integrate, and qualify photonic design tools, PDK interfaces, and advanced design methodologies. 
• You ensure high quality, consistency, and usability of all PDK components, including technology files, layer definitions, PCells, models, and user documentation. 
• You oversee all activities carried out by the team, monitor progress, and adjust where needed, assigning team members to requested tasks after evaluating scope and complexity and considering relative competencies.  
• You implement and monitor HR processes within the team, including translating corporate, project, and program goals into individual performance targets. 
• You engage directly with internal and external users by providing training, design reviews, and expert-level troubleshooting, supporting efficient design cycles and early adoption. 
• You represent the PDK in enablement activities in cross-departmental reviews, bilateral customer engagements, and selected external partner meetings, ensuring alignment between customer needs, imec roadmaps, and platform capabilities.  

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 hold a Master’s degree or PhD (preferred) in electrical engineering, photonics, applied physics, computer engineering, or a related field. 
• You have at least 8 years of experience in silicon photonics PDK development and/or PDK design enablement. 
• You have a strong understanding of silicon photonics technologies, design constraints, and the interaction between process, device performance, and circuit design. 
• Preferably you have a track record of guiding and organizing a technical team towards clear goals; prior team leadership experience is a strong plus. 
• You have hands-on experience with photonic and electronic EDA tools and design flows, and can engage at a deep technical level when needed. 
• You communicate clearly and can motivate team members, stakeholders, and collaborators across disciplines. 
• You are structured, proactive, and flexible in a multi-project R&D environment. 
• Given the international character of imec, a fluent knowledge of English is necessary. 
• This position is based in Leuven, Belgium. You either live in Belgium or are willing to relocate (support provided).  
• Please note that an assessment center will be a part of the selection process.  

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.