R&D Thin Films Engineer

Background 

Advances in AI and semiconductor technologies are increasingly intertwined, with AI driving new demands for faster, more efficient chips, while cutting‑edge semiconductor innovations enable the next generation of AI workloads. This needs continuous development and innovation in cutting edge logic and memory architectures. One of the key enablers is the ONO (oxide-nitride-oxide) stack with tight thickness control, low defect density and strong interface quality.  

What you will do

You will be a member of the Dielectrics for Advanced Semiconductor Technology (DAST) group within the Materials, Interfaces, Deposition and Analysis (MIDA) department, responsible for the research, development, and characterization of thin film materials to enable high performance semiconductor devices. As a R&D thin films engineer, you will be responsible for developing, optimizing and characterizing ONO stack deposition process (for xx or xxx layers) via LPCVD, PECVD process with focus on dielectric quality, stress, thickness and interface control. You will be responsible to propose and evaluate complex DOE’s to understand the impact of ONO stack from downstream process. You will be working closely with researchers, tool suppliers, and integration team to ensure ONO stack compatibility for different programs at IMEC. You will be responsible to troubleshoot process related issues, identify root causes, and implement coercive actions using problem solving methodologies and AI tools. You will present the technical findings, and experimental results to internal stakeholders and external partners. In addition to current role, you will be expected to apply your dielectric expertise across multiple imec programs. By actively contributing to imec’s different program activities you will be part of the team driving the future semiconductor technology. 

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 Ph.D. degree in Material Science, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry or Physics. 
• Working experience in the semiconductor industry or in a larger research organization is a strong asset.   
• You possess solid knowledge and process understanding of PE(ALD), PE(CVD) process for dielectrics and hands‑on familiarity with deposition tool operation. 
• Proficient in thin film characterization methods to evaluate the dielectric stacks. 
• Ability to work in a fast‑paced R&D environment with evolving technical challenges.  
• Knowledge of AI tools and implementation to solve complex problems is an asset.  
• An effective team player and can easily integrate in an international, multidisciplinary research environment and professionals 
• Strong organizational skills and show flexibility to change between different projects according to priorities. 
• Excellent English communication and reporting skills.  

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.