R&D Thin Films Engineer Magnetic Materials

Background 

Future generation memory devices are moving towards more complex integration schemes to boost performance and to keep up with density scaling trends, setting unprecedented challenges for novel material and thin film process development. To deliver next-generation Magnetoresistive RAM (MRAM) technologies, optimized magnetic material stacks and interface engineering strategies are required to advance beyond today’s baseline systems. In this context, the Thin Films for Functional Materials (TFFM) group at imec is looking for an R&D Engineer with a strong technical background in deposition techniques and hands-on experience in Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD), combined with expertise in magnetic materials and their characterization methods.

What you will do

You will be a member of the Magnetics Deposition and Analysis (MDA) team within the Thin Films for Functional Materials (TFFM) group, which is part of imec’s Materials, Interfaces, Deposition and Analysis (MIDA) department. This department is responsible for the research and development of novel thin films in imec’s 300 mm pilot line using state-of-the-art deposition and characterization equipment. As a R&D thin films engineer, you will be responsible for material enablement in application-oriented projects that are done within imec’s industrial research programs or within bilateral or funded projects. As an expert in PVD and magnetic materials, you will develop, characterize and optimize magnetic material stacks using dedicated metrology such as Vibrating-Sample Magnetometer (VSM) and Magneto-Optical Kerr Effect (MOKE) techniques. You will gain fundamental understanding on stack behavior, bringing material solutions for implementation in next-generation emerging technologies. You will also be responsible to troubleshoot process related issues, identify root causes, and implement coercive actions using problem solving methodologies including AI tools. You will work in a dynamic multidisciplinary environment, building up a close relationship with other researchers, process experts, internal and external customers including equipment and material suppliers. By actively contributing to imec’s 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 have a Ph.D. degree in Physics, Chemistry, Material Science, Nanotechnology or equivalent through experience. 
• You have at least 5 years of relevant working experience in the semiconductor industry or in a larger research facility.   
• You have hands-on experience in operating deposition tools and doing process development, specifically using PVD. 
• Expert knowledge of thin film magnetic materials and their characterization methods is a must, with relevant experience in an industrial environment being a significant plus. 
• Knowledge of AI tools and its implementation to solve complex challenges or problems is a strong asset. 
• You are a real team player and can easily integrate into an international team of professionals. 
• You have strong organizational skills and show flexibility to change between different projects according to priorities. 
• You like taking initiative, you are persuasive and assertive, while keeping a constructive attitude. 
• You have 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.