R&D Engineer Chemical Mechanical Polishing

Chemical Mechanical Polishing (CMP) is a critical technology for the nanoelectronics industry. CMP uses chemical formulations containing abrasive nanoparticles to polish wafers, removing unwanted dielectric or metallic material and achieving surface planarization.

This position has a dual focus:

1. Taking the lead on data-driven process control for advanced CMP development: leveraging complex data analysis to identify improvement opportunities, implement robust control strategies, and accelerate development cycles.
2. Supporting R&D for advanced Memory and Logic applications: driving innovation in CMP processes that meet the stringent requirements of next-generation devices. 

As an R&D Engineer CMP, you will become a recognized expert in your field, shaping solutions that impact the imec ecosystem and enabling CMP technologies for future nodes.

What you will do

You will join imec’s CMP R&D team, which develops advanced processes solutions enabling next-generation devices for Logic, Memory, Interconnect, 3Di, Optical I/O, Quantum, and Life Sciences programs. 
 
The team currently consists of ~20 people with whom you interact daily. However, you will also work in a dynamic multidisciplinary environment in close cooperation with other researchers, scientists, hardware and process engineers, device and process experts, equipment vendors, industrial assignees and operators.  
 
As a specialist in your field, you will map, develop, optimize, maintain, and document high‑end CMP processes on state‑of‑the‑art 300 mm equipment while leading data‑driven process control, mining complex datasets to identify improvement opportunities and translating insights into robust control strategies that accelerate development. 
 
More specifically, your tasks include:   

• Design, conduct, and analyze experiments, integrating statistical methods and data-driven insights to validate CMP performance.
• Explore complex datasets and apply model-based process control techniques (e.g., SPC, DOE, predictive modeling) to identify improvement opportunities and accelerate development.
• Verify CMP process performance and implement corrective actions based on quantitative analysis. 
• Gain a fundamental understanding of design impact on CMP performance and translate findings into robust control strategies.
• Coordinate and implement developed CMP processes in our 300 mm fab organization together with fab process engineers and the pilot line, including smooth transfer to support and operational teams. 
• Work cross-functionally with integration, process support, hardware teams, and industrial partners to align data-driven improvements with integration needs. 
• Actively contribute to research and joint development programs with external partners, driving activities for new tool sets, materials, metrology tools, and methodologies.
• Monitor industry trends and innovations, applying scientific knowledge and advanced analytics to imec research programs.
• Interface with device engineers and researchers to anticipate future CMP needs and data requirements. 
• Report your work internally and externally, including conference and journal publications.
• Receive on-the-job coaching from a mentor/buddy, fellow colleagues and the CMP team lead.

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 of Science or Industrial Engineering degree, or a similar Ph.D. degree.
• You have proven experience in data engineering and analytics, including handling complex datasets, applying statistical methods, and developing model-based process control strategies.
• You have a strong technical background, and hands-on experience in CMP processes is a requisite for this role.
• You can work independently with a high focus on quality and accuracy in both experimental and data-driven tasks.
• You actively contribute in cross-functional teams, leveraging scientific, engineering, and data analysis skills to enhance team capability.
• You have strong communication skills to collaborate with a multicultural mix of imec researchers, partners, and customers; prior experience in customer interaction is an asset.
• You are a team player with excellent networking skills and value clear reporting to share insights and increase impact.
• You are flexible and adaptable, as your tasks will vary depending on interactions with imec’s research programs and customers.
• Given the international character of imec, good knowledge of spoken and written English is a must. 

Additional assets:

• Background in advanced memory and logic device nodes.
• Industry experience with Fault Detection & Classification (FDC): configuration, feature engineering from tool signals, alert strategy tuning, and integration with runtorun/APC and SPC dashboards.
• Proficiency with Python/JMP (or similar), statistical/ML toolchains, and data platforms typical of fab environments.

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.