System Integration Engineer R&D

Research & Development – Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA

Join imec’s multidisciplinary R&D team in Cambridge and help develop advanced integrated systems that bring together mechanics, hardware, software, electronics, optics, and sensors.

About the role

As a System Integration Engineer R&D, you will be part of imec’s ISSA (Innovative Systems, Software & Applications) expertise center, specifically within the System Engineering group.

Our team focuses on integrating different technologies, modules, and subsystems into complete working systems by translating application needs into clear system requirements and architectures. In this role, you will take an active part in integrating mechanics, hardware, software, electronics, optics, and sensors into advanced R&D instrumentation and prototype systems.

You will work closely with technical experts to structure, refine, and assess system requirements and architectures throughout the development lifecycle. Because innovation is central to imec’s work, project requirements can evolve quickly based on new R&D insights and input from external stakeholders.

We are looking for an inquisitive and pragmatic problem solver who enjoys working across disciplines and turning complex technical challenges into robust integrated systems.

What you will do

As a System Integration Engineer R&D, you will contribute to the development, integration, testing, and verification of advanced laboratory instrumentation and prototype systems.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Build and integrate laboratory instrumentation prototypes incorporating mechanics, hardware and software components, electronics, optics, and sensors.
• Interface with external vendors for the selection of components and procurement of customized parts, ensuring compatibility across subsystems.
• Analyze complex technical problems and workflows to define the scope of prototype development projects.
• Translate stakeholder needs into clear system requirements and architectures in collaboration with technical leads and subject-matter experts.
• Structure, refine, and assess system requirements and interfaces throughout the development lifecycle.
• Work according to agreed project timelines and communicate progress internally and to external partners or funding agencies.
• Collaborate with technical leads to identify project and system risks and develop recommendations and mitigation plans.
• Plan and execute test and verification activities together with application scientists to demonstrate that system performance requirements are met.
• Support trade-off analyses and technical decision-making across competing system requirements.
• Maintain clear technical documentation to support development, verification, knowledge transfer, and future system evolution.
• Work closely with an interdisciplinary team of engineers, biologists, application scientists, and data scientists.
• Adapt quickly to evolving technical requirements and new R&D insights.

Who you are

• You hold a Master’s degree or PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Instrumentation, Physics, or a related technical discipline.
• You have approximately 5–10 years of relevant experience in instrumentation development, systems engineering, or system integration.
• You have demonstrated experience integrating complex multidisciplinary systems.
• You have experience with electronics, automation, embedded systems, and hardware control.
• You have worked in a research or development environment involving early-stage prototype development and subsequent transfer toward product development.
• Experience with field service or customer support is considered a plus.
• You have experience tracing requirements, performing risk analyses, and applying systems engineering practices throughout the development lifecycle.
• Experience working in controlled or regulated development environments such as automotive, aerospace, medical devices, or life-science tools is considered a plus.
• Familiarity with standards or certification frameworks such as ISO 13485, UL, EMC, or CE is advantageous.
• You collaborate effectively with technical experts and are skilled at translating and synthesizing cross-disciplinary information.
• You combine practical, hands-on problem solving with the ability to think at an abstract system level.
• You maintain thorough technical documentation to support innovation and knowledge transfer.
• You excel at solving complex problems using first-principles thinking and can analytically resolve trade-offs between conflicting requirements.
• You are fluent in English and have excellent written and verbal communication skills.

What we do for you

At imec USA, you will have the opportunity to work at the forefront of advanced systems, semiconductor, and life-science innovation while collaborating with leading researchers and engineers across imec’s global organization.

We offer a highly competitive compensation and benefits package, including: Base salary range $138,400 - $190,000 annually 

• 100% employer-paid medical coverage for employees and eligible dependents.
• A generous 6% employer 401(k) contribution.
• Opportunities to collaborate with world-class researchers and technology teams in the United States and Europe.
• Professional development opportunities within imec’s global research and innovation community.
• The opportunity to contribute to complex, multidisciplinary systems with meaningful scientific and industrial impact.

This position is based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA.