Dry etch R&D Engineer Advanced Patterning

imec; Vlaams-Brabant; On-site; EUR 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

imec is seeking an R&D Etch Process Engineer to develop dry etch processes for advanced technology nodes. You will work on 300 mm pilot lines and collaborate with the etch group to integrate processes within the overall flow.

Your role involves designing, executing, analyzing experiments, and advancing process maturity for technology transfer. You will join a multicultural, innovative environment with opportunities for publication, patenting and professional growth through imec academy.

Qualifications

• PhD or MSc with relevant experience in etch/plasma processing.
• Experience with etch equipment and process development is preferred.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills are essential.

Responsibilities

• Lead etch process development across projects.
• Analyze and report experiments and results.
• Understand interactions between etch and other steps in integration.
• Drive process robustness and transfer to manufacturing.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams and customers.
• Present research results to internal and external partners.

Skills

PhD in science/engineering

Etch processing

Plasma processing

English communication

Education

PhD or MSc with experience

Job description

As R&D Engineer Etch Process, you will provide etch process solutions and an understanding of the interactions between etch and the overall integration scheme.

Background

Pitch scaling is one of the fundamental driver for semiconductor device performance improvement. To print smaller feature size, Extreme Ultraviolet (EUV) lithography has been introduced. Additionally, multipatterning schemes are employed to reach critical dimensions beyond the lithographic resolution limit. To support this ongoing miniaturization, it is crucial to ensure the precise transfer of the photoresist into the underlying layers by plasma etching. The etch group is looking for an R&D engineer to develop dry etch processes for future technology nodes.

What you will do

As R&D Etch Process Engineer you are responsible to provide etch process solutions using imec’s 300 mm pilot line with state-of-the‑art dry etch and characterization equipments. Also, you strengthen and share your understandings of the interactions between the etch process step and the overall integration scheme. In day-to-day operations, you are supported by the operational services provided within the organization.

Your key responsibilities are:

• Leading etch process development in several projects: you design, conduct, analyze and report your experiments.
• Driving and understanding the interactions between the etch and other process steps.
• Exploring etch process or integration flow boundaries, to help define gaps and identify possible solutions.
• Bringing critical etch processes to the required maturity to enable technology transfer.
• Transferring etch process know-how to imec customers.
• Participating in research & development of JLP (Joint Learning Program) with our partners. You facilitate these partnerships and you regularly share and present your research results to them.
• Thinking ahead and participating actively to the definition of the etch group roadmap.
• Implementing methodology to ensure process robustness & process control.
• Sharing your knowledge about etch to help determine the future strategy for etch process development.
• Writing papers, patents and extending your network.

You will be coached on-the-job by senior colleagues and the etch team supervisor.

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 PhD degree in science or engineering, or a Master’s degree with relevant experience.
• Knowledge and/or hands‑on experience in the field of etch or plasma processing is an asset but not an absolute must.
• Knowledge of leading‑edge technology like advanced Logics, memories or 3D/OIO is appreciated.
• We are looking forward to a motivated and enthusiastic person, willing to take up the challenge of reaching ambitious objectives.
• You will require a strong capability to work without supervision with a high focus on quality.
• You will actively participate in cross‑functional teams, utilizing scientific and engineering skills to enhance the team’s capability.
• You have excellent planning and organizational skills to provide your research results in a timely & efficient manner. You show flexibility to change between different projects according to priorities.
• You have good communication skills since you will work with a multicultural mix of imec researchers, partners and customers. Prior experience in customer relations in an asset.
• You are a team player with good networking skills. You also have good reporting skills easily engaging a wide range of audiences.
• Given the international character of imec, good knowledge of (spoken and written) English is a must.