Equipment Integration Test Engineer

imec; Vlaams-Brabant; On-site; EUR 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

imec is seeking an Equipment Integration Test Engineer to ensure seamless communication between advanced semiconductor equipment and CIM applications. You will work in a Smart Fab context, collaborating with equipment engineers and software developers to verify interfaces and improve test methodologies.

The role emphasizes hands-on testing, understanding automation levels in fab operations, and contributing to reliable data exchange between hardware and CIM systems in a highly international

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in software development and testing related to hardware automation.
• Experience with semiconductor manufacturing is a strong asset, ideally 300 mm Fab.
• Familiarity with automation pyramids and equipment state engines, OPC or SECS standards.
• Ability to analyze data exchange with hardware and debug communication issues.
• Strong analytical, self-critical, and solution-oriented mindset; independent and team-capable.

Responsibilities

• Verify equipment communication with CIM applications according to purchasing specs.
• Collaborate with equipment engineers and software developers in a multinational setting.
• Contribute to test methodology and use test software and simulators to improve processes.
• Interpret test results to inform integration developers and support bug fixing.
• Work in an environment with evolving automation levels in cleanrooms and fab operations.

Skills

Software development

Hardware automation

Semiconductor manufacturing knowledge

Automation standards (OPC SECS)

Data exchange debugging

Analytical skills

English language

Job description

As Equipment Integration Test Engineer, you will ensure that advanced semiconductor equipment communicates completely and correctly with our CIM applications.

What you will do

IMEC performs world-leading research in nano-electronics, operating a diverse equipment set of most advanced semiconductor wafer processing models. To improve and further roll out our CIM application landscape, we have started the Smart Fab initiative in 2024. Smart Fab is not only about simplification of manual work, it also will deliver more insight into capacity utilization, as well as product quality. You will become part of this journey in a growing team, providing opportunities in an exciting environment.

• As a member of our Smart Fab team, you will closely work with equipment engineers and software developers.
• You will receive industry specific training and can rely on experienced teammates.
• You will follow Fab Operations to understand the different levels of automation currently implemented in our cleanrooms.
• Your initial task will be the verification of equipment to host communication as specified during purchasing. Semiconductor equipment communication follows a comprehensive set of standards. However, these standards allow for differences in implementation and scope definition which often cause complications with equipment integration.
• Once more experienced, you will play a decisive role in exploring equipment behavior at the communication interfaces under different operational scenarios.
• Your test results are not just necessary for bug fixing. They are crucial input for equipment integration developers in the first place.
• You will contribute to improving our test methodology, utilizing dedicated test software as well as equipment simulators.

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 define 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 bring 5 years or more of experience in software development and testing, specifically related to hardware automation.
• Prior experience in, or knowledge of, semiconductor manufacturing is a strong asset, preferably in a 300 mm Fab.
• You did apply concepts like the automation pyramid and equipment state engines, as well as standards like OPC or SECS. You understand the difference between instructions and reports. You know how to analyze data exchange with hardware units and debug communication issues.
• You have strong analytical skills, are self-critical, and solution oriented.
• You can work independently and in a team. You do work diligently and are persistent.
• Prior experience in a cooperative setup, original software supplier's engineers sharing the workload with in-house developers, as well as onsite-remote hybrid collaboration, is highly desired.
• You feel comfortable in a complex environment.
• Since you will be working in a highly international environment and will be maintaining a good contact with colleagues and co-workers from all over the world, fluency in English is essential.