Equipment Integration Test Engineer

Imec; Vlaams-Brabant; On-site; EUR 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

IMEC in Leuven, Belgium invites an Equipment Integration Test Engineer to join our Smart Fab initiative. You will verify equipment communication, analyze interfaces, and contribute to test methodologies in a highly international setting.

The role requires 5+ years in software development and testing for hardware automation, with asset knowledge of semiconductor manufacturing. You will collaborate with equipment engineers and software teams, both on site and remotely when needed.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in software development and testing for hardware automation.
• Experience in semiconductor manufacturing is an asset, preferably in a 300 mm Fab.
• Familiar with automation pyramid concepts and standards like OPC or SECS.
• Strong analytical, self-critical and solution-oriented mindset.
• Ability to work independently and in a team in an international environment.

Responsibilities

• Verify equipment to host communication as specified during purchasing.
• Explore equipment behavior at communication interfaces under various operational scenarios.
• Contribute to improving test methodologies using dedicated test software and equipment simulators.
• Collaborate with equipment engineers and software developers within the Smart Fab initiative.
• Follow Fab Operations to understand current automation levels in cleanrooms.
• Deliver test results that inform bug fixes and feed into equipment integration developers.

Skills

Software development

Testing

Hardware automation

Semiconductor manufacturing

Job description

Equipment Integration Test Engineer

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.

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.