IC Design Lead

Vivid Resourcing; Vlaams-Brabant; On-site; EUR 95,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Vivid Resourcing Ltd. is seeking an IC Design Lead to join our client in Leuven, Belgium, on a permanent basis. The role leads the design of integrated circuits, directing architecture, verification, and validation while guiding a team of designers to deliver high-quality silicon on schedule.

You will own technical decisions, collaborate with system, software and manufacturing teams, and shape both the product and the team through strong technical leadership and clear documentation.

Qualifications

• Master’s or PhD in electrical engineering or closely related field.
• Significant experience in integrated circuit design with successful tape-outs.
• Experience leading IC design projects or small teams and strong knowledge of design flows, verification, and layout.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design of integrated circuits from architecture to tape-out and silicon validation.
• Define design approaches, block specs, and trade-offs aligned with product requirements.
• Mentor and manage a team of IC designers and allocate work.
• Coordinate with system, software, test and product teams to ensure requirements are met.
• Work with foundries and external partners on process, tape-out and manufacturing matters.
• Maintain design documentation and promote good engineering practices.

Skills

IC design leadership

Tape-out experience

Cross-functional collaboration

Problem-solving

Communication skills

Education

Master’s or PhD in electrical engineering

Tools

IC design tools

Simulation/Verification tools

Layout tools

Job description

Location: Leuven, Belgium
Contract: Permanent
Salary: To be confirmed with candidates

About the role

Our client, a technology organisation, is looking for an IC Design Lead to join their team in Leuven on a permanent basis. The role leads the design of integrated circuits, taking responsibility for technical direction from architecture and specification through to implementation, verification and characterisation.

You will guide a team of designers, set the design approach and make sure projects are delivered to specification, on schedule and within budget. The position suits an experienced IC designer who is comfortable owning technical decisions, working with system, software and manufacturing teams and developing the engineers around them.

The successful candidate will bring deep design experience, sound judgement and a collaborative approach to leadership. You will take on real technical ownership and have the opportunity to shape both the products and the team.

Main responsibilities

• Lead the design of integrated circuits, from architecture and specification through to tape-out and silicon validation
• Define design approaches, block specifications and technical trade-offs in line with product requirements
• Carry out and review circuit design, simulation, layout and verification work
• Guide, mentor and support a team of IC designers, including planning and allocating work
• Coordinate with system, software, test and product teams to make sure designs meet requirements
• Work with foundries and external partners on process, tape-out and manufacturing matters
• Plan and oversee characterisation, debug and test of silicon, and drive fixes and improvements
• Manage technical risks, schedules and deliverables, and report progress to senior management
• Contribute to design methodology, tools and flow improvements
• Maintain clear design documentation and make sure good engineering practice is followed

Requirements

• A master’s degree or PhD in electrical engineering, microelectronics or a related discipline
• Significant experience in integrated circuit design, including successful tape-outs
• Experience leading or technically directing IC design projects or small teamsStrong knowledge of IC design flows, simulation, layout and verification tools
• Experience with silicon characterisation, debug and working with foundries
• Strong problem-solving skills and a structured approach to technical decision-making
• Good communication skills, with the confidence to work with cross-functional teams and senior stakeholders
• The ability to work in Leuven

The offer

• A permanent role based in Leuven, Belgium
• Technical leadership of IC design projects and a team
• Salary and benefits to be confirmed with candidates

If you are an experienced IC designer looking for a permanent leadership role in Leuven, this could be a strong next step.