III-V Active Photonic Device Expert

Imec; Luik; On-site; EUR 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

imec is seeking an III-V Active Photonic Device Expert to lead simulation-driven design and experimental validation of high-speed electro-absorption modulators on silicon-photonics platforms. The role spans heterostructure design, device modelling and fabrication-aware optimisation within a multidisciplinary team.

Successful candidates will have a PhD and at least 3 years of hands-on III-V photonic device experience, with strong Python skills and proficiency in industry-standard TCAD/optical

Qualifications

• PhD in electrical engineering, photonics, applied physics, semiconductor physics or a closely related discipline.
• At least 3 years of hands-on experience with III-V photonic devices.
• Experience with waveguide-integrated III-V modulators or photodetectors on silicon-photonics platforms.
• Strong understanding of semiconductor physics, quantum mechanics, heterostructure band engineering and optoelectronic-device operation.
• Ability to translate material and active-region properties into complete electrical and photonic device designs and to interpret simulation outputs.
• Experience with band-structure, TCAD, multiphysics or optical simulation tools (Nextnano, Sentaurus, Silvaco Atlas, Ansys Lumerical, COMSOL).
• Scientific programming in Python with automation, data analysis and parameter sweeps.
• Strong collaboration and clear technical communication across modelling, epitaxy, process, design and characterization.
• Willingness to relocate to Belgium; relocation support provided.

Responsibilities

• Design and optimise waveguide-integrated III-V active photonic devices, primarily high-speed electro-absorption modulators.
• Engineer multi-quantum-well heterostructures for target wavelength, optical loss, voltage and speed.
• Model band structure, QCSE, carrier transport, optical absorption and electric-field distribution.
• Develop complete electro-optical device models, including geometry, capacitance, resistance and high-speed response.
• Design III-V integration with silicon or silicon-nitride waveguides and optimise coupling and transitions.
• Incorporate epitaxial, process, thermal and manufacturing constraints into robust device designs.
• Translate concepts into layouts and test structures, then correlate simulations with electrical, optical and RF measurements.
• Collaborate across epitaxy, integration, process, characterisation, circuits and systems, and contribute to roadmaps, IP and publications.

Skills

III-V photonic devices experience

Python programming

Technical communication

Multidisciplinary collaboration

Education

PhD in electrical engineering / photonics / semiconductor physics

Tools

Nextnano

Synopsys Sentaurus

Silvaco Atlas

Ansys Lumerical

COMSOL

Job description

III-V Active Photonic Device Expert

At imec, we develop advanced integrated-photonics technologies for next-generation optical interconnects, computing, communications and sensing. We are looking for an R&D Engineer to strengthen our work on waveguide-integrated III-V active photonic devices.

Your primary focus will be the simulation-driven design and experimental validation of III-V modulators integrated with silicon-photonics platforms, particularly quantum-confined Stark effect (QCSE) electro-absorption modulators based on multi-quantum-well heterostructures. Depending on project needs and your expertise, you may also contribute to MOSCAP/SISCAP concepts, photodetectors and other emerging III-V active-device architectures.

This role combines semiconductor physics, quantum-engineered heterostructure design, photonic modelling, high-speed device engineering, fabrication-aware optimisation and experimental validation.

The final level and scope of the role will be determined based on the successful candidate's background and expertise and may range from R&D Engineer to Principal Member of Technical Staff.

What you will do

• Design and optimise waveguide-integrated III-V active photonic devices, primarily high-speed electro-absorption modulators.
• Engineer multi-quantum-well heterostructures for target wavelength, optical loss, voltage and speed.
• Model band structure, QCSE, carrier transport, optical absorption and electric-field distribution.
• Develop complete electro-optical device models, including geometry, capacitance, resistance and high-speed response.
• Design III-V integration with silicon or silicon-nitride waveguides and optimise coupling and transitions.
• Incorporate epitaxial, process, thermal and manufacturing constraints into robust device designs.
• Translate concepts into layouts and test structures, then correlate simulations with electrical, optical and RF measurements.
• Collaborate across epitaxy, integration, process, characterisation, circuits and systems, and contribute to roadmaps, IP and publications.

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 and work on advanced integrated-photonics technologies within a multidisciplinary semiconductor R&D environment. 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. You will have access to silicon-photonics, III-V integration, epitaxy, fabrication and advanced characterization capabilities. You will collaborate with experts across materials, devices, circuits, systems and manufacturing. You will have the opportunity to influence future integrated-photonics technologies and convert new device concepts into experimentally validated platform solutions. You will contribute to patents, technical partner engagements, scientific publications and international conferences.

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

• PhD in electrical engineering, photonics, applied physics, semiconductor physics, materials science or a closely related discipline.
• Prior hands-on experience of at least 3 years with III-V photonic devices is essential.
• Experience with waveguide-integrated III-V modulators or photodetectors on silicon-photonics platforms is highly valued.
• Strong understanding of semiconductor physics, quantum mechanics, heterostructure band engineering and optoelectronic-device operation, with practical experience in multi-quantum-well structures, electro-absorption, QCSE, carrier transport or related III-V device physics.
• Ability to translate material and active-region properties into complete electrical and photonic device designs and to critically interpret simulation outputs.
• Experience with relevant band-structure, TCAD, multiphysics or optical simulation tools, such as Nextnano, Synopsys Sentaurus, Silvaco Atlas, Ansys Lumerical or COMSOL.
• Scientific programming capability in Python or an equivalent environment, including automation, optimisation, parameter sweeps or data analysis.
• Ability to collaborate effectively across modelling, epitaxy, process, design and characterization disciplines, supported by clear technical communication and documentation skills.
• You either live in Belgium or are willing and able to relocate (relocation and immigration support is provided by imec).

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.