Layout & Test R&D Engineer

Imec; Zwijnaarde; Hybrid; EUR 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

IMEC in Ghent, Belgium; a hybrid role combining hands-on wafer-scale optoelectrical testing with mask layout and automation. You will work across design, fabrication and test teams to accelerate photonics technology development.

You will build and extend automated measurement workflows, create Python tools, and validate layouts for fabrication, contributing to rapid feedback and device performance improvements.

Qualifications

• Minimum MSc or PhD in a related field such as Photonics, EE, Physics or Microelectronics.
• Strong Python programming skills and an interest in software development.
• Hands-on experience with experimental measurement setups and data analysis.
• Experience with layout tools and scripting (KLayout).
• Familiarity with RF measurements for photonic/optoelectronic devices is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Perform hands-on optical and electrical characterization and contribute to automated wafer-scale testing.
• Build, troubleshoot and improve measurement setups by integrating new instruments.
• Create and extend Python-based tools for test automation and data analysis.
• Interpret measurement data to assess device performance and provide feedback to design/process teams.
• Prepare, verify and manage mask layouts for fabrication.
• Develop layout automation and verification scripts using KLayout and Python.
• Perform layout validation, design rule checking and tape-out support.
• Collaborate with process, design and integration engineers.

Skills

Python programming

Data analysis

Test automation

Hands-on measurements

Measurement setups

Layout scripting

KLayout

Git

RF measurements

PIC design understanding

Education

MSc or PhD in Photonics, Electrical Engineering, Physics, Microelectronics or related

Tools

KLayout

Python

Layout scripting

Git

Job description

Layout & Test R&D Engineer

What you will do

Join our photonics R&D pilot line developing advanced transfer printing technologies and photonic integrated circuits (PICs). In this hybrid role, you will combine hands-on wafer-scale optoelectrical testing with mask engineering and layout automation, helping bring new photonic technologies from development to fabrication. You will act as an interface between design, fabrication and test teams, enabling efficient communication and rapid feedback throughout the technology development cycle.

• Perform hands-on optical and electrical characterization and contribute to automated wafer-scale testing.
• Build, troubleshoot and improve measurement setups by integrating new instruments and measurement capabilities.
• Create and extend Python-based tools for test automation and data analysis.
• Investigate and interpret measurement data to assess device performance and provide actionable feedback to design and process teams.
• Prepare, verify and manage mask layouts for fabrication.
• Develop layout automation and verification scripts using KLayout and Python.
• Perform layout validation, design rule checking and tape-out support.
• Collaborate closely with process, design and integration engineers.

What we do for you

We offer you the opportunity to join one of the world’s premier research centers in nanotechnology in Ghent, Belgium. With your talent, passion and expertise, you will 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 enjoy combining hands-on engineering with software development. You are comfortable setting up and troubleshooting measurements, performing initial tests and translating these methods into reliable automated workflows. You communicate effectively with design and fabrication teams and enjoy working across organizational boundaries to translate requirements, resolve issues and drive technology development.

• You have an MSc or PhD in Photonics, Electrical Engineering, Physics, Microelectronics or a related field.
• You have strong Python programming skills and an interest in software development.
• You have hands‑on experience with experimental measurement setups, test automation and data analysis.
• You have experience with KLayout and layout scripting.
• You combine reasoning skills with a hands‑on approach to problem solving.
• Experience with RF measurements and instrumentation, ideally for photonic or optoelectronic device characterization, is an asset.
• Experience with photonic integrated circuit (PIC) design is an asset and enables you to critically assess designs, understand device behavior and contribute to technology improvements.
• Familiarity with semiconductor or photonic fabrication processes is an asset.
• Experience with wafer‑scale characterization of photonic or optoelectronic devices is an asset.
• Experience with Git or a similar version control system is an asset.

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.