Process Engineer Deposition and Diffusion

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

Job summary

im​ec is seeking a Process Engineer to advance deposition and diffusion processes for next-generation memory devices in our 300 mm semiconductor pilot line in Leuven, Belgium. You will develop, optimize, and sustain processes at the interface of development, manufacturing, and device integration.

You will drive process qualifications, equipment performance, and SPC initiatives; collaborate with researchers, hardware engineers, and operations to ensure robust, scalable solutions.

Qualifications

• Master’s in science or engineering.
• 3 years industrial or advanced research in semiconductor process (deposition).
• Knowledge of memory process integration, Dry/Wet etch/clean, CMP and metrology is a plus.
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities on short notice.
• Process & quality driven problem solver with proactive attitude.
• Owns tasks autonomously.
• Experience with SPC, Cp/CpK, FMEA, 8D, 6sigma.
• Fluent in English, written and verbal.

Responsibilities

• Developing and optimizing deposition processes for memory applications.
• Manage process qualifications and equipment performance for stability.
• Coordinate lot movement and cleanroom operations.
• Stabilize and simplify memory process flows for manufacturability.
• Evaluate new materials for future memory tech requirements.
• Drive SPC implementation, monitoring, and documentation.
• Support tool installation, qualification, and tech transfer.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams across process integration, device engineering, operations, and equipment engineering.
• Daily follow-up of process and tool qualification, stability, improvements and problem prevention.
• Troubleshoot processing issues and enable second-line support.
• Investigate recurring issues with root-cause analysis and structural solutions.
• Design experimental plans and execute in cleanroom; analyze data and report.

Skills

SPC Cp/CpK FMEA 8D 6sigma

cross-functional communication

data analysis

problem solving

Education

Master’s in science or engineering

Tools

Python

Matlab

JMP

Minitab

Klarity

E3/FDC

Job description

Process Engineer Deposition and Diffusion

What will you do?

To support a strategic memory technology program in our 300 mm semiconductor pilot line, imec is looking for a Process Engineer to join our Deposition and Diffusion Development Engineering Team. In this role, you will be responsible for developing, optimizing, and sustaining advanced semiconductor processes used in next-generation memory devices. You will work at the intersection of process development, equipment engineering, manufacturing operations, and device integration, helping to drive innovative technologies from concept to implementation.

Typical responsibilities include:

• Developing and optimizing deposition processes for advanced memory applications.
• Managing process qualifications and equipment performance to ensure stable and reproducible manufacturing.
• Coordinating critical lot movement and operational activities within the cleanroom.
• Stabilizing and simplifying memory process flows to improve manufacturability and cycle time.
• Evaluating and introducing new materials for future memory technology requirements.
• Driving Statistical Process Control (SPC) implementation, monitoring, and documentation.
• Supporting tool installation, qualification, and technology transfer activities.
• Collaborating with cross-functional teams across process integration, device engineering, operations, and equipment engineering.
• Daily follow-up of process & tool qualification, stability, improvements and problem prevention
• Troubleshooting issues related to the processing and enables first and second line trouble shooters to step up
• Investigating recurring issues, focusing on root cause analysis and structural solutions
• Designing experimental plans and executes them in the cleanroom, performing data analysis and taking care of reporting and documentation.
• Depending on project requirements, your scope may be extended to include Dry Etch, Clean, CMP, and related process modules.
• Working in a dynamic multidisciplinary and multicultural environment in close cooperation with researchers, hardware engineers, operations, industry assignees, device and process experts
• You are willing to work in a shift regime (early/late) and 1 weekend out of 4, in order to support the continuous FAB production.

In summary, a very diverse and interesting role with significant responsibilities that allow you to gain a lot of expertise and build a large internal and external network.

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 are you?

We welcome applications both from experienced engineers as well as fresh graduates. Please include a motivation letter in your application.

Minimum requirements:

• You obtained a master’s in science or in Engineering or equal to this, and you display strong engineering skills and mindset.
• 3 years industrial or advanced research experience in semiconductor process mainly in the deposition area.
• Additional knowledge of memory process integration, Dry and wet etch/clean, CMP and metrology is considered a plus.
• You can rapidly adapt to changes in circumstances by being able to change priorities at very short notice
• A process & quality driven problem solver: you manage multiple priorities in a flexible manner in a continuously changing environment with a proactive “can do” attitude
• You take ownership and you enjoy completing your tasks autonomously
• Knowledge and experience of various process control and improvement techniques (e.g., SPC, Cp/CpK, FMEA, 8D, 6sigma, etc.).
• As you will work in cross functional teams, strong communication and reporting skills are required
• You are a flexible team player, and you enjoy working in environments where experiences and knowledge are shared with colleagues
• Given the international character of imec, written and verbal fluency in English is a must

Additional requirements considered as an asset:

• Any knowledge in advanced software packages (Python, Matlab, JMP, Minitab, Klarity, E3/FDC, etc.)