Process Engineer Thin Film Deposition: Dielectrics

imec; Vlaams-Brabant; On-site; EUR 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

IMEC in Leuven, Belgium, is seeking a Process Engineer for Thin Film Deposition: Dielectrics to support advanced semiconductor research. You will operate and optimize ALD deposition tools to create dielectric metal-oxide films and develop reliable deposition recipes.

The role emphasizes hands-on tool operation, process qualification, and collaboration with HW and operations teams across MIDA. Strong English communication and a master's degree are required, with opportunities to contribute to

Qualifications

• Masters degree in a relevant field (Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry or Physics).
• Experience in semiconductor environments or large research labs is a plus.
• Solid understanding of ALD processes for dielectrics.
• Hands-on experience with deposition tool operation.
• Knowledge of thin film characterization methods is an asset.
• Strong organization and ability to adapt to changing priorities.
• Excellent English communication and reporting skills.

Responsibilities

• Operate daily thermal deposition tools for dielectric films.
• Develop and qualify ALD deposition recipes for dielectrics.
• Troubleshoot tool issues and optimize processes.
• Collaborate with operations and HW engineers on robust workflows.
• Contribute to development projects and process characterization.

Skills

ALD knowledge

Deposition tool operation

Thin film characterization

English communication

Education

Masters in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry or Physics

Tools

ALD deposition equipment

Thin film characterization tools

Job description

Process Engineer Thin Film Deposition: Dielectrics

Background

Advances in AI are driving a huge demand for semiconductor technologies to deliver high computational power and energy efficiency. The complexity in the fabrication flow have lead to needs for new material development. Along with the material development, there is an increasing need for process improvement at the Amstrong level. A process engineer in the Thin Film group is needed to support these activities focusing on dielectric materials within various imec program activities.

What you will do

You will be a member of the Dielectrics for Advanced Semiconductor Technology team (DAST) group within the Materials, Interfaces, Deposition and Analysis (MIDA) department, responsible for the research, development, and characterization of thin film materials to enable high performance semiconductor devices. You will be responsible for daily operations of thermal deposition tool(s) for depositing different metal oxide dielectrics. Your responsibilities will be focused on creating deposition recipes, qualifying processes and ensure smooth operation of the tool with troubleshooting. You will work closely with operations and HW engineers to define a robust way of working. You will also be involved in development projects in which you will take ownership. You will be responsible for developing, characterizing, maintaining and optimizing material deposition processes serving a wide range of imec’s advanced semiconductor applications. By actively contributing to imec’s different program activities you will be part of the team driving the future semiconductor technology.

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 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 hold a Masters degree in Material Science, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry or Physics.
• Working experience in the semiconductor industry or in a larger research organization is an asset.
• You possess a fundamental process understanding of ALD process for various dielectrics, hands‑on familiarity with deposition tool operation.
• Knowledge of thin film characterization methods is an asset.
• You have strong organizational skills and show the flexibility to change between different projects according to changing priorities.
• You like taking initiative, you are persuasive and assertive, while keeping a constructive attitude.
• You have excellent English communication and reporting skills.