R&D Engineer Dry Etch

imec; Vlaams-Brabant; Sur place; EUR 90 000 - 120 000; Plein temps

Résumé du poste

Imec, the world-leading nanoelectronics research center based in Leuven, Belgium, is strengthening its dry etch R&D activities to support logic programs, focusing on Front‑End and Middle‑of‑Line processing.

As part of the Etch Process Development team you will design experiments, collaborate with researchers and partners, report results, write papers, and drive technology transfers to internal and external customers.

Qualifications

• PhD in science or engineering or a Master’s with relevant experience.
• Knowledge or hands-on experience in etch is an asset.
• Knowledge of leading-edge logic technologies (e.g., nanosheet/GAA) is valued.
• Ability to work without supervision with high quality focus.
• Experience in cross-functional teams and customer relations is a plus.
• Good communication skills for multicultural teams.
• Strong reporting and networking abilities.
• Flexible attitude and willingness to undertake varied tasks.
• Proficient English, both spoken and written.

Responsabilités

• Design robust experiments and implement control methodologies for etch processes.
• Collaborate with logic program teams and external partners.
• Report progress, publish papers, and file patents.
• Shape the etch group's technical roadmap in line with industry trends.
• Coordinate transfer and implementation of etch processes in imec's fab.
• Lead joint development programs with external partners.

Connaissances

Strong communication

Team player

Networking skills

Presentation skills

Formation

PhD in science or engineering

Master’s degree with relevant experience

Description du poste

The aim of this position is to strengthen dry etch R&D activities in support of imec’s logic programs, with a focus on Front-End and Middle-of-Line Processing, and to represent our team in process technology transfers to internal and external customers.

Etch R&D activities

Dry etch is an enabling technology for advanced logic semiconductor devices. Dry etch processes use advanced plasma or reactive gases to selectively remove material from wafers, allowing for the precise patterning and definition of device features at the nanoscale. The aim of this position is to strengthen dry etch R&D activities in support of imec’s logic programs, with a focus on Front-End and Middle-of-Line Processing, and to represent our team in process technology transfers to internal and external customers.

What you will do

You will be a member of the Etch Process Development team at imec, responsible for developing advanced dry etch solutions that support the fabrication of next‑generation logic devices. You will work closely with logic program teams in a dynamic, multidisciplinary environment, collaborating daily with researchers, scientists, hardware engineers, device and process experts, equipment vendors, and industrial partners.

More specifically, your tasks include:

• Drive etch process development from concept to transfer by designing robust experiments and implementing methodologies for process control, monitoring, and continuous improvement
• Identify etch process and integration challenges, collaborating cross‑functionally with internal teams and partners to develop innovative solutions.
• Report about your work to internal and external partners, write technical papers, file patents, and actively extend your professional network through conferences and collaborations.
• Shape the etch group’s technical roadmap by anticipating logic device challenges and aligning with industry trends and imec research directions.
• Collaborate with device engineers to identify future needs and trends, sharing insights to guide etch process strategy across the organization
• Coordinate non‑standard work and process transfers in imec’s 300 mm fab, sharing etch know‑how with customers and internal teams to ensure successful implementation.
• Lead and shape joint development programs with external partners, driving research on new tools, materials, metrology, and methodologies while regularly sharing results.

You will be coached on‑the‑job by senior colleagues and the etch team supervisor.

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 have a PhD degree in science or engineering, or a Master’s degree with relevant experience.
• Knowledge and/or hands‑on experience in the field of etch is an asset but not an absolute must.
• Knowledge of leading‑edge logic technologies, such as advanced logic devices, nanosheet/GAA, CFET, or related integration schemes, is appreciated.
• You will require a strong capability to work without supervision with a high focus on quality.
• You will actively participate in cross‑functional teams, utilizing scientific and engineering skills to enhance the team’s capability.
• You have good communication skills since you will work with a multicultural mix of imec researchers, partners and customers. Prior experience in customer relations in an asset.
• You are a team player with good networking skills. You also have good reporting skills.
• Since your job consists of a variety of activities, depending on the interactions with imec’s research programs and customers, a flexible attitude towards your tasks is required.
• Given the international character of imec, good knowledge of (spoken and written) English is a must.