R&D Thin Films Engineer

imec; Vlaams-Brabant; On-site; EUR 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

IMEC in Leuven, Belgium, invites applications for an R&D Thin Films Engineer to advance dielectric/metal thin films via CVD and develop advanced processes for next-generation semiconductor technologies.

The role requires a PhD in materials or related field, hands-on experience with CVD and deposition tools, and strong data analysis and English communication skills to collaborate across international teams and partners.

Qualifications

• Holds a Ph.D in Material Science, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry or Physics.
• Working experience in research labs or semiconductor industry is an asset.
• Solid knowledge and understanding of CVD (plasma) for dielectrics and hands-on familiarity with deposition tools.
• Proficient in thin film characterization methods to evaluate dielectric/metal films.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced R&D environment with evolving technical challenges.
• Knowledge of AI tools and their implementation to solve complex problems is an asset.
• An effective team player and can easily integrate in an international, multidisciplinary research environment.
• Strong organizational skills and flexibility to switch between projects.

Responsibilities

• Develop advanced thin-film processes (via CVD) for next-generation dielectrics.
• Design and execute experiments and analyze data to improve film quality and uniformity.
• Troubleshoot process-related issues and identify root causes using problem-solving methodologies and AI tools.
• Present technical findings to internal stakeholders and external partners.
• Contribute to imec program activities and collaborate with researchers, suppliers, and integration teams.

Skills

Experiment design

Data analysis

Team collaboration

English communication

Problem solving

Education

PhD in Material Science, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry or Physics

Tools

CVD (plasma)

Deposition tool operation

Job description

R&D Thin Films Engineer

Background

Advances in AI and semiconductor technologies are increasingly intertwined, with AI driving new demands for faster, more efficient chips, while cutting‑edge semiconductor innovations enable the next generation of AI workloads. This needs continuous development and innovation in cutting edge logic and memory architectures.

What you will do

You will be a member of the Dielectrics for Advanced Semiconductor Technology (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. As R&D thin films engineer, you will be responsible for the development of advanced thin-film processes (via CVD) for next‑generation semiconductor technologies for dielectrics. In addition, you will be responsible for designing and executing experiments and process data analysis to improve film quality, defectivity and uniformity. You will be working closely with researchers, tool suppliers, and integration teams across different programs at imec. You will be responsible for troubleshooting process related issues, identify root causes, and implement coercive actions using problem solving methodologies and AI tools. You will present the technical findings and experimental results to internal stakeholders and external partners. 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 Ph.D Degree in Material Science, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry or Physics.
• Working experience in the research labs, semiconductor industry is an asset.
• You possess solid knowledge and process understanding of CVD process (plasma) for dielectrics and hands‑on familiarity with deposition tool operation.
• Proficient in thin film characterization methods to evaluate the dielectric/metal films.
• Ability to work in a fast‑paced R&D environment with evolving technical challenges.
• Knowledge of AI tools and implementation to solve complex problems is an asset.
• An effective team player and can easily integrate in an international, multidisciplinary research environment and professionals
• Strong organizational skills and show flexibility to change between different projects according to priorities.
• Excellent English communication and reporting skills.

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.