R&D Engineer Dry Etch

R&DEngineer Dry Etch EtchR&D activities

Dry etch is an enabling technology for the nanoelectronics industry. 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 the R&D activities within dry etch in the Front-End and Middle-of-Line Processing and to represent our team in process technology transfers to internal and external customers in particular.

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

• 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 300mm 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.

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.

• You have a PhD degree in science or relevant industrial engineering experience.
• Knowledge and/or hands‑on experience in the field of etch is an asset but not an absolute must.
• Knowledge of leading‑edge technology like advanced Logics, memories or 3DI/OIO 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.

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.