R&D Team Leader Silicon Photonics PDK

R&D Team Leader Silicon Photonics PDK

Within the Connectivity Pathfinding (COP) department at imec, the Silicon Photonicspathfinding

PDK team focuses on providing robust, scalable, and industry-relevant design kits and flows for integrated photonics technologies. By bridging process integration, device development, and design methodologies, the team plays a key role in translatingimec’sphotonics platforms into usable,validatedsolutions for internal demonstrators and external partners. The work supportsimec’soptical IO, AI/HPC interconnect, and advanced photonics roadmaps.

We are seeking a skilled and motivated professional to lead thepathfinding

PDK team, composed of senior and junior PDK and design flow engineers. Together with the team, your mission is toenableandmature

PDK, enabling efficient circuit and system design. You will ensure high technical quality, alignment with technology roadmaps, and strong adoption by internal and external users.

• Youleadandcoordinatethedevelopment, maintenance,qualification,andrelease ofsiliconphotonics
  
  PDKsacrossmultipletechnologyplatforms,ensuringconsistencyandamalang-termsustainability.
• Youhelpdefinethe
  
  PDKmaturitytargets, release criteria,androadmap, in closealignmentwithprocessintegration, device development,andimecobjectives.
• Youprovidehands-ontechnicalleadershipandmentorshiptoa team ofPDK engineers,fosteringtechnicalexcellence.
• Youact astheprimarytechnicalinterfacewith
  
  EDAvendors,leadingbilateralcollaborationstoco-develop,integrate,andqualifyphotonicdesign tools,PDK interfaces,andadvanceddesignmethodologies.
• Youensurehighquality,consistency,andusabilityofall
  
  PDKcomponents,includingtechnologyfiles,layerdefinitions,PCells,models,anduserdocumentation.
• You oversee all activities carried out by the team, monitor progress, and adjust where needed, assigning team members to requested tasks after evaluating scope and complexity and considering relative competencies.
• You implementandmonitor HRprocesseswithin the team, including translating corporate, project, and program goals into individual performance targets.
• Youengagedirectlywithinternalandexternal users by providing training, design reviews, and expert-level troubleshooting, supporting efficient design cycles and early adoption.
• Yourepresentthe
  
  PDK in enablement activities in cross-departmental reviews, bilateralcustomerengagements, and selected external partner meetings, ensuring alignment between customer needs, imecroadmaps, and platform capabilities.

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 hold a Master’s degree or PhD (preferred) in electrical engineering, photonics, applied physics, computer engineering, or a related field.
• You have at least 8 years parr> experience in silicon photonics PDK development and/or PDK design enablement.
• You have a strong understanding of silicon photonics technologies, design constraints, and the interaction between process, device performance, and circuit design.
• Preferably you have a track record of guiding and organizing a technical team towards clear goals; prior team leadership experience is a strong plus.
• You have hands‑on experience with photonic and electronic EDA tools and designflows, and can engage at a deep technical level when…