Process development engineer Physical Vapor Deposition 

Background

Today, progress is driven by the introduction of new materials with novel functionalities as well as innovation in deposition technologies. In Logic CMOS devices but also in advanced memory devices, exploratory materials are introduced. One of the emerging memories is magnetic random-access memory (MRAM). Advanced MRAM technologies are researched to extend the application window towards high-speed and ultra-low power applications. The core element in an MRAM device is a stack of ultrathin (down to sub-1nm) magnetic and non-magnetic layers deposited by PVD forming a magnetic tunnel junction. Next to MRAM, other memory technologies serving future AI or in-memory computing use multi-compound materials deposited by PVD. In this context, the Materials-Interfaces-Deposition-Analysis (MIDA) department at imec is looking for a process development engineer with a thin film deposition background in Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD).  

What you will do

You will be part of one of the thin film deposition teams within the MIDA department. The MIDA department is responsible for the research and development of novel thin films and thin film processes in imec’s 300 mm pilot line using state-of-the-art deposition and characterization equipment. As a process engineer, you will be responsible for material enablement and thin film process developments in application-oriented projects that are done within imec’s industrial research programs or within bilateral or funded projects. DOE design and execution, complex process recipe creation, and characterization of the deposited films will be part of your responsibilities.

Depending on your seniority level and expertise, you can own the full cycle of next generation thin film process development from request to report, which includes the writing of technical reports and procedures to transfer the developed processes to imec’s pilot production line or to external customer sites. You will have frequent interactions with both internal and external customers, and interact regularly with the FAB engineering group to troubleshoot in case of process drift, to align on tool plannings, and to contribute to operational improvements that will optimize the FAB’s cycle time.   

You will be incorporated in a team of enthusiastic, highly engaged process and R&D engineers and scientists, that will provide guidance and trainings, and that will challenge you to grow in your role of process development engineer Thin Film Deposition. 

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 Master degree, or equivalent by experience, in industrial engineering, Physics, Material Science, or Nanotechnology. 
• You have 4-5 years relevant working experience in the semiconductor industry or in a larger research facility.  
• You have expertise in thin film deposition and characterization techniques. Knowledge of PVD is key.  
• Knowledge of materials for emerging memory applications, among which magnetic materials, is an asset.    
• You are hands-on and have a flexible mindset. 
• You can work independently and are proactive. 
• You work accurately and pay attention to detail. 
• You are a team player and can work in an international environment with various partners and customers. 
• You are a fluent communicator with excellent English communication 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.