Si-Photonics Active Device R&D Engineer 

Imec is a global pioneer in developing integrated silicon photonics technology through its Optical I/O R&D program targeting short-reach optical communications. This technology is successfully offered via wafer-level prototype fabrication services to customers in telecom, datacom, computing, bio-medical, and sensing applications. By leveraging the mature Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS) processes used in electronics, high-volume and high-yield Photonic Integrated Circuits (PICs) can be fabricated at relatively low cost. Among the major building blocks within a PIC, modulator devices are critical in defining the data rate and the overall link power budget. Imec is exploring different modulator concepts, also considering different materials (such as Ge and III-V) targeting highly efficient/ high-speed optical modulators for telecommunication and data center applications. In this context, the goal is to research active optical devices to achieve low power consumption combined with high efficiency and high speed in the 200 mm and 300 mm platforms at imec.  

What you will do

As an optical modulator expert, you contribute to further developing germanium / III-V modulators in our silicon photonics (SiPho) technology by being the device owner. You act as the technical interface between cross-collaborating teams of Layout design, Epitaxial growth, Process integration, , Optical testing, and customers and use their feedback to improve your class of devices. You participate in internal SiPho development runs on 200mm and 300mm to implement improved component designs and you leverage imec’s automated SiPho test stations to implement and test your new device concepts with fast turnaround times. You will be working with a highly talented pathfinding team who have expertise in their fields and an exploratory mindset. 
Your main duties include:  

• Design state-of-the-art Si photonics modulators such as Si TWM, Si RM, GeSi-EAM, III-V MOSCAP building blocks in imec silicon photonics platforms, both for 200mm and for 300mm. 
• Simulate, circuit model, and validate your devices and finally benchmark against state-of-the-art solutions described in the literature. 
• Own design test structures, implement by layout design and document the design methodologies for robust optical devices (eg. Ge-based GeSi – EAMs, PDs, etc.)  
• Participate in the design of test chips providing the design of experiments that test the sensitivity, robustness, and performance of your devices 
• Characterize the devices by using Python-coded tools and report on their performance in both imec’s internal and external audiences, through presentations, technical reports, and scientific publications.  
• Collaborate with your colleagues to enhance the overall imec offerings in the integrated silicon photonics field.  

Please note that the position is based in Leuven (Belgium). An on-site presence of at least three days is required. 

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 strong understanding of the device physics of integrated photonics and knowledge of semiconductor manufacturing processes and constraints. 
• Working experience with Ge and III-V materials is a strong asset. 
• You master photonic devices simulation tools (Lumerical and/or RSoft) and understand the pros and cons of each simulation method. 
• You have experience in the physical design and characterization of active optical devices. 
• You have demonstrated experience with designing and characterizing high-speed (>30GHz) electro-optical devices. Simulation (e.g., Ansys, TCAD, HFSS, Agilent ADS) and characterization (S-parameters, TDR, eye diagram & BER measurements) is a plus.  
• You have experience and are comfortable programming in Python and collaborating with colleagues using Git. 
• You have run large simulations to explore design experiments and evaluate device sensitivity. 
• You layout your designs using a scripting language (like ipkiss from Luceda Photonics). 
• You have good communication skills in English to communicate with your colleagues in our multinational team and with customers. 
• You are curious and creative. You enjoy facing challenges and working within a team to overcome them.  
• You have a PhD degree in Physics or Photonics and 3 years of experience in the relevant field will be desirable. 
• Greater levels of experience are also welcome. The position level will be adjusted based on experience.   
• You live in Belgium or are willing to relocate

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.