Gate Stack Thin Films Engineer

Background 

Advances in AI are driving a huge demand for semiconductor technologies to deliver high computational power and energy efficiency. Achieving low-power and high performance depends on continuous improvement in device engineering, such as gate stack. Innovations in interfacial layers, high-k, dipole, and work function engineering are essential for enhanced transistor performance without compromising reliability. A deep understanding of material interactions within the gate stack and their impact on device behavior is therefore critical. As a result, the Gate Stack Engineer plays a pivotal role in enabling next‑generation semiconductor technologies and supporting the continued scaling of advanced logic devices.

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 a gate-stack R&D engineer, you will be responsible for developing, optimizing, and integrating ALD materials in gate stack for advanced CMOS technologies. This role needs in depth understanding in material science, ALD processes and good understanding of device physics. You will own ALD processes for high-k dielectrics, dipoles, metal gates, and interface layers to achieve the desired electrical performance, reliability, and yield for leading-edge technology nodes. You will work in close collaboration with researchers, device engineers, operations, and tool suppliers. Your responsibilities will include evaluating film properties, correlating material characteristics with device performance, and proposing innovative material solutions that extend beyond current industry trends, such as usage of AI tools for process optimization. You will also engage with external partners, universities, and research organizations. In addition to gate stack development, you will be expected to apply your dielectric expertise across multiple imec programs. 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 semiconductor industry or in a larger research organization is a strong asset.   
• You possess solid knowledge and process understanding of PE(ALD) process for various dielectrics and metals, hands‑on familiarity with deposition tool operation. 
• Proficient in thin film characterization methods (eg. Ellipsometry, AFM, XPS, XRD, XRR etc.).  
• Strong understanding of device physics and can effectively correlate dielectric film properties with device performance.  
• Knowledge of AI tool usage and implementation is a strong asset. 
• An effective team player and can easily integrate in an international, multidisciplinary research environment. 
• 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.