Operations Efficiency Engineer 

At Imec, we're committed to delivering excellence in every aspect of our business. Our operations are the backbone of this commitment, and we're looking for a sharp, data-At imec, we drive innovation in the semiconductor industry—from advanced R&D to world-class fab and cleanroom operations. Operational excellence is critical to how we deliver impact, and we’re looking for a sharp, data-driven engineer to help us continuously improve efficiency, throughput, and quality across our R&D and fab environments. 

We are seeking an Operations Efficiency Engineer to help improve end-to-end operational performance across our semiconductor R&D lab and fab/cleanroom operations. You’ll analyze complex datasets (equipment/utilization, process flows, logistics, planning, and cycle time) to pinpoint bottlenecks and sources of variation, followed by the translation of these insights into practical improvements. Your work will impact operational and investment decisions—streamlining workflows, increasing throughput, reducing cost, and improving predictability and quality. 

What you will do

• Day to day operational support: you work together on a daily basis with Imec’s program management to make sure critical deliverables are met. You will be the central person between the integration community, program management and Fab execution  
• Semiconductor Data Analysis & Reporting: Collect, clean, and analyze operational datasets from R&D and fab/cleanroom environments (e.g., tool utilization/OEE, WIP, cycle time, queue time, dispatching, capacity, and process performance). Build and maintain dashboards and KPI reporting to monitor throughput, predictability, and operational stability. 
• Flow & Process Improvement (R&D + Fab): Identify bottlenecks and sources of variation across end-to-end semiconductor process flows, from experiment planning to fab execution. Define and implement improvements using Lean/Six Sigma and data-backed hypotheses (e.g., reducing queue time, stabilizing cycle time, improving handovers/standard work), and quantify impact on throughput, cost, and quality. 
• Digitalization, Advanced Analytics & AI: Evaluate and implement reporting/analytics tooling to improve operational visibility and decision-making (e.g., capacity and load forecasting, anomaly detection, automated root-cause support, and KPI automation). Partner with data/IT teams and operational stakeholders to translate needs into scalable solutions and ensure adoption in day-to-day fab and R&D operations. 
• Cross-functional Collaboration: Work closely with R&D teams, process/equipment engineers, production/operations, planning, and logistics to understand constraints and translate them into practical improvements. Facilitate problem-solving workshops, align on KPIs, and drive implementation in a way that is robust, scalable, and measurable. 

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 ideally have a masters degree in science or engineering 
• Ideally, you bring hands-on experience in the semiconductor industry— within a fab/cleanroom, manufacturing, or semiconductor R&D operations setting (e.g., industrial engineering, manufacturing engineering, process/equipment operations, production planning, or operational excellence). Experience with Lean/Six Sigma and end-to-end flow/cycle-time improvement is a strong plus. 
• Strong proficiency in data analysis and reporting software. Experience with AI and machine learning concepts and their practical application in a business context is essential. 
• Analytical Mindset and ability to interpret complex data, draw meaningful conclusions, and translate findings into actionable strategies. 
• You have excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present complex information clearly and persuasively to both technical and non-technical audiences.  

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.