Process Development Engineer 

Background  

Future generation memory devices are moving to complex 3D integration schemes to boost performance and to keep up with density scaling trends. That sets unprecedented challenges for novel material and thin film process development. Atomically controlled deposition processes in complex 3D structures require highly conformal depositions of multi-compound materials with homogeneous properties in vertical and lateral cavities, low thermal budget processes, and processes with precise interface control and uniformity, for both dielectric and metallic films. In this context, the Thin Films for Functional Materials (TFFM) group within the Materials-Interfaces-Deposition-Analysis (MIDA) department at imec is looking for a Process Engineer with a strong technical background in deposition techniques and more specifically in Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD), to develop and maintain thin material deposition processes for future memory applications. 

What you will do

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 process engineer, you will be responsible for thin film process development and sustaining support in application-oriented projects that are done within imec’s industrial research programs or within bilateral or funded projects. You will build up a close relationship with various stakeholders, internal and external customers, including equipment and material suppliers, to stay up to date with novel advances in deposition technology and do an early assessment of their potential for future device fabrication. As such, you will develop and maintain the next generation material and processes, using ALD for application in advanced memory devices.  

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 preferably have a master’s degree in chemistry, physics, material science or engineering. Additional relevant experience within an industrial/development environment is an advantage.   
• You have hands-on experience in operating deposition tools and doing process development, specifically in (PE)ALD and/or (PE)CVD. 
• Expert knowledge of thin film properties and characterization methods is an asset, as well as having a background in memory technology. 
• You have extensive experience in thin film metrology techniques such as ellipsometry, X-ray reflectivity (XRR), X-ray fluorescence (XRF), and 4-point probe and can apply these skills for ALD process development. 
• You are familiar with Statistical Process Control (SPC) and understand how to apply those principles within a semiconductor ALD development context. 
• Know-how in data analysis and massive data treatment with self-programmed scripts (Matlab, Python, AI tools) and experience in JMP is an asset. 
• You are a real team player and can easily integrate into an international team of professionals.  
• You have strong organizational skills and show flexibility to change between different projects according to priorities.  
• You like taking initiative, you are persuasive and assertive, while keeping a constructive attitude.  
• You are interested in working hands-on in a clean room environment. 
• You have 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.