Silicon Photonics Layout Design Engineer

Help us expand silicon photonic technology offerings to build the photonic applications of the future

What you will do

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. The continuous growth of these activities requires strengthening our design team to offer the photonic components that validate and improve our technology and provide our customers with the technology solutions they need for their applications. 

As a Silicon Photonics Layout Development Engineer, your main responsibility is to interact with our team of photonics device designers and PDK engineers, understand the device buildup and help to correctly implement these devices into silicon photonics testchips. Your main responsibilities will be:

• You maintain the component design repository with the layout code of different devices and the corresponding design parameters for each device. You develop methodology to further expand the repository and implement new component concepts.
• You own, maintain and update the Process Control Monitor (PCM) design blocks that are used in internal and external testchips for validating process conditions and device performance. 
• You provide design of experiments (DoE) for different photonic components based on inputs from the corresponding device engineer. 
• You automatically generate the data necessary for device characterization from component and testchip layout designs.
• You maintain and enhance the automated measurement analysis flow that uses characterization data to generate device performance reports. 
• You work together with the PDK engineers to develop test cases for design rule validation and enhancement. 
• Following a growth path in this role, you will contribute and become responsible for the entire silicon photonics testchip layouts, defining the floorplan and the photonic circuit design content for each sub-block. 

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 minimum 3 years of experience in integrated circuit layout design using script-based language tools. 
• You have demonstrated experience working with Python for task automation
• Strong experience with git, github, python-based projects and unit/integration tests
• Experience with Photonic component device is a strong asset. 
• Strong communication skills and ability to work collaboratively with other teams and stakeholders.
• You have excellent problem-solving and troubleshooting skills, with a strong attention to detail.
• You have an M.Sc. in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or Photonics fields of study.

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.