IC Test/Design-for-Test Methodology Researcher

What you will do

Imec is the world-renowned research organization that develops state-of-the-art integrated circuit (IC) and system technologies. The underlying manufacturing processes of ICs are very complex and hence susceptible to imperfections (“defects”). These cause malfunctioning ICs that should be filtered out, if feasible before further processing and certainly prior to shipment to customers.  

Therefore, thorough electrical testing of manufactured ICs is a crucial activity to safeguard quality and minimize field returns. Typically ~10% of the IC’s silicon area is occupied by circuitry meant to facilitate test: design-for-test (DfT). The quality of test, typically expressed by terms such as “test coverage” and “test escapes”, is directly related to the cost of test, which includes the capabilities of test equipment and the time spent on it, silicon area invested in DfT, etc.).  

The semiconductor industry is continuously searching to reduce the cost of testing, while maintaining the effectiveness thereof. To drive these activities, we are seeking an IC Test/Design-for-Test Methodology Researcher to join our team.  

In this role, you will: 

• Develop and refine innovative test/DfT methodologies for 3D-IC and chiplet-based stacks where natural test access is often impeded.  
• Assess the cost of testing and required redundancies for post-manufacturing repairability. 
• Architect DfT solutions using state-of-the art EDA tools for specific technology demonstrator chips (2nm CMOS, MRAM, silicon photonics...) in collaboration with internal teams. 
• Implement your methodologies in advanced chip designs, manufactured in imec’s or external fabs. 
• Contribute to Imec research programs, bilateral projects with customers, joint development projects with suppliers, and multi-party EU-funded projects. 
• Publish your results at leading conferences and in top-tier journals. 
• Contribute to imec patents and industry standardization (IEEE, UCIe, etc. ) efforts with your ideas. 

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 (at least) a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Electronics Engineering, Computer Science, or Physics; a PhD degree in a relevant field will be valued; 
• You have a basic understanding of advanced semiconductor design and manufacturing processes and their challenges; 
• You are familiar with or eager to learn about digital test and test technology; 
• You have experience with relevant Electronic Design Automation (EDA) tools, for example Cadence Modus, Siemens Tessent, or Synopsys TestCompiler, or you have hands-on experience in digital/analog design of ICs; 
• You have a strong research attitude: interested to explore new things and publish about them at top-notch conferences world-wide; 
• You have good communication and networking skills to build and maintain long-lasting relations with semiconductor customers, software tool suppliers, and equipment vendors. 
• You are a meticulous person with a strong eye for detail. 
• You are a real team player in a multidisciplinary and multicultural team. 
• You master the English language in all modalities. 

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.