PDK engineer

As PDK engineer, you will drive the link between technology and digital systems for the exploration of advanced CMOS technologies beyond the 2nm node, including back-side power delivery, CFETs, 3D stacking.

What you will do

Based on imec's Design-Technology Co-Optimization (DTCO) framework, you will bring verified process capabilities in the digital system requirements, consolidating the flow from standard cell libraries to block-level physical design for advanced CMOS technology nodes.  You will interact with process engineering teams to define design rules and translate them into an accurate physical verification and extraction rule deck. You will work closely together with the Design teams and help them to do a successful physical verification sign-off.  You will analyze trade-offs between process and design requirements to achieve an optimal DTCO driven solution. You will develop and maintain PDKs with focus on technology description and physical verification rule decks (physical design rules, LVS, DRC). You can drive a full PDK flow in full autonomy.

What we do for you

We offer you the opportunity to join one of the world’s premier research centers in nanotechnology at our imec office in Cambridge, UK or at our headquarters in Leuven, Belgium. We can sponsor visas for relocation to Belgium and UK.
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 a PhD in Electronics or Electrical engineering or a master with at least 3 years relevant industrial experience. 
• You have expertise in developing PDK components (LVS, DRC, extraction). 
• You possess an excellent understanding of digital physical implementation. 
• You have excellent knowledge advanced semiconductor fabrication processes. 
• You are detail-oriented and are also comfortable in critical thinking and taking decisions to navigate the changing R&D demands. 
• You are a capable coder that utilizes the power of versioning and documentation. 
• You have experience with EDA layout tools (Cadence Composer/Virtuoso, Calibre, Hspice). 
• You possess experience with electronic circuit simulators (e.g. Spice, Spectre). 
• You have experience with synthesis and physical design tool flows (Cadence Genus/Innovus, or Synopsys Fusion/DC/ICC). 
• You deeply care about customer satisfaction and quality of the delivered results. 
• You are a strong team player and a good communicator. Sharing the progress of tasks, seeking feedback from your colleagues, and acting as a soundboard, is important to you.