Software & Data Engineer

As Software & Data Engineer Officer at imec.istart, you take the lead in maintaining and scaling our internal tools — the system that powers our accelerator operations across multiple countries and hundreds of startups. Your role is all about designing and implementing features that streamline workflows, integrating and optimizing our software stack, and creating productivity tools that make our international teams more effective. As our first software engineer, you’ll help shape the backbone of Europe’s top accelerator, building the tools that let founders and our teams focus on what matters most.

About imec.istart

We are committed to fostering entrepreneurial innovation and technological progress.

Our mission is to support and accelerate tech entrepreneurs as they embark on their journey. We offer a world-renowned coaching program, backed by imec, and provide initial investments to facilitate growth and attract additional funding.

imec.istart was launched in 2011 in Belgium as one of Europe’s first startup accelerators. Over a decade later, we have grown into a globally recognized program and early-stage investor, boasting a portfolio of over 350 startups and scaleups, along with an extensive network of partners and mentors. The focus of imec.istart is on tech and science-enabled solutions in a variety of industries.

The headquarters of imec are located in Leuven. The imec.istart team is mainly based in Antwerp and Ghent (Belgium), and we also have teams and programs in other locations in different European countries (including Belgium, the Netherlands, Italy and soon Spain and Germany).

Read more about imec.istart .

What you will do

• Build and scale our internal software tools : you help design, test, implement, and improve features that make our accelerator run more smoothly – from cohort management to startup dashboards.
• Collaborate closely with other imec.istart team members to leverage software for productivity : you automate data processes and integrations across our multiple, international teams.
• Shape our internal technical roadmap : you help us prioritize what to build next, balancing quick wins for our team with longer-term strategic improvements.
• Monitor usage and engagement to continuously improve our software stack : in close collaboration with our founder community you understand what works and what doesn’t, translating their needs into features that make their imec.istart journey more impactful.
• Provide input and recommendations on technical issues, think through trade-offs and risks and communicate them effectively with the relevant stakeholders.
• Recommend and implement solutions to improve data reliability, efficiency, and quality, while contributing to quality assurance through coding standards and documentation.
• Put data at the core of your work : you’ll design and maintain data structures, clean and restructure datasets, and ensure that information flows consistently across our systems — turning raw data into insights that support our teams and founders.
• Stay up to date with emerging web development trends, frameworks, and best practices, and proactively recommend improvements to enhance development processes. In particular, you’re able to leverage the latest developments in AI to help supercharge our internal productivity.
• As a technical sparring partner you provide advice on technical questions, ranging from due diligence support during our investment process to helping us assess startup tech stacks.
• Work closely with internal stakeholders to ensure our tools are reliable, secure and fit for purpose.

What we do for you

We offer you the opportunity to join one of the world’s premier research centers in nanotechnology at our Ghent or Antwerp site. 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