Compact Modelling Engineer

Compact model development and calibration for DTCO and pathfinding PDKs in advanced logic and memory applications in based on predictive TCAD and experimental data.

What you will do

As CMOS scaling advances, the optimization of technology together with circuits and systems designs is more than ever essential to maintain performance increase together with power / area reduction in the next generations of chips. This optimization depends on predictive modelling of the technology from the device physics to the block level. To enable system-level exploration and assessments, a pathfinding PDK needs to be developed that enables digital and analog design. At the core of the PDK is a predictive compact model that describes the electrical behaviour of the devices and their parasitics, enabling industry-defining Device-Technology Co-Optimization (DTCO) research. In addition, as a leader in nanotechnology, imec provides pathfinding PDKs to enable design exploration for advanced nodes in the European academic ecosystem.

You will be responsible for the generation of scalable compact models for pathfinding PDKs, both for internal use by our DTCO research and for public use through the European Chips Act. This work involves the calibration of compact models to (nominal) reference data from TCAD and measurements, generation of corners based on available data, as well as including process variability. You will collaborate with a multi-disciplinary team of experts on device physics, DTCO, physical design and integration to define and optimize each technology. To accelerate the compact model calibration, we have developed an in-house model calibration tool. You will extend the capabilities of this tool to further automate the generation of compact models. In addition, you will contribute to the wider infrastructure, with a focus on improving the quality assurance and documentation of our pathfinding PDKs.

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 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 relevant field, or a master with at least 3 years relevant industrial experience in CMOS technology modelling.
• You have an excellent understanding of advanced CMOS technologies and semiconductor devices.
• You have previous experience with running TCAD simulation software and / or handing electrical measurement data.
• You are a capable coder that likes to automate and utilizes the power of versioning.
• You are detail-oriented but are also comfortable in critical thinking and making decisions to navigate the changing R&D demands.
• You are efficient and can manage your time well to deliver in multiple projects while building infrastructure.
• You care deeply about customer satisfaction and the quality of delivered results and their documentation.
• 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.