Virtual Platform Engineer for Next-Gen Compute Systems

pCompute System Architecture (CSA) is a center of excellence at imec for hardware-software-technology co-design for future compute systems. We work in close collaboration with other expertise centers in imec specializing in applications, technology, circuits and design to innovate and pathfind next-generation compute system architectures across multiple domains – AI, HPC, Automotive, Space, and more. CSA has presence in 6 centers of IMEC, in Belgium, Netherlands, Germany, UK, USA and Qatar. This position is primarily for Leuven, Belgium. /ppWe are looking for a Virtual Platform RD Engineer to develop, enable, and maintain our baseline platform across software models, RTL prototyping, and simulation environments. This role sits at the intersection of compute architectures, system software, and system modeling. /ppWhat you will do /pulliDevelop and maintain virtual platforms across both simulated, and hardware-prototyping environments. /liliSupport workload mapping and enable functional models bring-up on various execution platforms such as: QEMU, gem5, RTL, FGPA. /liliContribute to performance and functional validation across abstraction levels (ISA → RTL → FPGA). /liliBuild system models that represent novel compute architectures, while balancing accuracy, execution speed, and ease of use. /liliEvaluate new architectural features, translating architectural concepts into executable platforms. /liliContribute to project definitions and the technical scope of work (timeline, work packages, milestones, deliverables) in cooperation with senior members, if needed. /liliSupervise or assist in mentoring of students when necessary. /li /ulpWho you are /pulliYou hold a Master’s or PhD in Electrical/Electronics/Computer Engineering/Science or other relevant domains with hands-on compute architecture systems. /liliYou are passionate about computer architecture and system-level design, with a solid understanding of modern compute and memory systems, and SoC components. /liliYou have strong background in embedded systems, including toolchains (GCC/LLVM), RTOS (e.g., FreeRTOS), and low-level debugging. /liliYou are proficient in C/C++, in bash and Python scripting and you are familiar with AI-assisted automation. /liliYou are a hands-on engineer who enjoys bringing systems to life. /liliYou have experience in RISC-V-based system architecture. /liliYou are open-minded, and flexible in accommodating changing priorities to support business needs. /liliYou are a team player, as you will be part of a dynamic and distributed team.
You are fluent in English and you have strong communication skills, enabling effective collaboration across a multicultural team /li /ulpImec is a premier research hub in nanoelectronics and digital technologies, blending microchip and software expertise. We foster innovation across various sectors while uniting 3,500 experts from 70+ nationalities. /ph3Summary /h3pJoin IMEC as a Virtual Platform RD Engineer in Leuven, Belgium. Develop and maintain virtual platforms for compute architectures, supporting workload mapping, performance validation, and mentoring students. /ppJoin IMEC as a Virtual Platform RD Engineer in Leuven, Belgium. Develop and maintain virtual platforms for compute architectures, supporting workload mapping, performance validation, and mentoring students. /ppCompute System Architecture (CSA) is a center of excellence at imec for hardware-software-technology co-design for future compute systems. We work in close collaboration with other expertise centers in imec specializing in applications, technology, circuits and design to innovate and pathfind next-generation compute system architectures across multiple domains – AI, HPC, Automotive, Space, and more. CSA has presence in 6 centers of IMEC, in Belgium, Netherlands, Germany, UK, USA and Qatar. This position is primarily for Leuven, Belgium. /ppWe are looking for a Virtual Platform RD Engineer to develop, enable, and maintain our baseline platform across software models, RTL prototyping, and simulation environments. This role sits at the intersection of compute architectures, system software, and system modeling. /ppWhat you will do /pulliDevelop and maintain virtual platforms across both simulated, and hardware-prototyping environments. /liliSupport workload mapping and enable functional models bring-up on various execution platforms such as: QEMU, gem5, RTL, FGPA. /liliContribute to performance and functional validation across abstraction levels (ISA → RTL → FPGA). /liliBuild system models that represent novel compute architectures, while balancing accuracy, execution speed, and ease of use. /liliEvaluate new architectural features, translating architectural concepts into executable platforms. /liliContribute to project definitions and the technical scope of work (timeline, work packages, milestones, deliverables) in cooperation with senior members, if needed. /liliSupervise or assist in mentoring of students when necessary. /li /ul