R&D Team Leader Dry Etch

Drive innovation in advanced dielectric patterning for next-generation semiconductor technologies.

What you will do As an R&D Team Leader within the Dry Etch Process Development organization, you will lead a team of talented engineers developing next-generation plasma etch solutions for advanced logic, memory, 3D integration and emerging semiconductor applications. You will combine strong technical leadership with people development and project execution to deliver innovative process solutions enabling the semiconductor roadmap. The role aligns with the dry etch organization's focus on supporting advanced scaling, patterning and integration challenges.

Your team will be responsible for developing and optimizing plasma etch processes for a broad range of dielectric materials and patterning applications, addressing increasingly demanding requirements in critical dimension control, profile management, selectivity, defectivity and integration.

Your responsibilities

Lead, coach, and develop a team of highly skilled R&D engineers and researchers, fostering a culture of technical excellence, innovation, collaboration and continuous learning.

Define team priorities, objectives and resource allocation in alignment with strategic program needs and technology roadmaps.

Drive the development of advanced dielectric etch processes for advanced patterning applications

Support the team in solving complex plasma-material interaction challenges involving oxide, nitride, low-k, high-k, hard-mask, and novel dielectric materials.

Work closely with integration, lithography, metrology, CMP, deposition and device teams to ensure successful module integration and technology delivery.

Translate technology requirements into executable development plans, scorecards and milestones while ensuring timely project execution. The importance of scorecards and milestone delivery is highlighted within the dry etch leadership role.

Balance short‑term project deliverables with longer‑term capability building and technology innovation.

Facilitate knowledge sharing and technical exchanges within the etch organization and across imec research programs.

Build strong relationships with equipment suppliers, material vendors, industrial partners, and academic collaborators to drive innovation and strategic partnerships.

Ensure safe fab operations and promote a high‑performance, inclusive and engaging work environment.

Represent the team in customer reviews, technical discussions, bilateral collaborations, and joint development programs.

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

PhD or Master's degree in Engineering, Materials Science, Physics, Chemistry, or a related field.

Strong expertise in plasma etch process development for semiconductor manufacturing.

Proven knowledge of dielectric etch processes, plasma-material interactions, profile control, etch selectivity, and pattern transfer techniques.

Experience with advanced patterning applications and semiconductor device integration.

Demonstrated ability to lead multidisciplinary technical projects and deliver results in a dynamic R&D environment.

Strong people leadership skills, including coaching, mentoring, performance development and talent growth.

Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, capable of aligning diverse technical and business perspectives.

Strong organizational and prioritization capabilities with the ability to manage a portfolio of projects simultaneously.

A collaborative mindset and a passion for developing both technology and people.

What we are looking for in a leader At imec, you will work at the forefront of semiconductor innovation in one of the world's leading nanoelectronics research environments. You will have the opportunity to:

Lead a highly skilled team working on br