Gem5 Simulation R&D Engineer

This is a fixed-term position with a duration of one year with the possibility of extending it if there is matching scope. We are looking for a R&D Engineer to extend gem5 with a system-level reliability and fault-impact assessment framework.

Compute 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. 
We are looking for an R&D Engineer with a strong interest in computer architecture to contribute to the development of a system-level reliability framework based on the gem5 simulator. In this role, the ideal candidate will work on extending a gem5 proof-of-concept model and assess the impact of faults at the system level. This role sits at the intersection of computer architecture, system simulation, reliability modeling, and workload characterization. 

What you will do

• Design and implement a fault injection framework into gem5. 
• Integrate and execute mini-applications and kernels for workload-aware analysis, correlating fault effects with application behavior and performance. 
• Define, collect, and analyze system‑level metrics. 
• Maintain and document reproducible experiments and methodologies

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

• You hold a Master’s or PhD in Electrical/Electronics/Computer Engineering/Science or other relevant domains with hands-on compute architecture/design experience. 
• You have strong experience with the gem5 simulator, both using and extending its C++/Python codebase. 
• You have experience with gem5's simulation modes, including workload bring-up and debugging in full-system simulation. 
• You have a solid understanding of the memory hierarchy, such as the cache and memory subsystems and their trade-offs. 
• You have experience with Simpoint or other sampling-based methodology. 
• Familiarity with reliability, or fault tolerance concepts is considered a plus. 
• You have good communication and interpersonal skills that enable you to work in a dynamic, distributed team. 
• You are proficient in English, as you will be part of a multicultural team. 

 IMEC and its affiliates will not accept unsolicited resumes from any source other than directly from a candidate. IMEC will consider unsolicited referrals and/or resumes submitted by vendors such as search firms, staffing agencies, professional recruiters, fee-based referral services and recruiting agencies (hereafter “Agency”) to have been referred by the Agency free of charge. IMEC will not pay a fee to any Agency that does not have a prior written agreement with IMEC, validated by its HR department, in place regarding a specific job opening and allowing to submit resumes.