R&D Group Manager – Compute Platforms & Silicon Prototypes

Lead the team that turns breakthrough compute architectures into working silicon for the future of AI, high-performance computing and automotive systems.

About the role

What if you could lead the team that transforms breakthrough chip architectures into real silicon?
At imec, you will manage a multidisciplinary group developing advanced compute platforms and silicon prototypes that explore the future of artificial intelligence, high-performance computing (HPC) and automotive systems. Your work will help define how next-generation chips are designed, integrated and manufactured beyond today's conventional system-on-chip approaches.
You will combine scientific leadership, people management and technology vision in one of the world's leading semiconductor research environments.

What you will do

As R&D Group Manager, you will lead a team of architects and engineers developing advanced compute systems from concept to silicon validation.
You will:

• Lead a team of chip architects, silicon designers and R&D engineers.
• Translate novel computing concepts into manufacturable silicon demonstrators.
• Drive the development of next-generation compute platforms based on RISC-V and chiplet-based architectures.
• Guide projects across the complete development cycle, from architectural exploration to prototype fabrication.
• Enable close collaboration between architecture, software, design technology and silicon implementation experts.
• Build a high-performing team by coaching, mentoring and developing researchers and engineers.
• Help shape imec's vision for future 3D-integrated computing systems.  

What we do for you

This role offers the combination of:

• Access to semiconductor technologies beyond 2nm.
• The freedom to explore disruptive computing architectures.
• Direct influence on future AI, HPC and automotive platforms.
• Collaboration with leading industrial and academic partners worldwide.
• Responsibility for turning research ideas into real silicon prototypes.

We offer you the opportunity to join one of the world’s premier research centers in nanotechnology at its headquarters in Leuven, Belgium.

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 combine deep technical expertise with strong people leadership.
You bring:

Must-have

• 10+ years of experience in digital system architecture and semiconductor design.
• Solid understanding of advanced chip and compute-system development.
• Experience with RISC-V or similar processor architectures.
• Previous experience leading engineers, researchers or technical experts.
• Strong communication skills and fluency in English.

Nice-to-have

• Experience with chiplet-based architectures and die-to-die interconnect technologies.
• Knowledge of hardware modelling and hardware generation methodologies.
• Experience with advanced verification methodologies and design automation flows.