Senior Hardware Engineer & Hardware Technician Opportunities

Imec is the world-leading research and innovation hub in nanoelectronics and digital technologies. The combination of our widely acclaimed leadership in microchip technology and profound software and ICT expertise is what makes us unique. To strengthen this position, we are looking for a Senior Hardware Engineer and a Hardware Technician to join our lab hardware team in Leuven.

The team

The LABHW team is part of imec’s Lab Operations & Coordination Department and plays a key role in maintaining and supporting the hardware infrastructure used in our advanced research labs. The team delivers technical support to the R&D organization by ensuring reliable and efficient operation of lab equipment and test systems. We contribute directly to the success of many research programs in imec.

An important aspect of the lab is the day-to-day management and support of the lab hardware.

You will be part of a collaborative environment where engineers, technicians, and researchers work closely together to ensure reliable and efficient lab operations.

What you will do

Depending on your experience level, you will contribute to the lab hardware lifecycle — from hands-on technical support to end-to-end ownership and improvement of hardware operations.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Supporting the installation, hook-up, and commissioning of lab equipment.
• Performing or coordinating preventive and corrective maintenance.
• Troubleshooting hardware issues and executing interventions when needed.
• Supporting and guiding lab users, including training and documentation.
• Ensuring quality, safety, and performance of lab equipment.
• Collaborating closely with engineers, technicians, and researchers.
• Contributing to process improvements and operational efficiency.

As a Senior Hardware Engineer your responsibilities will also include:

• Supporting hardware selection and purchase processes.
• Acting as a technical point of contact for suppliers and R&D teams.
• Leading improvement initiatives or projects.
• Coaching and guiding technical staff.
• Shaping the hardware roadmap and applying industry trends.

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

An ideal Hardware Technician candidate:

• Obtained a technical degree in Electronics, Electromechanics, Laboratory Technology, or equivalent through experience.
• Has hands-on technical experience in a laboratory, manufacturing, semiconductor, or industrial environment.
• Is technically skilled and enjoys hands-on work with hardware and equipment.
• Can follow technical procedures accurately and work in a structured and safety-conscious way.
• Is a problem solver with a practical mindset and strong attention to detail.
• Is a good communicator and enjoys working in a team-oriented environment.
• Is eager to learn and continuously improve their technical skills.
• Is comfortable using standard MS Office tools and basic planning or reporting systems.

Nice to have:

• Experience with lab equipment, measurement instruments, or semiconductor tools.

An ideal Senior Hardware Engineer candidate:

• Obtained a degree in Engineering (preferably Electronics) and has 10+ years professional experience in the electronics or semi-conductor industry.
• Has hands-on experience with wafer probers and/or lab instruments.
• Easily shares knowledge and learns from others.
• Has proven experience in writing technical documentation, e.g. SOP, user manual, training material.
• Is a problem solver who doesn’t think in problems, but in solutions. Can easily switch from a more strategic approach to a pragmatic approach and act upon it.
• Is a good communicator: Listens actively, builds bridges where needed and is customer focused. Communicates clearly and effectively.
• Is a team player: Shares technical expertise with colleagues, coaches and guides others, actively contributes to achieving common goals.
• Is comfortable in the MS Office suite and has experience with planning tools (Excel, Project, …).

Familiarity with automated test systems (ATE), and/or cryogenic systems is a plus for both positions.