What you will do
As a Quantum & Photonic Systems Engineer, you will play a key role in developing next-generation quantum and photonic technologies, with applications in sensing, computing, and data communications. Your work will focus on the design, optimization, and implementation of integrated quantum-photonic system architectures. You will explore innovative, energy-efficient approaches to precision sensing and high-performance computing / interconnects, contributing to advancements in scalable quantum and AI infrastructure.
You will collaborate with a multidisciplinary team, taking an active role in shaping future quantum and photonic technologies. Your responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:
- Technology Roadmap: Contribute to imec’s strategic research initiatives by defining the evolution of next-generation quantum and AI infrastructure.
- Quantum & Photonic Systems Design: Lead the conceptualization and design of quantum and photonic integrated circuits and systems to enable high-precision sensing as well as energy-efficiency, large-scale computing.
- Team Collaboration: Work closely with photonic design engineers and compute architects to define system concepts and specifications. Support the creation of photonic integrated circuit (PIC) layouts and system models, ensuring alignment with system requirements.
- System Modeling: Develop, maintain, and refine quantum and photonic system models to validate proposed architectures. Utilize simulation tools such as Lumerical Interconnect, Vpi, Matlab, and Python to ensure the feasibility and performance of these systems.
- Validation and testing: Perform experimental validation of proposed concepts using fabricated PICs connected with off-the-shelf components in a laboratory setting.
- Documentation and Knowledge Sharing: Prepare technical documentation and reports for internal and external partners. Contribute to patents or publish your works.
- Proposal Development: Explore emerging applications and contribute to the development of next-generation photonic system concepts. Contribute to writing proposals for new research opportunities and collaborations.
- Mentorship and Supervision: Participate in recruiting, supervising, and mentoring interns and graduate students (MSc, PhD), fostering their growth and contributions to ongoing projects.
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
- Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Photonics, or a related field with postdoctoral or industry experience preferred.
- Strong understanding of sensing, computing, and communication based on integrated photonic and/or circuits fiber optic cables.
- Hands-on experience in quantum and photonic system design and modelling with proficiency in software tools such as Lumerical Interconnect, Vpi, Matlab, and Python.
- Hands-on laboratory experience with quantum and photonic systems, including experimentation, signal processing, and validation using photonic integrated circuits (PICs) and off-the-shelf components.
- Good understanding of integrated photonics concepts and PIC design principles.
- Experience in the design, modeling, and characterization of PICs is a plus.
- Experience in optical switches and their integration into photonic systems is a plus.
- Good written and verbal communication skills in English with an ability to document and share the findings.
- Well organized and capable of thinking ahead to plan and execute projects effectively.
- Self-driven, proactive, and entrepreneurial attitude – you derive energy from taking ownership and can effectively deal with ambiguity.
- Proven project management skills are a plus.
