Principal AI & High-Performance Computing Architect

Principal AI & High-Performance Computing Architect Join imec and design the future of AI computing What if your architectural decisions could influence the future of artificial intelligence at the scale of the world's most advanced computing systems? At imec, you will work at the intersection of AI, semiconductor innovation, and large-scale computing architectures. Together with leading experts in computing systems, chip technology, software, and artificial intelligence, you will help define how future AI infrastructure is built, optimized, and scaled. This is not a product maintenance role. It is an opportunity to explore breakthrough architectures that could shape the next decade of AI and high-performance computing. What you will do As a Principal AI & High-Performance Computing Architect, you will drive innovation across the entire computing stack, from AI applications and system software to processors, accelerators, and semiconductor technologies. You will create models, simulations, and design explorations that help identify the most promising paths toward future AI computing systems that deliver significant improvements in performance, energy efficiency, and sustainability. Your responsibilities include: Exploring architectural solutions for next-generation AI and high-performance computing clusters. Analysing the behaviour and performance characteristics of large-scale AI workloads. Developing performance models that identify bottlenecks and opportunities for innovation. Evaluating future processor, accelerator, memory, and system designs. Collaborating with experts in computer architecture, AI, semiconductor technology, system software, and modelling. Defining requirements for future AI computing platforms and processor architectures. Guiding strategic research directions through data-driven performance analysis and projections. Contributing to breakthrough innovations that improve performance, energy efficiency, operational cost, and environmental impact. 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. You'll work on technology challenges years ahead of the market, helping shape the future of AI and high-performance computing. In return, we offer the freedom to explore ambitious long-term research challenges, access to world-class expertise and facilities, continuous learning through imec.academy, and strong opportunities for technical leadership and career growth. You'll be part of an international, multidisciplinary environment that values collaboration, ownership, and innovation, backed by a competitive salary and attractive benefits package. 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. Who you are We are looking for someone with: Master's degree or PhD in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or another relevant STEM field. 8+ years of experience in computer architecture, AI systems, high-performance computing, or a related domain. Experience analysing and optimizing large-scale computing workloads. Experience with distributed AI or machine learning workloads, such as large language model training or inference. Strong understanding of computing system architecture, accelerators, processors, and distributed software systems. Strong programming skills in C++ and Python. Excellent communication skills in English. It's a bonus if you have: Experience with scientific computing applications such as molecular dynamics or computational fluid dynamics. Experience developing performance modelling or simulation frameworks. Experience with accelerator technologies such as GPUs and AI processors. Knowledge of CUDA or related accelerator programming environments. Experience mentoring engineers, researchers, or technical teams. 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