Photonics and Advanced Packaging Program Manager

Photonics and Advanced Packaging Program Manager - IC-Link by imec IC-Link by imec is a complete ASIC (application-specific integrated circuit) solutions provider that can manage the full product lifecycle – serving start-ups, SMEs and established OEMs as well as universities. Our highly experienced ASIC development team realizes over 600 successful tape-outs per year across all our supported technologies (CMOS, GaN-on-SOI and Si photonics). Backed by imec, one of the world’s leading R&D labs in nanoelectronics, IC-Link offers tailored services adapted to your needs – from ASIC design including radiation-hardened designs to package development, testing and qualification. What you will do As Program Manager, you will lead bilateral customer programs and strategic innovation projects in Photonics and Advanced Packaging. You will align technology development across Expertise Centers and Portfolio & Technology Managers, translating roadmaps and customer needs into clear execution plans and deliverables. You will contribute to shaping future portfolio offerings by identifying technology trends, customer needs, and emerging industry requirements, keeping imec at the forefront of next-generation silicon solutions. Key responsibilities Lead bilateral customer programs and internal innovation projects from proposal to delivery, ensuring alignment on scope, timing, budget, quality, and customer expectations. Drive the planning and execution of projects in next-generation Silicon Photonics and Advanced Packaging, including high-speed modulators, 3D integration, and advanced packaging solutions. Identify technology bottlenecks and define scalable solutions to strengthen imec’s silicon platforms, with a focus on integration methodology, technology qualification, manufacturability, and supply chain enablement. Translate long-term technology vision and customer needs into realistic execution plans in close collaboration with technical experts and Expertise Centers. Support operational and strategic planning by defining resource needs, capability development, and investment priorities based on market demand and product roadmaps. Play a leading role in defining, acquiring, and launching new customer engagements and strategic projects aligned with imec’s technology roadmap and business goals. Act as the main interface between customers, business development teams, external foundries, and technical teams, ensuring strong communication and stakeholder alignment throughout execution. Develop high-level project plans, coordinate cross-functional resources, and proactively manage risks, dependencies, issues, and escalations across a diverse portfolio. Track and report progress on milestones, deliverables, budgets, and overall execution to internal and external stakeholders. Work closely with design, process, test, packaging, and reliability engineering teams to ensure successful technology development and delivery. Stay current on developments in Silicon Photonics, 3D integration, and semiconductor packaging, and benchmark imec’s capabilities against global industry leaders. Represent imec in discussions with customers, partners, foundries, and international semiconductor ecosystem players in your area of expertise. 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 PhD in physics or electrical engineering. You have at least 8 years of experience in the semiconductor industry. You bring solid experience in Silicon Photonics and Advanced Packaging, along with a strong understanding of 3D integration and semiconductor development flows. Knowledge of optical testing, electrical testing, and failure analysis is a strong asset. You are an enthusiastic team player with strong program and project management skills, able to coordinate complex multidisciplinary activities across multiple organizations while working with a high level of autonomy. You communicate fluently in English and bring excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, enabling you to engage effectively with both engineering teams and senior leaders. You thrive in a dynamic, multicultural environment and are able to manage multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining high standards of quality and customer satisfaction. You are proactive, structured, and solution-oriented, with strong problem-solving and decision-making skills. This role is based in Leuven, Belgium. You already live in Belgium or are willing to relocate. You thrive in a fast-paced environment, adapt easily to new challenges, and enjoy working across diverse projects and research topics. You are a collaborative team player who is ready to contribute to impactful programs for global partners. 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