Architecture-Technology Co-Designer

Compute System Architecture (CSA) is a centre of excellence at imec for hardware-software-technology co-design for future compute systems. We work in close collaboration with other expertise centres in imec specializing in applications, technology, circuits and design to innovate and pathfind next-generation compute system architectures across multiple domains – AI, HPC, Automotive, Space, and more. CSA has presence in 6 centres of IMEC, in Belgium, Netherlands, Germany, UK, USA and Qatar. This position is primarily for Cambridge, UK.

We are looking for an architecture-technology co-design enthusiast to join our team as an R&D Engineer. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in compute system architecture or design, and a passion for technology-driven compute architecture innovation, with relevant academic/industry experience. We will expect you to bridge the gap between technology and architecture to lead deep-tech research ideas towards high-impact innovations in our team.

What you will do:

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams in applications, technology, circuits and design (across imec) towards R&D of novel compute/memory/network architectures.
• Conduct feasibility studies through performance modeling and prototyping to provide insights on the design and implementation of next-gen compute system architectures.
• Engage in R&D activities within project teams to take research ideas towards higher maturity levels, solving hands-on technical and engineering challenges in the process.
• Develop, customize, integrate multi-fidelity architectural models (functional and/or performance) for complex SoCs/systems for various application domains, as needed.
• Stay up to date with the advancements in compute system architecture across current domains, specifically in terms of novel technologies, design, integration paradigms.
• Contribute to project definitions and the technical scope of work (timeline, work packages, milestones, deliverables) in cooperation with senior members, if needed.
• Supervise or assist in mentoring Masters/Doctoral students/interns when necessary, and contribute to improved ways of working and shared knowledge across CSA.
• Publish relevant results and artefacts in high-impact journals, conferences, seminars and open-source ecosystems to highlight CSA contributions to the community.

What we do for you:

We offer you the opportunity to join one of the world’s premier research centers in nanotechnology in Cambridge, UK. 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 Master’s or PhD in Electrical/Electronics/Computer Engineering/Science or relevant domains with hands-on compute system architecture/design experience.
• You have 5+ years of R&D experience in the industry in architecting and/or designing compute systems/components based on technology and/or integration innovations.
• You have been actively involved through ideation to innovation in one or more of your experiences in architecting/designing technology-aware compute systems.
• You have a deep understanding of compute system architecture and design principles, with experience in system-level performance modeling and analysis methodologies.
• You have hands-on expertise in connecting high-level performance modeling (C/C++, systemc, gem5, etc.) to low-level design flows (EDA tools, FPGA, ASIC, etc.).
• You have familiarity with state-of-the-art technology innovations and application domains that have an impact on modern compute/memory/network architectures.
• You possess strong analytical and quantitative skills, with an experience in designing and executing experiments to derive insights from complex system behaviour.
• You are able to collaborate across abstraction layers, translating technology, circuit, and design information into meaningful architectural and system-level insights.
• You have the knowledge and experience with good software and research engineering practices (e.g., version control, reproducibility, automation, testing, documentation).
• You enjoy being hands-on while working with your colleagues and while mentoring students/interns, promoting a team culture of creativity, collaboration, and excellence.
• You are a team player and flexible in accommodating changing priorities to support business needs; you are self-motivated, responsible and willing to take ownership.
• You feel at home and know how to integrate into a multicultural environment; you are open-minded, you seek and embrace differences and accept constructive challenges.
• You have effective English communication skills for discussions, documentations, and dissemination of ideas and results within CSA/IMEC and in wider ecosystems.