Principal Architect - Compute Systems
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 specialising 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 Leuven, Belgium.
We are looking for an experienced Compute Architect/Designer to join our team. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in architecting and/or designing compute components (CPU, GPU, NPU, Accelerators, etc.) in a system, with active involvement from ideation to productisation. We will expect you to lead research ideas to high maturity levels in our team.
What you will do
Collaborate with cross‑functional teams in applications, technology, circuits and design (across imec) to define novel technology‑aware compute architectures.
Lead feasibility studies through performance modelling and prototyping to provide expert guidance on design and implementation of next‑gen compute systems.
Coach and develop the team to lead research ideas towards higher maturity levels; support and guide the team members during technical and engineering challenges.
Stay up to date with the advancements in compute system architectures across domains, specifically in terms of novel technologies, design, integration paradigms.
Build bridges to other groups and departments, and participate in wider consortia and ecosystems, as the technical spokesperson for CSA and IMEC, as needed.
Contribute to project definitions and the technical scope of work (timeline, work packages, milestones, deliverables) in close cooperation with stakeholders.
Supervise and/or manage execution of technical projects 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 centres 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 Master’s or PhD in Electrical/Electronics/Computer Engineering/Science or other relevant domains with hands‑on compute architecture/design experience.
You have 8+ years of experience in the industry in architecting and/or designing compute components (CPU, GPU, NPU, Accelerators) and/or compute SoCs.
You have been actively involved through ideation to productisation in one or more of your experiences in architecting and/or designing compute components or systems.
You have a deep understanding of microarchitecture, digital design principles, and system‑level design, with some experience in performance modelling and analysis.
You have hands‑on expertise in high‑level performance modelling (C/C++, systemc, gem5, etc.) and/or low‑level prototyping (HDL, EDA, ASIC design flows, etc.).
You have familiarity with the RISC‑V ecosystem and some hands‑on experience with industry‑standard and/or open‑source modelling and design frameworks.
You enjoy being hands‑on and working with and mentoring like‑minded (junior) colleagues, 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, documentation, and dissemination of ideas and results within CSA/IMEC and in wider ecosystems.
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.
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