Job Description

Optical Wireless Communication Systems Expert

We are seeking an Expert to join the PICSYS (Photonic Integrated Circuits and Systems) team at imec, focusing on the realization and demonstration of next-generation optical wireless communication (OWC) systems built on integrated photonic platforms. We are looking for a candidate with at least 2–3 years of post-doctoral or equivalent industry experience, ready to take ownership of demonstrator-level deliverables. Working alongside system architects in the team, you will translate OWC link concepts into working demonstrators — covering link-level modeling, PIC-based subsystem integration, and end-to-end characterization — across deployment scenarios ranging from terrestrial free-space links to space-based applications.

We are looking for a candidate whose system-level work is grounded in hands-on familiarity with photonic integrated circuits: someone who can reason about OWC link performance and PIC implementation choices in tandem, rather than treating PICs as black boxes.

The role is execution-focused and hands-on. It is based at imec Leuven and involves close, in-person collaboration with our PIC design, EIC, packaging, and characterization teams.

What you will do

• Link and system modeling. Develop link budgets, channel models, and end-to-end performance analyses (SNR, BER, outage) for PIC-based OWC links across a range of deployment scenarios.
• Demonstrator integration and characterization. Design, build, and characterize OWC link demonstrators in lab and, where applicable, field settings — including subsystem assembly, optical alignment, electro-optic measurement, and end-to-end performance evaluation.
• PIC-system co-design. Translate OWC link requirements into PIC-level specifications, engage actively with PIC designers throughout the design cycle, and ensure that PIC implementation choices and system-level targets remain aligned.
• Cross-team collaboration. Work daily with system architects, PIC designers, EIC designers, packaging, and characterization teams to align demonstrator builds with the team's architectural roadmap.
• Documentation and dissemination. Produce technical reports, support IP generation, and contribute to peer-reviewed publications.

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 define 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.

A challenging environment at the frontier of integrated photonics, embedded in imec's international research and industrial network, with an attractive compensation package, flexible working arrangements, and relocation support for international candidates. Joining PICSYS means working alongside a multidisciplinary team on problems that bridge healthcare, mobility, and communications.

Who you are

• PhD in Electrical Engineering, Photonics, Physics, or a closely related field, with at least 2–3 years of post-PhD experience; or Master's degree in the same fields with at least 5 years of relevant industry or research experience.
• Demonstrated experience in optical communication system design, modeling, or characterization at the link or system level, in academia, industry, or both.
• Hands-on laboratory experience with optical alignment, electro-optic measurement, and signal generation/acquisition for high-speed optical links.
• Solid system-level modeling skills (MATLAB, Python, or equivalent), including link budget analysis and at least one of: channel modeling, equalization, or DSP for optical communications.
• Hands-on familiarity with photonic integrated circuit platforms (e.g., silicon photonics, SiN, InP), including the performance characteristics, limitations, and trade-offs of key building blocks such as modulators, photodetectors, optical phased arrays, and passive routing structures.
• Demonstrated ability to translate system-level requirements into PIC-level specifications, and to interpret PIC characterization data in the context of system performance.
• Track record of delivering functional demonstrators against project schedules, with the ability to take technical ownership of subsystem-level work.
• Excellent written and spoken English.
• Based at, or willing to relocate to, imec Leuven, with regular on-site presence to support team collaboration and lab activities.
• Prior experience with optical wireless communication, free-space optical, or satellite optical communication systems.
• Familiarity with optical phased arrays, beam steering, or pointing/acquisition/tracking subsystems.
• Experience integrating PIC, EIC, and free-space optics into functional system demonstrators.
• Prior involvement in PIC tape-out cycles or PIC characterization campaigns, even if not as primary designer.
• Familiarity with III-V or heterogeneous integration.

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.