Network Architect/Researcher
First seen by Alion on Oct 11, 2026.
Network Architect/Researcher
Compute System Architecture (CSA) is a center of excellence at imec for hardware-software-technology co-design for future compute systems. We work in close collaboration with other expertise centers 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 centers of IMEC, in Belgium, Netherlands, Germany, UK, USA and Qatar. This position is primarily for Leuven, Belgium. What you will do We are looking for an experienced Network Architect/Researcher to join our team. In this position, you will play a key role in pathfinding future network designs enabled by emerging architectural and technological innovations (e.g., photonic/optical interconnect, wireless, etc.). This R&D role focuses on network architecture and design at all levels of a compute system, spanning networks-on-chip, IO chiplets/dies, scale-up and scale-out network at machine-scale, depending on the impact of emerging technologies in various application domains. You will be expected to collaborate with experts from application, technology, circuit, and design domains to evaluate the impact of technological innovations in network architecture of the future. Your responsibilities will include: Collaborate with cross-functional teams in applications, technology, circuits and design (across imec) to define novel technology-aware network architectures. Lead feasibility studies through performance modeling and prototyping to provide expert guidance on design and implementation of next-gen network 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. Stay up to date with the advancements in network architectures in compute systems, specifically in terms of novel technologies, design, and application domains. Contribute to project definitions and the technical scope of work (timeline, work packages, milestones, deliverables) in close cooperation with the stakeholders. 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 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 relevant domains with strong R&D experience in network architecture/design. You have 6+ years of relevant experience in industry and/or academia (we encourage you to apply if you have slightly less experience but strong alignment with the role). You have proven expertise in network architecure/design, including topology, routing, congestion control, communication protocols, resilience, and performance analysis. You have a good understanding of optical or electrical circuit switching, and you are familiar with recent industry initiatives around Ultra-ethernet, CXL, UALink, etc. You have hands-on experience with network profiling and detailed network modeling tools such as NS3, OMNET++, SST Merlin, gem5 Garnet, AstraSim, etc. You have experience developing system-level architectural models for networks, quantitative analysis frameworks, or system-level evaluation methodologies. You possess strong analytical and quantitative skills, with an experience in designing and executing experiments to derive insights from complex system behavior. 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. 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