R&D Scientist – Advanced Semiconductor Chip Packaging | Nijmegen

Want to make your mark on our time? Become a R&D Scientist – Advanced Semiconductor Chip Packaging at TNO in Nijmegen!

About this position

TNO is the Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research. As an independent research institute, TNO connects science and industry to accelerate innovation and translate knowledge into practical, scalable solutions. By combining deep technical expertise with a strong application focus, TNO supports companies and governments in addressing complex technological and societal challenges. Within the semiconductor domain, TNO plays a leading role in the development of advanced chip packaging technologies through the Chip Integration Technology Center (CITC). Under the CITC brand, TNO collaborates with industry leaders, materials suppliers, and equipment manufacturers to strengthen Europe’s position in semiconductor packaging and to enable the next generation of high-performance electronic systems. Through its Advanced Packaging Platform, TNO develops and scales innovative fan-out packaging technologies built on decades of expertise in large-area processing, thin-film electronics, and additive manufacturing. This platform combines advanced infrastructure, including a dedicated back-end lab in Nijmegen and state-of-the-art cleanroom facilities for thin-film and additive manufacturing processes at the Eindhoven campus.

What will be your role?

Within the Advanced Packaging Platform at CITC, you will contribute to the development of next-generation chip packaging technologies for demanding applications such as automotive radar systems and high-frequency RF and mmWave devices.

As Scientist Advanced Chip Packaging, you will be actively involved in the full development cycle of advanced packaging solutions, from design and realization to experimental validation and characterization. Your work will focus on enabling reliable and scalable chip packaging technologies that integrate different semiconductor materials such as CMOS and III-V devices.

You will work at the intersection of materials science, microelectronics, and advanced packaging technologies. In this multidisciplinary R&D environment, you will collaborate closely with experts in materials engineering, device fabrication, modelling, and system integration.

In this role, you will combine hands-on experimental work with thermomechanical modelling and device characterization. Your work will contribute to the development of manufacturable and reliable packaging solutions that can be translated into industrial applications.

You will also collaborate closely with industrial partners and customers, translating real-world technology challenges into concrete development activities and technology roadmaps.

Key responsibilities:

• Design, fabricate, and experimentally validate advanced chip packaging devices and processes;
• Develop and optimise advanced packaging technologies and process flows for next-generation semiconductor devices;
• Perform thermomechanical modelling and reliability analysis of chip packaging solutions;
• Carry out device characterization and experimental validation to evaluate packaging performance;
• Contribute to technology development, including the generation of intellectual property and new process innovations;
• Act as technical lead within collaborative R&D projects involving international industrial partners;
• Translate industrial challenges and customer requirements into practical technology development strategies.

What we expect from you

You are a hands-on researcher with a strong technical background and a deep interest in advanced semiconductor packaging technologies.

You bring:

• A PhD or MSc degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, Physics, or a related scientific discipline;
• At least 5 years of experience in research and development within enabling technologies for advanced chip packaging;
• Hands-on experience with device fabrication, advanced packaging processes, or semiconductor manufacturing technologies;
• Experience with thermomechanical modelling and reliability analysis of semiconductor devices;
• Experience with device characterization and experimental validation methods;
• Experience contributing to or leading technical proposals and R&D projects with industrial partners;
• The ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary research teams;
• Strong communication skills in English, both written and spoken.

What we offer:

• A collaborative and high-performing research environment with experts in semiconductor packaging;
• The opportunity to contribute to the next generation of advanced chip packaging technologies for RF and mmWave applications;
• Close collaboration with leading industrial partners and technology suppliers;
• Access to state-of-the-art research and development facilities within TNO’s advanced packaging platform;
• A stimulating R&D environment focused on innovation, knowledge sharing, and technological impact.

What you'll get in return

Challenging and varied work with a real impact. And plenty of opportunities as, at TNO, you are in charge of shaping your career. We offer a gross monthly salary (based on your knowledge and experience), 8% holiday pay, a 13th month bonus of 8.33% and a flex budget (5.58% + € 180). In addition, you will be given every opportunity to develop yourself.

TNO offers optional employee benefits, enabling you to tailor your benefits package to match your personal situation. You may also expect:

• An extremely professional, innovative working environment where colleagues are leading experts in their field.
• The opportunity to attend courses, workshops and conferences, and to receive training and coaching based on your needs.
• 33 days annual leave on a full-time basis plus a flexible holiday (prorated) that can be used on a cultural, religious, or otherwise important day of your choosing.
• We offer a comprehensive and flexible mobility plan that also includes full compensation for public transportation for commuting and business travel[OPTIONAL] or a leased car.
• Great social events with your team and other TNO colleagues. That’s how you will get to know a lot of people really quickly.
• Flexible working hours, the possibility to work parttime (32 or 36 hours) and the possibility of working from home.
• Extensive relocation package for international candidates.
• A good pension scheme.

TNO as an employer

At TNO, we innovate for a healthier, safer and more sustainable life. And for a strong economy. There is all the space and support for your talent and ambition. You work with people who will challenge you: who inspire you and want to learn from you. Our state-of-the-art facilities are there to realize your vision. What you do at TNO matters: impact makes the difference. Because with every innovation you contribute to tomorrow’s world.