# PhD Research Intern - AI Accelerator Design and VLSI at NVIDIA

- Company: [NVIDIA](https://nvidia.com)
- Location: Santa Clara, CA
- Type: Internship · Internship
- Posted: 2026-09-29
- Apply: https://nvidia.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/NVIDIAExternalCareerSite/job/US-CA-Santa-Clara/PhD-Research-Intern--AI-Accelerator-Design-and-VLSI---2027_JR2026584-1
- Page: https://newgrad.ai/jobs/phd-research-intern-ai-accelerator-design-and-vlsi-b2b7e2a7

## Summary by newgrad.ai

What you'll do:

- Build next-generation processors optimized for artificial intelligence workloads.
- Explore cutting-edge chip design methods incorporating AI automation tools.
- Create optimization techniques for model compression and mathematical efficiency.
- Partner with researchers on prototype chip development and implementation.

What they're looking for:

- Doctoral candidate in electrical, computer, or related engineering discipline.
- Track record of presenting work at top-tier ML and hardware conferences.
- Proficiency in Python/PyTorch and hardware description languages; synthesis tool experience valued.
- Background in circuit implementation using industry design software; prior tape-outs beneficial.

Pay and perks:

- Hourly compensation: $38–$94 based on location, academic year, degree level, background.
- Intern program benefits available.

## Posting

NVIDIA Research is seeking PhD-level students to work as research interns at the intersection of AI HW/SW Co-Design, Hardware Accelerator Architecture, IC Design Methodology, and VLSI Design. Ideal candidates will have a broad perspective across areas including machine learning fundamentals, quantization and numerical methods for machine learning model optimization, digital VLSI circuits for computer arithmetic, high-productivity VLSI design and verification methodologies including applications of agentic AI to hardware design, AI hardware micro-architecture, and VLSI methodology and implementation.

### What You'll Be Doing:

- Accelerator Design: Contribute to novel research advancing the state-of-the-art in the design of accelerators for AI and other high-impact workloads.

- VLSI: Research creative and innovative ASIC and VLSI design techniques and/or novel digital VLSI circuits. Apply machine learning, agentic AI, and state-of-the-art tools and methodologies to automated ASIC and VLSI design tool flows.

- AI HW/SW Co-Design: Research and develop creative and innovative numerical methods for quantization, sparsity, or tensor decomposition grounded in computer arithmetic fundamentals and digital VLSI circuits.

- Collaborate on the development of research prototype testchips.

- Collaborate with AI researchers and hardware team members in research and product teams.

- Plan to publish and present your original research.

### What We Need To See:

- Pursuing a PhD in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or related field.

- Publication records in leading ML, architecture, VLSI, or circuits conferences.

- Excellent programming skills in Python/PyTorch and hardware design languages such as SystemVerilog/C++; Experience with High-Level Synthesis (HLS) tools is a plus.

- VLSI Implementation Skills: Experience in hardware design with proficiency with modern EDA tool flows; Tapeout experience is a plus.

- Excellent self-motivation, a high degree of creativity, and a passion for research, collaboration skills, and the ability to work effectively within a research team.

- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with proven experience communicating technical work (e.g., academic presentations, poster sessions); ability to synthesize and explain complex technical concepts.

Widely considered to be one of the technology world's most desirable employers, NVIDIA has some of the most forward-thinking and hardworking people in the world inventing the future for us. Are you a creative and collaborative researcher interested in seeking new challenges? If so, we want to hear from you!

Pay: 38 USD - 94 USD hourly

You will also be eligible for Intern benefits.

Application deadline: October 3, 2026

This posting is for an existing vacancy.

NVIDIA uses AI tools in its recruiting processes.

NVIDIA is committed to fostering an inclusive work environment and proud to be an equal opportunity employer. As we highly value diversity in our current and future employees, we do not discriminate (including in our hiring and promotion practices) on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status or any other characteristic protected by law.

From NVIDIA's public posting, laid out for reading by newgrad.ai with the wording unchanged. Check the original before you apply.

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