PhD Research Intern, Electronic Design Automation - 2027

Location: US, CA, Santa Clara

Time Type: Full time

Job Description

NVIDIA Research is seeking PhD-level students to work as research interns and drive groundbreaking research at the intersection of AI, GPU computing, Formal Methods, and Electronic Design Automation (EDA). AI and GPU acceleration are transforming chip design, and this role offers the opportunity to shape that future. In this internship, you will gain a broad perspective across areas including EDA algorithms, agentic AI, LLMs, and GPU computing. Specific areas of research interest include but are not limited to GPU-accelerated optimization algorithms, physical design algorithms, formal methods, agentic AI, and reinforcement learning techniques.

What You’ll Be Doing: 

• Apply AI (Agentic AI, LLMs, Generative AI, Reinforcement learning) and GPU acceleration to chip design workflows. 
• Research and develop creative and innovative EDA software and algorithms. 
• Collaborate with circuits, VLSI, and architecture 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 fields 
• Publications in leading EDA or AI conferences on AI for EDA, Formal Methods, or GPU-accelerated EDA. 
• Excellent programming skills in rapid prototyping environments such as Python; C++ and parallel programming (e.g., CUDA) is a plus. 
• Expertise in EDA (e.g., formal verification techniques, logic synthesis, physical design, and timing and signoff) algorithms combined with publications and project experience applying AI to impactful problems. 
• 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! 

Our internship hourly rates are a standard pay based on the position, your location, year in school, degree, and experience. The hourly rate for our interns is 38 USD - 94 USD.

You will also be eligible for Intern benefits. ​

Applications for this job will be accepted at least until September 27, 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.