AI-Driven Physical Design Engineering (PhD Intern)

Intel is hiring an AI-Driven Physical Design Engineering (PhD Intern) in Santa Clara, United States. It pays $142k a year and Level rates it ; you can apply on Level.

AI in this role

pytorchtensorflow

ai-automationai-research

Job Details:

Job Description:

The Role and Impact:

Intel is seeking motivated individuals to join its dynamic design engineering team as an AI-Driven Physical Design Engineering PhD Intern. This role offers a unique opportunity to leverage artificial intelligence and machine learning techniques to revolutionize the physical implementation of cutting-edge silicon designs. You will focus on developing AI-powered workflows, building intelligent data analysis capabilities, and designing adaptive systems that enhance execution efficiency and optimize implementation strategies through data-driven decision making.

Business Group:

The Data Center Group (DCG) is at the forefront of developing high-performance computing solutions that power the world's data-centric applications. This team is dedicated to designing innovative silicon technologies that support Intel's mission to lead in processing, storage, and networking solutions for data centers. Join a group committed to shaping the future of technology by solving complex challenges and driving performance enhancements.

Key Responsibilities:

Research and implement AI/ML techniques to identify new opportunities for improving physical design processes and methodologies.
Develop AI-enhanced workflows for high-performance silicon implementation that reduce manual effort and improve design quality.
Build ML-powered data analysis and summarization pipelines to enable faster, more accurate design decision-making.
Design and implement Graph Neural Network (GNN) based systems to support dynamic, intelligent decision-making in design execution.
Develop intelligent automation frameworks using Python, and ML libraries such as TensorFlow or PyTorch, alongside traditional scripting in TCL and Perl.
Collaborate with cross-functional AI research and design engineering teams to align AI-driven strategies with broader project objectives.
Evaluate and benchmark AI-driven methodologies against traditional approaches to demonstrate measurable improvements in PPA (Power, Performance, Area).

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications:

Enrolled in a PhD program in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.
Proficiency in industry-standard tools for physical design, including synthesis, place and route, and timing analysis software.
Familiarity with scripting languages like Python or TCL for flow automation and debugging.
Understanding of digital design concepts and methodologies, including RTL design and verification.

Preferred Qualifications:

Strong problem-solving skills with a creative and innovative mindset.
Ability to work effectively in a collaborative, team-oriented environment.
Exceptional organizational and communication skills to drive alignment across diverse teams.
Understanding of Graph Neural Networks (GNNs) or graph-based algorithms
Experience with data analysis tools (Pandas, NumPy, Matplotlib)
Knowledge of reinforcement learning concepts for design optimization
Strong Python programming skills with ML application experience
Background in EDA tools and physical design fundamentals

Apply now to be part of Intel's journey to create groundbreaking technologies that transform industries and improve lives.

Job Type:

Student / Intern

Shift:

Shift 1 (United States of America)

Primary Location:

US, California, Santa Clara

Additional Locations:

US, Colorado, Fort Collins, US, Massachusetts, Beaver Brook, US, Oregon, Hillsboro, US, Texas, Austin

Posting Statement:

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, religious creed, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, military and veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, gender, gender expression, gender identity, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by local law, regulation, or ordinance.

Position of Trust

N/A

Benefits

We offer a total compensation package that ranks among the best in the industry. It consists of competitive pay, stock bonuses, and benefit programs which include health, retirement, and vacation. Find out more about the benefits of working at Intel.

Annual Salary Range for jobs which could be performed in the US: $141,998.00-142,002.00 USD

The range displayed on this job posting reflects the minimum and maximum target compensation for the position across all US locations. Our standard internship rates are based on your degree, location, and the job role. Your recruiter can share more about the specific compensation range for your preferred location and job role during the hiring process.

Work Model for this Role

This role will require an on-site presence. * Job posting details (such as work model, location or time type) are subject to change.The application window for this job posting is expected to end by 02/09/2027

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Intel is committed to Responsible Business Alliance (RBA) compliance and ethical hiring practices. We do not charge any fees during our hiring process. Candidates should never be required to pay recruitment fees, medical examination fees, or any other charges as a condition of employment. If you are asked to pay any fees during our hiring process, please report this immediately to your recruiter.

How we rate this

AI-Driven Physical Design Engineering (PhD Intern) at Intel rates 85 out of 100 for how much of the daily work is AI. That makes it Builds AI (AI Level 4 of 4). The level is about AI in the job, not seniority.

Classification

Builds AI. The job is building AI systems.

●●●● Builds AI80 to 100
●●●○ Works on AI60 to 79
●●○○ Uses AI40 to 59
●○○○ Little AI0 to 39

Levels come from how often the tools, models and workflows of the role are named in the posting itself. Open the description and count.

Key facts

AI-Driven Physical Design Engineering (PhD Intern) is an open job at Intel.
Level rates this role AI Level 4 of 4: Builds AI.
The listed salary is $142k a year.
The role is based in US, California, Santa Clara.
The job was posted on October 9, 2026.
Seniority: intern.
Applications are handled by Intel. Apply on Intel

Prepare for this job

A free preview built only from this posting: what it asks for, what you could be asked in an interview, and how to adjust your resume.

Skills and AI tools this role asks for

AI AutomationAI ResearchPyTorchTensorFlow

Questions you could be asked

Tell me about a workflow you automated with AI tools, end to end.
Tell me about a research question you investigated. What did you find?
What are the limits of PyTorch that you've run into, and how did you work around them?
What's a project where you used TensorFlow hands-on?
How would you decide a model or AI system is ready to ship?

Adapt your resume

List these exact terms on your resume: AI Automation, AI Research, PyTorch, and TensorFlow. An applicant tracking system matches the wording, not the idea.
Attach one line of real, concrete experience to at least one of them. A tool named with nothing behind it rarely survives a human read.
Lead with what you built, trained or shipped. This role is judged on the AI system itself, not the tools around it.

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