Design Automation Engineer - Neuromorphic Computing
AI in this role
Develop design automation tools and EDA flows for neuromorphic chips powering physical AI systems.
Job Description:
The Opportunity
For nearly a decade, Intel's Neuromorphic Computing Lab-together with a global ecosystem of 250+ research groups-has explored architectures, algorithms, and software inspired by the brain's extraordinary efficiency, scalability, and adaptability. Our Loihi series of research chips pioneered event-driven, sparse, and massively parallel neuro-inspired processing, fueling over 100 peer-reviewed publications that validate the promise of this novel approach.
Now, we're entering an exciting new chapter: transforming these breakthroughs into real-world products that will power the coming era of physical AI systems-beyond the reach of GPUs and mainstream AI accelerators.
If you are passionate about pushing the boundaries of computing, from transistor-level innovation to software abstractions, join us. Help define the next wave of AI technology that harnesses the proven advantages of Intel's neuromorphic computing technology with the versatility demanded by modern AI workloads.
Position Overview
We are seeking an experienced design automation engineer passionate about driving innovation at the intersection between emerging semiconductor technology, physical AI and novel computing paradigms. Loihi's silicon design flow is unique in the industry combining high-performance asynchronous design methods with standard EDA tools for silicon implementation. You will help pioneer the tool flows and automation methods required to bring these novel designs from concept to silicon, developing new capabilities spanning front-end design, physical implementation, verification, and FPGA-based emulation. Candidates should be familiar with the entire silicon design lifecycle and adapt to the requirements of our custom flow. A strong software background and an openness to learning new technologies and methodologies, such as asynchronous design, is essential. Experience with the latest AI-driven automation, agentic engineering assistants, and generative AI development tools is expected and will be a key contributor to success in this role.
Responsibilities
• Enhance and maintain Loihi's asynchronous EDA tool flow by implementing design automation algorithms, software tools, utilities, and regression tests.
• Support RTL designers, verification engineers and physical design engineers by providing automated solutions to achieve product quality and target KPIs.
• Enable early SW development by setting up a scalable framework mapping silicon designs in simulation and emulation.
• Write custom scripts to manipulate synthesis and physical design tools for low power/high performance custom designs.
Qualifications:
Minimum qualifications
• Bachelors and 4+ years OR Masters and 2+ years of experience in developing and deploying production quality tools, flows and methods for silicon design.
• 4+ years of experience in developing and maintaining the entire ASIC tool suite. E.g. synthesis, place and route, ATPG, FEV, RV, STA, LVS/DRC.
• 4+ years of experience with scripting languages such as Perl, TCL, Python, etc.
• 2+ years of experience in delivering multiple silicon tape-outs.
Preferred qualifications
• Strong System-Verilog/System-C/Object Oriented Programming background.
• Experience with large scale FPGA platforms like HAPS and/or emulation frameworks like ZeBu.
• 1+ year of experience using AI tools for setting up tool flows, debugging and improving overall productivity.
Job Type:
Experienced HireShift:
Shift 1 (United States of America)Primary Location:
US, Oregon, HillsboroAdditional Locations:
US, Arizona, Phoenix, US, California, Folsom, US, California, Santa Clara, US, Texas, AustinPosting 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/ABenefits
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: $122,440.00-232,190.00 USD
The range displayed on this job posting reflects the minimum and maximum target compensation for the position across all US locations. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. Your recruiter can share more about the specific compensation range for your preferred location during the hiring process.
Work Model for this Role
This role will be eligible for our hybrid work model which allows employees to split their time between working on-site at their assigned Intel site and off-site. * Job posting details (such as work model, location or time type) are subject to change.*
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 score this
Design Automation Engineer - Neuromorphic Computing at Intel scores 60 out of 100 for how much of the daily work is AI. That makes it AI Level 3 of 4 (Works on AI). The level is about AI in the job, not seniority.
AI Level 3. The daily work is on or around AI systems, without necessarily building the model: remove AI and the job is hollow.
- AI Level 480 to 100
- AI Level 360 to 79
- AI Level 240 to 59
- AI Level 10 to 39
Bands come from how often the tools, models and workflows of the role are named in the posting itself. Open the description and count.
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
Questions you could be asked
- Tell me about a project where neuromorphic computing was part of your work. What did you do?
- Tell me about a project where asynchronous design was part of your work. What did you do?
- Tell me about a project where design automation was part of your work. What did you do?
- Tell me about a project where rtl design was part of your work. What did you do?
- Walk me through how you've used Generative AI in your day-to-day work.
Adapt your resume
- List these exact terms on your resume: Neuromorphic Computing, Asynchronous Design, Design Automation, Rtl Design, and Generative AI. 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.
- Show where AI is part of your daily process, not a one-off project — this role expects it to be a running habit.
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