PhD Research Intern, Hardware and Systems Architecture - 2027

NVIDIA is hiring a PhD Research Intern, Hardware and Systems Architecture - 2027 in Santa Clara, United States. It pays $38-$94/hr and Level rates it ; you can apply on NVIDIA.

Level's read on this job

Level rates this role Builds AI ●●●●: the job is building AI systems.
Level classes it as an internship.
NVIDIA has 2,700+ other open roles on Level.

AI in this role

NVIDIA’s development of the GPU in 1999 revolutionized the PC gaming industry, reshaped contemporary computer graphics, and transformed parallel computing. In recent years, GPU deep learning has propelled modern AI, ushering in a new era of computing where GPU systems serve as the core intelligence for computers, robots, and autonomous vehicles, enabling them to perceive and interpret the world around them. NVIDIA Research is at the forefront of developing cutting edge hardware, software, and algorithmic technologies for next generation GPU systems. We are eager to expand our teams with the most brilliant minds globally.

What you'll be doing:

Conduct cutting edge research on algorithms, hardware, and system software extending the state of the art in deep learning, humanoid robotics, database analystics, general computing, and other technology areas surrounding NVIDIA's business.
Invent new techniques, technologies, methodologies, processes, and devices that can enable new products or types of products. Deliverable results include prototypes, patents, leading to products and publications.
Develop new methods and processes for research and scientific evaluation of research techniques and artifacts including agentic driven techniques, simulation, modeling, and benchmarking.
Produce technology vision and the basis for products 5-10 years out. Focus should not be on products currently shipping or in development, except as to how they can be extended and improved.

What we need to see:

Pursuing PhD Degree in relevant discipline(s) (CS, CE, EE, Physics, Math)
At least one year of university or industrial research experience in computer architecture or computer systems, including operating systems, distributed systems, compilers, or AI/ML systems.
Strong programming ability: C, C++ and Python preferred.
Eagerness to learn and use AI tools for software development and system design.
Experience designing and evaluating research ideas through prototyping, simulation, modeling, or experimentation.
Strong programming skills and the ability to communicate research ideas, methods, and results clearly.

Ways to stand out from the crowd:

Chip/system level arch: agentic techniques for computer architecture; specialized accelerators for deep-learning and humanoid robotics
Systems for AI/ML: systems infrastructure for LLM training, inference, and agents/tools; state management in agentic systems; systems for humanoid robotics
AI/systems co-design
Experience contributing to research targeting leading architecture and systems conferences, such as ISCA, ASPLOS, MICRO, HPCA, SOSP, MLSys, NSDI, or OSDI.
Publications are a plus but are not required. We welcome candidates with research in progress, including manuscripts in preparation or submissions under review.

NVIDIA is widely considered to be one of the technology world’s most desirable employers. We have some of the most forward-looking and hardworking people in the world working for us. If you're creative and autonomous, 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 expected hourly rates for this position are:
US, CA, Santa Clara: 38 USD – 94 USD.
US, MA, Westford: 30 USD – 94 USD.

You will also be eligible for Intern benefits.

Applications for this job will be accepted at least until November 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.

How we rate this

PhD Research Intern, Hardware and Systems Architecture - 2027 at NVIDIA rates 96 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. Read the description and count the AI tools, models and workflows it names.

Key facts

PhD Research Intern, Hardware and Systems Architecture - 2027 is an open job at NVIDIA.
Level rates this role AI Level 4 of 4: Builds AI.
The listed pay is $38-$94/hr.
The role is based in US, CA, Santa Clara.
The job was posted on September 17, 2026.
Seniority: intern.
Applications are handled by NVIDIA. Apply on NVIDIA