Hardware Design Engineer - Intern

207 Altera Semiconductor Technology Canada ULC; Toronto; On-site; CAD 95,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Altera is seeking an Hardware Design Engineer - Intern to work with the System Example Design team in Toronto. You will engage in FPGA RTL development, system bring-up, and debugging for advanced FPGA-based platforms including SmartNICs and embedded systems.

The role emphasizes FPGA/HDL work, software co-design, and collaboration across global teams, with a compensation range of CAD 95k–100k per year and performance-based incentives.

Qualifications

• Pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field.
• 3+ months of experience in digital logic hardware design or verification (SystemVerilog/Verilog/VHDL).
• 3+ months of software programming or scripting (C/C++ Python).

Responsibilities

• Assist FPGA design and integration of RTL for FPGA-based systems.
• Support hardware/software co-development, board bring-up, and system-level validation.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to optimize end-to-end system performance.

Skills

Digital logic

C/C++

Python

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Engineering, Engineering Science, Computer Science, Math, Electrical Engineering or equivalent

Tools

Quartus

Job description

Job Details: Job Description

Altera’s System Example Design team develops end-to-end solutions that give customers efficient access to the capabilities of Altera FPGA devices. Our team develops RTL IP and builds FPGA System Designs using various protocol IPs such as PCIe Express, DDR4/5, Ethernet and embedded solutions using ARM Hard Processor System. As an Hardware Design Engineer - Intern, You will work closely with hardware and software teams on FPGA HW/SW co-development, system bring-up, debugging, and optimization of complex FPGA-based products, including SmartNICs, embedded platforms interacting with GPU, and ARM HPS-based solutions.

FPGA Design & Integration Design

FPGA Design & Integration Design, develop, integrate, and validate RTL for FPGA-based systems and platforms. Implement and integrate FPGA subsystems various I/0 Technologies (PCIe, EMIF, Ethernet & networking IPs) and on-board ARM Hard Processor Systems (HPS) Support FPGA system architecture, performance optimization, and debug activities.

HW/SW Co-Development

Collaborate with software and application teams on FPGA HW/SW co-design and integration. Support board bring-up, system-level validation, and debugging. Develop software abstractions, drivers, and frameworks that enable FPGA acceleration solutions. Partner with cross-functional teams to optimize end-to-end system performance.

Behavioral traits

Strong communication, initiative, innovation, and teamwork. Motivation to learn and adapt in a fast-changing technology environment. Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail. Accountability, integrity, and a results-oriented mindset. Collaborative working style, strong influencing skills, and willingness to work across global teams.

Compensation

Estimated Salary Range: $95K– $100K CAD. Our compensation is designed to reflect the Canadian labour market. The actual salary offered may vary based on several factors, including the position’s location, as well as the candidate’s experience, skills, training, and job-specific knowledge. In addition to base salary, we offer performance-based incentive opportunities that reward both individual contributions and overall company success.

We use artificial intelligence to screen, assess, or select applicants for the position. This posting is for an existing vacancy. Canadian work experience is not required for this role. Applicants must be eligible for any required Canada export authorizations.

Qualifications

• Minimum Qualifications:
  • The candidate must be pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Engineering, Engineering Science, Computer Science, Math, Electrical Engineering or equivalent.
  • 3+ months of experience in Digital logic hardware (e.g. SystemVerilog, Verilog and/or VHDL) design or verification.
  • 3+ months of experience in Software programming or scripting (e.g. C/C++ and/or Python).
• Preferred Qualifications:
  • Familiarity with FPGA development flows and tools such as Quartus.
  • Experience working on hardware-software co-design or embedded systems projects.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

Job Details

Job Type: Student / Intern (Fixed Term)

Shift: Shift 1 (Canada)

Primary Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Additional Locations:

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.

About Altera

Altera: Accelerating Innovators Altera provides leadership programmable solutions that are easy-to-use and deploy in applications from cloud to edge, offering limitless AI possibilities. Our end-to-end broad portfolio of products including FPGAs, CPLDs, Intellectual Property, development tools, System on Modules, SmartNICs, and IPUs provide the flexibility to accelerate innovation. Altera is helping to shape the future through pioneering innovation that unlocks extraordinary possibilities for everyone on the planet.