Intern - Microelectronics Algorithms, Software Scaling

Stanfordlivetickets; Menlo Park (CA); On-site; USD 43,000 - 54,000; Part time

Job summary

SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory at Stanford University seeks a summer intern for Microelectronics Algorithms and Software Scaling to estimate energy use in computing hardware. You will analyze ML and scientific software, including transformers and CNNs, to develop scaling metrics under mentor supervision.

Candidates should be pursuing a Master’s or Doctoral degree in science or engineering, possess some Python experience, and collaborate effectively.

Qualifications

• Pursuing a Master’s or Doctoral degree in a science, engineering, or equivalent discipline.
• Some prior experience with Python programming.
• Ability to work in a collaborative environment.

Responsibilities

• Identify algorithms and software ported to CPUs, GPUs, and ASICs.
• Develop metrics for measuring algorithmic scaling and complexity.
• Analyze data requirements for hardware scenarios with mentor.
• Conduct data analysis for data quality and veracity with mentor.
• Develop models to estimate energy for problems with mentor.
• Prepare reports and scientific publications outlining advances.

Skills

Python programming

Education

Master's or Doctoral degree in science/engineering

Job description

Intern - Microelectronics Algorithms, Software Scaling

Job Overview

Position Overview:

The internship will focus on estimating scaling of different algorithms/software used in both Machine Learning and Scientific Applications. During the internship, the student will work on analyzing multiple ML and AI software including state of the art Large Language Models like ChatGPT, Gemini, Llama etc. The algorithms will be researched in terms of scalability and complexity for different applications such as time series, sensing, natural language processing using transformers, convolutional neural networks etc. The analysis will provide basis to a larger DOE effort currently developing roadmap for energy efficiency in computing.

The objective of this internship is to give students an opportunity to gain valuable hands‑on experience by working on real‑world problems related to bridging their expertise in algorithm and software development with using these algorithms for real applications for scientific applications. This experience will not only enhance their skills and knowledge in the field. It will also give them a boost when applying for jobs or graduate programs in the future. The mentor serves as a co‑advisor, and interns may have the opportunity to continue their research during the academic year to fulfill a thesis or other academic requirements.

The summer internship will consist of estimating energy used in computing of hardware systems based on published data and also those in research. The intern should have a background in physics, or electrical or computer engineering and computer science. As part of a new initiative from the Department of Energy (DOE) on Energy Efficient Computing, SLAC is offering summer internships for graduate students at SLAC National Laboratory (& Stanford University).

Specific responsibilities (include but are not limited to):

• Identify the different algorithms and software including those ported to CPUS, GPUS, and Application Specific ICs and new customizable architectures.
• Develop metrics for measuring algorithmic scaling and complexity
• Outline the nature and quantity of data required for each of the hardware, in discussion with the mentor.
• Conduct data analysis to ascertain the quality and verity of data, in partnership with the mentor.
• Develop models for estimating energy estimates for the problems in working with the mentor.
• Carry out Verification, Validation and critical analysis of their estimates
• Refine and develop models to integrate scientific knowledge in the model formulation and training phases.
• Prepare reports and scientific publications outlining the advances under the aegis of the mentor.

Opportunities and Benefits

• Growth and mentorship from exceptionally talented engineers and scientists from SLAC and Stanford University.
• A mission‑driven, stable, collaborative, highly interdisciplinary, and supportive work environment.
• Opportunity to experience a multidisciplinary research environment, integrating knowledge from many subject areas spanning computer engineering, physical sciences, applied mathematics, and software applications.

Note: This is an hourly, non‑benefits eligible temporary‑nonexempt, internship position (work at 50% full‑time equivalent or more), not to exceed 980 hours in six consecutive months.

Eligible applicants must be at least 18 years of age, currently enrolled in an educational program or recently graduated, and have US work authorization. The on‑site internship program is for a period of eight weeks and takes place between May and Mid‑August, with the start date being contingent on the convenience of the candidate.

To be successful in this position, candidates should:

• Pursuing a Master's or Doctoral degree in a science, engineering or equivalent discipline.
• Ability to work in a collaborative environment.
• Passionate about innovative solutions for Science & Engineering problems.
• Some prior experience at Python programming would be beneficial.
• Effective Decisions: Uses job knowledge and solid judgment to make quality decisions in a timely manner.
• Self‑Development: Pursues a variety of venues and opportunities to continue learning and developing.
• Dependability: Can be counted on to deliver results with a sense of personal responsibility for expected outcomes.
• Initiative: Pursues work and interactions proactively with optimism, positive energy, and motivation to move things forward.
• Adaptability: Flexes as needed when change occurs, maintains an open outlook while adjusting and accommodating changes.
• Communication: Ensures effective information flow to various audiences and creates and delivers clear, appropriate written, spoken, presented messages.
• Relationships: Builds relationships to foster trust, collaboration, and a positive climate to achieve common goals.

Physical requirements and working conditions:

• Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of the job.

Work Standards:

• Interpersonal Skills: Demonstrates the ability to work well with Stanford colleagues and clients and with external organizations.
• Promote Culture of Safety: Demonstrates commitment to personal responsibility and value for environment, safety and security; communicates related concerns; uses and promotes safe behaviors based on training and lessons learned. Meets the applicable roles and responsibilities as described in the ESH Manual, Chapter 1 General Policy and Responsibilities: http://www-group.slac.stanford.edu/esh/eshmanual/pdfs/ESHch01.pdf
• Subject to and expected to comply with all applicable University policies and procedures, including but not limited to the personnel policies and other policies found in the University's Administrative Guide, http://adminguide.stanford.edu
• As a national laboratory, SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory is responsible for adhering to the Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, which require employees to obtain and maintain a HSPD-12 Personal Identity Verification (PIV) Credential. To obtain this credential, employees must successfully complete the applicable tier of federal background investigation post hire and receive a favorable federal adjudication. The tier of federal background investigation will be determined by job duties and national security or public trust responsibilities associated with the job. All tiers of investigation include a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture within the last 1 to 7 years (depending on the applicable tier of investigation). Illegal drug activities include marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws.

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• Classification Title:SLAC Intern Students [Level II / III]
• Job Code:0901
• Employment Duration : 12 weeks

The expected pay range for this position is $31.02 � $39.26 per hour.

SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory/Stanford University provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of the salary or hourly wage the university reasonably expects to pay for a position upon hire. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal equity, geographic location, and external market pay for comparable jobs.

At SLAC/Stanford, base pay represents only one aspect of the comprehensive rewards package.

Responsibilities

Minimum Qualifications

• Fixed Term N
• SLAC Business Area Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource Directorate (SSRL)
• Locations Menlo Park, CA, United States
• Job Schedule Full time
• Regular or Temporary Regular
• Posting Date 03/11/2026, 12:00 AM
• Grade Z97
• Job Identification 6680

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Benefits that support you, and your future

18+ PTO days per year

Health benefits start when you start

Flexible work options

$6000+ annual tuition and training assistance

403k plan

Mental health and wellness programs

Free and discounted commuter transportation

Applies to regular full‑time positions.

The job duties listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classifications and are not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, tasks and responsibilities. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary depending on department or program needs without changing the general nature and scope of the job or level of responsibility. Employees may also perform other duties as assigned. Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of their job. Stanford is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. As a national laboratory, SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory is responsible for Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, which requires employees to obtain and maintain a HSPD-12 Personal Identity Verification (PIV) Credential. To obtain this credential, employees must successfully complete the applicable tier of federal background investigation post hire and receive a favorable federal adjudication. The tier of federal background investigation will be determined by job duties and national security or public trust responsibilities associated with the job. All tiers of investigation include a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture within the last 1 to 7 years (depending on the applicable tier of investigation), illegal drug activities include marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws.

For foreign national candidates

If you have not resided in the U.S. for three consecutive years, you are not eligible for PIV credential and instead will need to obtain a favorable Local Site Specific Only (LSSO) Federal risk determination to maintain employment. Once you meet the three year residency requirement, you will be required to obtain a PIV credential to maintain employment. The tier of federal background investigation required to obtain the credential will be determined by job duties at the time you become eligible for the PIV credential.

Why work at SLAC

Bold People To achieve our ambitious goals and keep SLAC a great place to work, the lab needs people with a wide variety of experiences, ideas, skills and backgrounds. Visionary Science We explore how the universe works at the biggest, smallest and fastest scales and invent powerful tools used by scientists around the globe. Real Impact Our research helps solve real-world problems and advances the interests of the nation.