PhD Research Intern, Hardware and Systems Architecture - 2027

NVIDIA; Westford (MA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 129,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Intern benefits

Job summary

NVIDIA Research in Massachusetts seeks a PhD candidate for an internship focusing on algorithms, hardware, and system software for deep learning and robotics. You will prototype new ideas, run simulations, and contribute to benchmarking.

Strong coding in C/C++/Python is required, plus a willingness to explore AI tooling for software design. Hourly internship rates range from 38 USD to 94 USD, with NVIDIA internship benefits and a path to impactful, long-term research contributions.

Qualifications

• PhD candidate in a relevant field (CS, CE, EE, Physics, Math).
• At least one year of university or industrial research experience in computer architecture or systems.
• Strong programming ability in C, C++ and Python.
• Eagerness to learn and use AI tools for software development.
• Experience designing and evaluating ideas through prototyping, simulation, modeling, or experiments.
• Clear communication of research ideas, methods, and results.

Responsibilities

• Conduct cutting edge research on algorithms, hardware, and system software for deep learning, robotics, and related areas.
• Invent techniques and prototypes that enable new products or publications.
• Develop methods for evaluating research ideas via prototyping, simulation, modeling, or benchmarking.
• Produce technology vision and groundwork for products 5–10 years out.

Skills

C

C++

Python

Research experience

Communication of research ideas

Education

Pursuing PhD in CS/CE/EE/Physics/Math

Tools

AI tools

Simulation tools

Job description

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 hourly rate for our interns is 38 USD - 94 USD.

You will also be eligible for Intern benefits.

Applications for this job will be accepted at least until September 21, 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.