Research Scientist

ChipAgents; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 350,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Unlimited PTO

Full benefits (medical, vision, dental, 401k)

Free parking and private gym

Free lunch, drinks, and snacks

Job summary

ChipAgents in San Jose, California, is seeking a Research Scientist with expertise in AI and machine learning to drive advances in AI-assisted electronic design automation. This role involves conducting impactful research that improves chip design processes using innovative AI methods.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in large language models and modern ML frameworks, alongside a degree in a relevant field. The position offers a competitive salary, equity options, and attractive benefits including unlimited PTO, alongside significant compute resources.

Qualifications

• Strong background in AI agent architectures or multi-agent workflows.
• Facility in balancing research rigor with pragmatic engineering.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research in AI-assisted EDA, focusing on solutions for chip design.
• Train and deploy large language models, optimizing performance.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams on research directions.

Skills

Large language models

Deep learning

Machine Learning frameworks (e.g., PyTorch, JAX)

Programming in Python

Education

Degree in Computer Science, Machine Learning, Electrical Engineering, or equivalent

Tools

Electronic design automation (EDA) tools

Job description

About ChipAgents

ChipAgents is redefining the future of chip design and verification with agentic AI workflows. Our platform leverages cutting‑edge generative AI to assist engineers in RTL design, simulation, and verification, dramatically accelerating chip development. Founded by experts in AI and semiconductor engineering, we partner with top semiconductor firms, cloud providers, and innovative startups to build intelligent AI agents. The company is a Series A company backed by tier‑1 VC firms. ChipAgents is deployed in production to companies that have shipped 16B chips.

Position Overview

We are seeking Research Scientists with deep expertise in AI and machine learning to pioneer the next generation of AI‑assisted electronic design automation. In this role, you'll conduct research that directly impacts chip designers, working at the intersection of cutting‑edge AI and real‑world semiconductor workflows. You'll train and deploy large language models at scale, architect intelligent agent systems, and transform research breakthroughs into production‑ready tools used by leading hardware companies.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct research in AI‑assisted EDA, focusing on practical solutions that accelerate chip design and verification workflows.
• Train and deploy large language models using substantial compute resources, optimizing for both performance and real‑world applicability.
• Design, build, and benchmark agentic AI systems using state‑of‑the‑art LLMs and proprietary in‑house models.
• Translate research innovations into production‑ready features that integrate seamlessly into hardware engineering workflows.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to identify high‑impact research directions based on customer needs and field deployment learnings.
• Publish findings and contribute to the broader AI and EDA research communities where appropriate.

Qualifications

• Degree in Computer Science, Machine Learning, Electrical Engineering, or a related field (or equivalent research experience).
• Strong background in large language models, deep learning, and modern ML frameworks (e.g., PyTorch, JAX).
• Experience with AI agent architectures, autonomous systems, or multi‑agent workflows.
• Familiarity with electronic design automation (EDA) tools, RTL design, or hardware‑software co‑design is a strong plus.
• Strong programming skills in Python and experience with large‑scale model training infrastructure.
• Ability to balance research rigor with pragmatic engineering to deliver real‑world impact.

Why Join Us

• Shape the future of how AI accelerates chip design and verification.
• Work directly with the world’s leading semiconductor and AI hardware companies.
• Access to significant compute resources and real‑world deployment opportunities for your research.
• Be part of a high‑impact, mission‑driven team backed by tier‑1 VC firms.

What we offer

• $150K/yr - $350K/yr + Offers Equity. We are open to discuss above‑scale compensation with exceptional candidates on a case‑by‑case basis.
• Unlimited PTO and full benefits (medical, vision, dental, 401k).
• Two engineering‑centric offices with free parking, private gym, and free lunch, drinks and snacks.