Student Assistant – Machine Learning for ASIC Design(On-Site)

Brookhaven National Laboratory; New York (NY); On-site; USD 26,000 - 41,000; Part time

Job summary

Brookhaven National Laboratory in Upton, NY seeks a part-time, on-site student researcher to investigate AI/ML methods for accelerating IC design. The role involves deploying AI/ML models with CAD tools, and developing robust algorithms that handle noise and hardware variations.

Open to upper-level undergrads or grads; visa sponsorship is not offered. Position runs Sep 1, 2026 to Dec 18, 2026, up to 19 hours/week, with potential extension.

Qualifications

• Experience deploying AI/ML models in software toolchains.
• Basic knowledge of digital IC design flows, including simulation and synthesis.
• Knowledge of processor architectures, compilers, neural networks, and optimization.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research on AI/ML methods for accelerating IC design.
• Deploy and test AI/ML-driven IC design algorithms with open-source and industry CAD tools.
• Develop robust AI/ML-driven IC design algorithms considering noise, hardware failure, and non-ideal effects.

Skills

AI/ML deployment

LDIC design basics

communication skills

Education

MS in Electrical/Computer Engineering

Tools

CAD tools

Job description

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Conduct research on AI/ML methods for accelerating integrated circuit (IC) design.
• Participate in the deployment and testing of AI/ML-driven IC design algorithms to both open-source and industry-standard CAD tools.
• Participate in the development of AI/ML-driven IC design algorithms that are robust to circuit noise and mismatch, hardware failures, temperature changes, and other non-ideal effects.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Must be an upper-level undergraduate student (rising junior or senior) or a graduate student currently enrolled in an accredited college or university for a degree in Electrical Engineering or a closely related field of study with a focus on IC design.
• Experience of deploying AI/ML models on common software toolchains.
• Basic knowledge of digital IC design flows, including digital simulation and logic synthesis.
• Knowledge of processor architectures, compilers, neural networks, and optimization.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• M.S. degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a closely related field of study.
• Knowledge of both the theoretical fundamentals and applications of machine learning.
• Experience working in multidisciplinary collaborations.
• Strong research experience (e.g. as evidenced by publication record).
• Excellent programming skills.
• Ability to perform experiments using low voltage (<50 V) electrical equipment.

Other Information

This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship. This part‑time temporary position is anticipated to begin September1,2026, and end December18,2026. Work schedule: Up to19hours per week (Monday–Friday). This position is eligible for P/T extension during the academic year pending business need, job performance and funding. This position is on‑site in Upton, NY. Brookhaven National Laboratory is committed to providing fair, equitable and competitive compensation. The full salary range for this position is $19.25 - $30.25 / hour. Salary offers will be commensurate with the final candidate’s qualifications, education and experience and considered with the internal peer group. Brookhaven National Laboratory is committed to employee success and we believe that a comprehensive employee benefits program is an important and meaningful part of the compensation employees receive. Review more information at BNL | Benefits Program Brookhaven National Laboratory requires all non‑badged personnel including visitors to produce a REAL‑ID or REAL‑ID compliant documentation to access Brookhaven National Laboratory – view more information at www.bnl.gov/real-id. This is due to nationwide identification requirements for federal site access as required by the federal REAL ID Act. Those not in possession of a REALID‑compliant document will not be permitted to access the site which includes access to the Laboratory for interviews. As a U.S. Department of Energy laboratory, Brookhaven National Laboratory requires employees to obtain and maintain a DOE Uncleared Personal Identity Verification (UPIV) credential in accordance with Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD‑12) requirements. The credentialing process is completed as part of onboarding and enables access to DOE facilities and information systems. As a condition of employment, the selected candidate must be able to obtain and maintain a UPIV credential. These requirements are established under DOE Order 206.2 Chg.2, Identity, Credential, and Access Management (ICAM- Identity, Credential, and Access Management (ICAM)), and DOE Order473.1A- Physical Protection Program- Physical Protection Program.

About Us

Brookhaven National Laboratory (www.bnl.gov) delivers discovery science and transformative technology to power and secure the nation’s future. Brookhaven Lab is a multidisciplinary laboratory with seven Nobel Prize‑winning discoveries, 37R&D100Awards, and more than 70 years of pioneering research. The Lab is primarily supported by the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of Science. Brookhaven Science Associates (BSA) operates and manages the Laboratory for DOE. BSA is a partnership between Battelle and The Research Foundation for the State University of New York on behalf of Stony Brook University. BSA salutes our veterans and active military members with careers that leverage the skills and unique experience they gained while serving our country, learn more at BNL | Opportunities for Veterans at Brookhaven National Laboratory.

Equal Opportunity / Affimative Action Employer

Guided by our core values of integrity, responsibility, innovation, respect, and teamwork, Brookhaven Science Associates is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer‑Vets/Disabled. We are committed to fostering a respectful and collaborative environment that fuels scientific discovery. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to any characteristic protected by law. All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply. We ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation. *VEVRAA Federal Contractor BSA employees are subject to restrictions related to participation in Foreign Government Talent Recruitment Programs, as defined and detailed in United States Department of Energy Order 486.1A. You will be asked to disclose any such participation at the time of hire for review by Brookhaven. The full text of the Order may be found at: https://www.directives.doe.gov/directives-documents/400-series/0486.1-BOrder-a/@@images/file

Welcome

If you are looking for your next career move—to a place where your skills and strengths contribute to groundbreaking discovery and innovation—Brookhaven National Laboratory may be where you belong. Here you can explore open positions and apply to the ones that suit you, your skills, and strengths. You can also keep track of your progress in the selection process and new postings that might interest you. Thanks for your interest in joining the Brookhaven Lab team. At Brookhaven Lab, everyone has a role in discovery science and transformative technology that's helping power and secure the nation’s future. We are home to world‑class scientists, engineers, technicians, and other professionals as well as unique facilities that attract thousands of researchers annually from across the country and around the globe. Our track record includes seven Nobel Prize‑winning discoveries, 37R&D100Awards (the "Oscars of Innovation"), and countless other advances.