Research Scientist, AI Accelerator SW HW Co-Design - New College Grad 2026

NVIDIA is searching for a world-class Research Intern in the area of SW/HW co-design for AI accelerators to contribute to the development of future high-performance and mobile computing systems for AI. Ideal candidates will have a broad perspective across areas including machine learning fundamentals, quantization and numerical methods for machine learning, computer arithmetic, ASIC and VLSI implementation skills. Specific areas of research interest include but are not limited to quantization techniques for ML models, tensor decomposition methods, sparsity optimizations, and VLSI/micro-architecture optimizations for AI accelerator hardware. Applicants with specific expertise and research interest in any of these areas will be considered, but strong candidates will have a full understanding of ML HW/SW systems spanning from VLSI implementation of ML accelerators to SW and model optimization of ML models.

What you'll be doing:

- Research and develop creative and innovative numerical methods for quantization, sparsity, or tensor decomposition.
- Contribute to novel research advancing the state-of-the-art in machine learning accelerator design.
- Collaborate on the development of research prototype testchips.
- Collaborate with circuits and architecture team members in research and product teams.
- Publish and present your original research, speak at conferences and events
- Collaborate with external researchers and a diverse set of internal product teams.

What we need to see:

- Completing or recently completed a Ph.D. or equivalent experience in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering or related field.
- Relevant research experience with a strong research record, well-referenced publications and/or patents.
- You should display a strong background in VLSI, circuits, IC design, computer micro-architecture fundamentals, and machine learning techniques.
- Experience with hardware design languages (Verilog, etc…), design verification techniques, and VLSI implementation tools required.
- Experience with C, C++, Python, and scripting languages required;
- Strong interpersonal skills needed. Being a creative and dynamic presenter is a huge advantage.

NVIDIA is widely considered to be one of the technology world’s most desirable employers. We have some of the most forward-thinking and hardworking people in the world working for us. If you're creative, autonomous and love a challenge, we want to hear from you!With competitive salaries and a generous benefits package, NVIDIA is widely considered to be one of the technology world’s most desirable employers. We have some of the most forward-thinking and hardworking people in the world working for us and, due to unprecedented growth, our best-in-class research teams are rapidly growing.

Your base salary will be determined based on your location, experience, and the pay of employees in similar positions. The base salary range is 168,000 USD - 264,500 USD.

You will also be eligible for equity and benefits .

Applications for this job will be accepted at least until January 30, 2026.

This posting is for an existing vacancy.

NVIDIA uses AI tools in its recruiting processes.

NVIDIA is committed to fostering a diverse 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.