Research Scientist, AI Accelerator Design and VLSI - New College Grad 2026

Nvidia

Quick summary

Work type
On-site
Location
Santa Clara, CA
Salary
$168,000–$264,500 / yr
Posted
119 days ago

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Competitive pay

How this pay compares to similar roles

Similar $209k
This role $216k
$154k most similar roles pay here $276k

This role pays more than 59% of similar roles. Most pay $170,875–$246,150 — the shaded band above. At the midpoint, this role pays about $216k versus about $209k for comparable roles.

Based on 240 similar postings.

Employer

About Nvidia

Nvidia is a leading designer of graphics processing units (GPUs) and system-on-chip units, powering gaming, professional visualization, data centers, and artificial intelligence workloads. Industry: Semiconductors & AI Computing

Nvidia currently has 855 open roles on FindRole.

Listed pay typically runs $184,000–$287,500 across 843 roles with salary data.

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At a glance

TL;DR · Research Scientist, AI Accelerator Design and VLSI - New College Grad 2026

NVIDIA Research seeks a new college grad PhD researcher to join its cutting-edge team focused on AI hardware-software co-design, AI hardware accelerator architecture, and VLSI design methodology. This role involves advancing the state-of-the-art in AI accelerator design through novel research, developing innovative ASIC and VLSI techniques, and applying machine learning and generative AI to automated tool flows for chip design. The researcher will collaborate on prototype testchips, work closely with AI researchers and hardware teams, and publish findings at conferences. Ideal candidates hold a PhD in Computer Science or Electrical/Computer Engineering with expertise in VLSI implementation using modern EDA tools, proficiency in Python, PyTorch, C++, SystemVerilog, or CUDA, and a track record of publications in top circuit, architecture, and AI venues.

What you'll do

  • Conduct novel research advancing AI accelerator design at the intersection of hardware and software.
  • Develop innovative VLSI design techniques using machine learning and generative AI for automated tool flows.
  • Research numerical methods for quantization and tensor decomposition in AI model optimization.
  • Design and implement prototype testchips for research purposes.
  • Publish original research findings and present them at academic conferences.
  • Collaborate on the development of creative hardware micro-architecture solutions.

What we're looking for

  • PhD in Computer Science, Electrical/Computer Engineering, or related field.
  • Experience in VLSI implementation and modern EDA tool flows.
  • Proficiency in Python, PyTorch, C++, SystemVerilog, or CUDA.
  • Publications in top circuit, architecture, and AI/ML venues.
  • Research experience in VLSI, computer architecture, or numerical algorithms for AI model co-design.
  • Strong self-motivation, creativity, and passion for research collaboration.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills for technical work.

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