Applied AI Engineer Intern (Silicon Engineering)

Job description

<p></p>
<h1 class="wnfdnti _1ibi0s33y _1ibi0s34u" data-pm-slice="1 1 []">Applied AI Intern (Eng - Silicon)</h1>
<p class="wnfdntu _1ibi0s3f5 _1ibi0s3ce _1ibi0s3ea"><strong>Team:</strong> Applied AI — Silicon / ASIC </p>
<h2 class="wnfdnti _1ibi0s33y _1ibi0s34u">About the role</h2>
<p class="wnfdntu _1ibi0s3f5 _1ibi0s3ce _1ibi0s3ea">Astera Labs is looking for an Applied AI Intern to develop AI-powered solutions for silicon and ASIC engineering workflows. You will work at the intersection of machine learning, software engineering, and hardware design to improve the efficiency, productivity, and quality of engineering processes.</p>
<p class="wnfdntu _1ibi0s3f5 _1ibi0s3ce _1ibi0s3ea">This is a hands-on role for someone who enjoys applying modern AI techniques to complex engineering problems and taking ideas from prototyping through testing, deployment, evaluation, and iteration. You will collaborate with Applied AI, silicon engineering, software, and hardware teams to create useful tools for engineers.</p>
<h2 class="wnfdnti _1ibi0s33y _1ibi0s34u">What you’ll do</h2>
<ul class="wnfdntf">
<li class="wnfdnte _1ibi0s33w">
<p class="wnfdntu _1ibi0s3f5 _1ibi0s3ce _1ibi0s3ea">Build prototypes and applications using Python, large language models, and agentic AI frameworks.</p>
</li>
<li class="wnfdnte _1ibi0s33w">
<p class="wnfdntu _1ibi0s3f5 _1ibi0s3ce _1ibi0s3ea">Develop AI assistants and retrieval-based systems for silicon engineering workflows.</p>
</li>
<li class="wnfdnte _1ibi0s33w">
<p class="wnfdntu _1ibi0s3f5 _1ibi0s3ce _1ibi0s3ea">Integrate AI solutions with ASIC design, CAD, and engineering data flows.</p>
</li>
<li class="wnfdnte _1ibi0s33w">
<p class="wnfdntu _1ibi0s3f5 _1ibi0s3ce _1ibi0s3ea">Create dashboards, databases, and tools that help engineers find and act on relevant design information.</p>
</li>
<li class="wnfdnte _1ibi0s33w">
<p class="wnfdntu _1ibi0s3f5 _1ibi0s3ce _1ibi0s3ea">Explore multi-agent systems, retrieval-augmented generation pipelines, vector databases, and other applied AI technologies.</p>
</li>
<li class="wnfdnte _1ibi0s33w">
<p class="wnfdntu _1ibi0s3f5 _1ibi0s3ce _1ibi0s3ea">Support testing, deployment, debugging, and evaluation of AI-powered engineering tools.</p>
</li>
<li class="wnfdnte _1ibi0s33w">
<p class="wnfdntu _1ibi0s3f5 _1ibi0s3ce _1ibi0s3ea">Collaborate with Applied AI, silicon engineering, software, and hardware teams.</p>
</li>
<li class="wnfdnte _1ibi0s33w">
<p class="wnfdntu _1ibi0s3f5 _1ibi0s3ce _1ibi0s3ea">Document project results, communicate tradeoffs, and present measurable outcomes.</p>
</li>
</ul>
<h2 class="wnfdnti _1ibi0s33y _1ibi0s34u">What you bring</h2>
<ul class="wnfdntf">
<li class="wnfdnte _1ibi0s33w">
<p class="wnfdntu _1ibi0s3f5 _1ibi0s3ce _1ibi0s3ea">Currently pursuing a degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field.</p>
</li>
<li class="wnfdnte _1ibi0s33w">
<p class="wnfdntu _1ibi0s3f5 _1ibi0s3ce _1ibi0s3ea">Coursework, research, or project experience in machine learning, deep learning, software development, or computer systems.</p>
</li>
<li class="wnfdnte _1ibi0s33w">
<p class="wnfdntu _1ibi0s3f5 _1ibi0s3ce _1ibi0s3ea">Proficiency in Python and familiarity with data structures, algorithms, and software engineering principles.</p>
</li>
<li class="wnfdnte _1ibi0s33w">
<p class="wnfdntu _1ibi0s3f5 _1ibi0s3ce _1ibi0s3ea">Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.</p>
</li>
<li class="wnfdnte _1ibi0s33w">
<p class="wnfdntu _1ibi0s3f5 _1ibi0s3ce _1ibi0s3ea">Ability to learn new technical concepts quickly and work effectively in a collaborative environment.</p>
</li>
</ul>
<h2 class="wnfdnti _1ibi0s33y _1ibi0s34u">Preferred qualifications</h2>
<ul class="wnfdntf">
<li class="wnfdnte _1ibi0s33w">
<p class="wnfdntu _1ibi0s3f5 _1ibi0s3ce _1ibi0s3ea">Experience with large language models, generative AI, agentic systems, retrieval-augmented generation, or vector databases.</p>
</li>
<li class="wnfdnte _1ibi0s33w">
<p class="wnfdntu _1ibi0s3f5 _1ibi0s3ce _1ibi0s3ea">Familiarity with ASIC, VLSI, CAD, chip design, or hardware engineering concepts.</p>
</li>
<li class="wnfdnte _1ibi0s33w">
<p class="wnfdntu _1ibi0s3f5 _1ibi0s3ce _1ibi0s3ea">Experience with version control, testing, continuous integration/continuous delivery, or cloud and compute environments.</p>
</li>
<li class="wnfdnte _1ibi0s33w">
<p class="wnfdntu _1ibi0s3f5 _1ibi0s3ce _1ibi0s3ea">Interest in applying AI to complex engineering and silicon-design problems.</p>
</li>
<li class="wnfdnte _1ibi0s33w">
<p class="wnfdntu _1ibi0s3f5 _1ibi0s3ce _1ibi0s3ea">Strong written and verbal communication skills.</p>
</li>
</ul>
<h2 class="wnfdnti _1ibi0s33y _1ibi0s34u">What success looks like</h2>
<p class="wnfdntu _1ibi0s3f5 _1ibi0s3ce _1ibi0s3ea">You take ownership of a meaningful project, move it from problem definition and requirements through prototyping, testing, deployment, and end-user evaluation, and use metrics and feedback to improve the result. You communicate progress, risks, tradeoffs, and decisions clearly, document the project’s outcomes and future use cases, and demonstrate measurable value for the Applied AI and silicon engineering teams.</p>
<h2 class="wnfdnti _1ibi0s33y _1ibi0s34u">Internship experience and compensation</h2>
<p class="wnfdntu _1ibi0s3f5 _1ibi0s3ce _1ibi0s3ea">This is a paid, hourly U.S. internship. The applicable hourly rate is determined as part of the offer process and specified in the offer letter, depending on education level ranges form $35/hour to $55/hour. U.S. interns currently receive a $500-per-week housing/relocation stipend for the duration of the internship. Interns participate in Early Career programming, including technical and professional-development sessions, community events, and an end-of-program project presentation.</p>
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