AI Insights
NVIDIA

Research Scientist, Electronic Design Automation - New College Grad 2026

NVIDIA · Santa Clara, California, US
full-timejunior (0-2 yrs)Posted 29d ago
AI/ML ResearchIC2ICOn-siteVisa Sponsored
StackPythonPyTorchC++CUDADeep LearningReinforcement LearningSupervised LearningUnsupervised LearningAgentic AIGPU ComputingEDAVLSI DesignASIC DesignLogic SynthesisPhysical DesignDesign VerificationTiming AnalysisMachine Learning

Summary

NVIDIA Research is hiring a PhD-level new grad Research Scientist to conduct original research at the intersection of AI, GPU computing, and Electronic Design Automation (EDA), with direct impact on next-generation chip design tools and VLSI flows.

About the role

NVIDIA Research is searching for a world-class new college grad PhD researcher to drive groundbreaking research at the intersection of AI, GPU computing, and Electronic Design Automation (EDA). Deep learning and GPU acceleration are transforming the future of chip design, and this role offers the opportunity to shape that future. Widely considered to be one of the technology world’s most desirable employers, NVIDIA has some of the most forward-thinking and hardworking people in the world inventing the future for us. Are you a creative and collaborative researcher interested in seeking new challenges? If so, we want to hear from you!

What you'll be doing:

  • Define and conduct original research across EDA algorithms, VLSI design methodology, and advanced AI techniques.

  • Innovate in EDA software and algorithms, with applications spanning supervised, unsupervised, reinforcement learning, agentic AI systems, as well as GPU-accelerated optimization methods.

  • Apply deep learning and GPU computing to improve ASIC and VLSI design tool flows.

  • Collaborate cross-functionally with circuit design, VLSI, and architecture teams, ensuring research translates into real-world product impact.

  • 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:

  • PhD in Computer Science, Electrical/Computer Engineering, or related field (or equivalent experience)

  • Strong Programming & Systems Skills: Proficiency in at least two of Python, PyTorch, C++, or CUDA

  • Publications in top EDA and AI/ML venues

  • Domain & Technical Expertise: Expertise in EDA (e.g., synthesis, physical design, design verification, timing) algorithms combined with publications and project experience applying machine learning/deep learning (supervised, unsupervised, RL, agentic AI) to impactful problems.

  • Excellent self-motivation, a high degree of creativity, and a passion for research, collaboration skills and the ability to work effectively within a research team.

  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with proven experience communicating technical work (e.g., academic presentations, poster sessions); ability to synthesize and explain complex technical concepts.

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 February 9, 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.

What you'll do

1Define and conduct original research across EDA algorithms, VLSI design methodology, and advanced AI techniques
2Innovate in EDA software and algorithms using supervised, unsupervised, reinforcement learning, and agentic AI systems
3Apply deep learning and GPU computing to improve ASIC and VLSI design tool flows
4Collaborate cross-functionally with circuit design, VLSI, and architecture teams to translate research into real-world product impact
5Publish and present original research at top conferences and events
6Collaborate with external researchers and a diverse set of internal product teams

Requirements

PhD in CS, ECE, or related field with a strong publication record in top EDA and AI/ML venues
Proficiency in at least two of Python, PyTorch, C++, or CUDA for systems-level research
Deep expertise in EDA domains such as synthesis, physical design, design verification, or timing analysis
Proven experience applying ML/DL techniques (supervised, unsupervised, RL, agentic AI) to EDA or related hard engineering problems
Strong written and verbal communication skills with demonstrated ability to present at academic conferences or technical forums

Nice to have

GPU-accelerated optimization
Agentic AI systems
ASIC tool flow development
Cross-functional collaboration with circuit/architecture teams

Role overview

Role family
AI/ML Research
Level
IC2 — ml_ai
Experience
0–2 years
Type
Individual Contributor
Remote policy
On-site
Visa sponsorship
Available

Tech stack analysis

LANGUAGES
PythonC++CUDA
FRAMEWORKS
PyTorch
INFRASTRUCTURE
GPU ComputingASIC/VLSI tool flows
TOOLS
EDA tooling (synthesis, P&R, STA, verification)

Green flags

6 items
Salary range is fully disclosed ($168K–$264.5K) plus equity — exceptional transparency and pay for a new grad rolecompensation

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Benefits breakdown

HEALTH & WELLNESS
Full benefits package (details not specified)

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Hiring insights

JD quality
8/10
Urgency
medium
Autonomy
high
Team size
small (2-5)

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Red flags

PRO4 items
Requires a PhD with top-venue publications — the bar for a 'new grad' role is extremely high and may screen out strong PhD candidates without an extensive publishing recordrequirements

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Interview insights

PRO
Rounds
5
Duration
4 wks
Difficulty
very hard
Take-home
No

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Career path

PRO
Next roles
Senior Research ScientistStaff Research ScientistResearch Engineer (EDA)

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About the company

NVIDIA is the world's leading designer of GPUs and AI computing platforms. Its chips power everything from gaming and data centers to autonomous vehicles and scientific research. With a market cap exceeding $2 trillion, NVIDIA's CUDA platform and AI accelerators have become the backbone of the global AI revolution.

HQSanta Clara, CA, USA
Interview difficultyvery hard
Build vs Maintainbuild
Cross-functionalYes