Semiconductor, Artificial Intelligence, Photonics

Physical Design, Intern (Summer 2027)

Boston, MAOnsiteInternshipJunior / Entry-level$50–$55 /hrPosted 15 hours agoVisa sponsorship available

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Required skills

Physical Design
Masters
TCL
Python
scripting
physical design tools
physical design flows
synthesis
place and route
LVS

Nice to have

lab
internship
photonics
semiconductors
AI hardware
publications

Role summary

Lightmatter is seeking an intern to join their physical design team, responsible for defining and implementing chip design flows and methodologies. The intern will learn and improve the physical design flow using scripting languages like Python, investigate AI applications, and collaborate with various teams on physical implementations. This role requires current enrollment in a Masters or PhD program with an interest in physical design, familiarity with TCL or Python, and knowledge of physical design tools and concepts like synthesis, place and route, LVS/DRC, and VLSI fundamentals. Preferred qualifications include experience in physical design involving photonics, semiconductors, or AI hardware, as well as relevant publications or projects.

Lightmatter is leading the revolution in AI data center infrastructure, enabling the next giant leaps in human progress. The company invented the world’s first 3D-stacked photonics engine, Passage™, capable of connecting thousands to millions of processors at the speed of light in extreme-scale data centers for the most advanced AI and HPC workloads.

Lightmatter raised $400 million in its Series D round, reaching a valuation of $4.4 billion. We will continue to accelerate the development of data center photonics and grow every department at Lightmatter!

If you're passionate about tackling complex challenges, making an impact, and being an expert in your craft, join our team of brilliant scientists, engineers, and accomplished industry leaders.

Lightmatter is (re)inventing the future of computing with light!

About this job

This team is responsible for defining and implementing the flow and methodology for the digital physical design of Lightmatter’s chips. We interface with multiple teams and utilize industry best practices to develop flows and methodologies which enable the physical design team to design and implement chips, while optimizing power, performance, and area.

Responsibilities:

Learn the Lightmatter physical design flow

Improve the physical design flow through scripting in languages such as Python

Investigate usage of AI to improve and augment the physical design flow

Work with members of the physical design team on physical implementations or analysis

Work with other teams in Lightmatter such as the analog design team or photonics team to collaborate on and improve mixed signal and mixed signal + photonics design methodologies

Requirements:

Currently enrolled in a Masters or PhD program

Interest in physical design

Familiar with TCL or Python scripting

Knowledge of physical design tools and flows

Understanding of the concepts of synthesis, place and route, and LVS/DRC

Understanding of VLSI design fundamentals

Willingness and curiosity to learn from an exciting team!

Preferred Qualifications

Research, lab, or prior internship experience in physical design involving photonics, semiconductors, or AI hardware

Publications, projects, or open-source contributions related to physical design or python programming

Prior experience or coursework relevant to physical design

Our internship hourly rates are a standard pay determined based on the position and your location, year in school, degree, and experience.

Hourly Rate in USD$50—$55 USD

Benefits

Comprehensive Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)

Retirement Savings Matching Program

Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)

Generous Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays)

Paid Family Leave

Short Term & Long Term Disability

Training & Development

Commuter Benefits

Flexible, hybrid workplace model

Equity grants (applicable to full-time employees)

Benefits eligibility may vary depending on your employment status and location. Lightmatter recruits, employs, trains, compensates, and promotes regardless of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, veteran status, and other protected status as required by applicable law.

Export Control

Candidates should have capacity to comply with the federally mandated requirements of U.S. export control laws.

Ready to apply?

You'll be redirected to Lightmatter's application page.