IC Design Exploration Intern

Overview

As an AMD intern/co-op, you’ll be placed at the epicenter of the AI ecosystem, working alongside experts and industry pioneers. You’ll contribute on meaningful projects, learn new skills, expand your network, and gain real-world experience that impacts millions of end-users worldwide. Whether you’re an undergraduate or a PhD student, your contributions will matter and your experience here can launch your next career steps.

Location

Singapore

Internship Details

• Criteria: Current students studying at universities based in Singapore
• Internship Duration: The internship will begin on either 4 May 2026 or 20 July 2026 and end on 4 December 2026. There is an option to extend the internship, with the extended period concluding on 18 December 2026.

Role

Intern - IC Design Exploration

What You Can Expect to Learn

Gain industry experience working on the latest technology process nodes. Learn about pursuing a career in IC design. Because IC design spans multiple disciplines, the application process will help assign you to the most suitable team to fit your strengths.

Project Overview

Join a dynamic SerDes Technology team and collaborate with teams around the globe. You will explore areas including analog design and implementation, digital design and implementation, functional verification, post-silicon validation, and more. Working alongside engineers across disciplines will help you understand the differences between paths you may pursue after graduation.

Key Responsibilities

• First few weeks
  • Learn about the Singapore Design Team at AMD
  • Strengthen foundational technical IC design knowledge
  • Build comfort working independently and in a team across multiple geographical sites
• Next few months
  • Develop soft skills through technical discussions and knowledge-sharing sessions
  • Consider engineering judgments and trade-offs
  • Work on projects aligned with your specialization (see Specializations)
• Throughout the internship
  • Participate in company/department events and social activities
  • Engage in recreation and networking opportunities

Specializations

Specializations will be assigned to one of the following tracks. You may explore cross-functional experiences during the program.

Analog Design

• Design and development of high-speed analog and mixed-signal circuits and their auxiliary blocks (112 Gbps and above) in advanced technology nodes (3nm, 7nm)
• Use, simulate, and analyze logs from EDA tools; make design trade-offs to meet milestones
• Learn the architecture and design of SerDes blocks (transmitter, receiver, PLL, etc.)
• Basic scripting and programming (Unix, Python, Perl)
• Familiarization with IC design tools (Cadence ADE/Spectre, Synopsys HSPICE/XA, etc.)
• Understand IC design flow to implement circuit design and explore cross-functional experiences (RTL/Layout/STA/Verification)

Analog Layout

• Layout implementation in high-speed circuits and their auxiliary blocks (112 Gbps and above) in advanced technology nodes (3nm, 7nm)
• Perform LVS and DRC checks; ensure circuit function, performance, and process requirements
• Understand Process Design Rules and metal schemes
• Basic scripting and programming (Unix, Python, Perl)
• Familiarization with IC design tools (Cadence Virtuoso, Calibre, etc.)
• Learn IC design flow to implement layout; explore cross-functional experiences (RTL/Circuit/PNR/STA/Verification)

Analog Timing & Verification

• Develop timing models for advanced technology nodes and mixed-signal circuits
• Coordinate with design, layout, and integration teams to build constraints and tune design hierarchy for timing models
• Develop and update quality-check scripts; release and maintain timing model databases
• Evaluate best-in-class EDA tools and flows

Digital Design

• Low-power design explorations; design digital logic blocks in Verilog (RTL)
• Develop testbenches and functional verification for digital blocks
• Silicon validation: develop emulation platforms using Python and CocoTB
• Post-silicon validation: testing and debugging of block functionality on prototype silicon
• Explore next-generation RTL/AI tools; improve RTL quality and productivity

Digital Implementation

• Proficient in UNIX/LINUX environments; use EDA tools (Synopsys Design Compiler, IC Compiler 2, Fusion Compiler)
• Implement place-and-route designs across nodes from 3nm to 16nm
• Develop plans to synthesize and close timing on complex digital ICs (block/subsystem level)
• Design clock structures to meet tight skew; collaborate with Logic, Circuits, DFT & Layout groups to meet timing, area, power, and performance goals
• Ensure designs meet DRC/DFM requirements; communicate with global project teams to meet milestones

Digital Static Timing Analysis

• Proficient in UNIX/LINUX; use EDA tools (Synopsys PrimeTime, ICC2, etc.) to develop timing constraints
• Simulate and analyze logs/reports; make design trade-offs to meet milestones

Functional Verification

• Verify SerDes and/or Security IP designs; develop testbenches in SystemVerilog/UVM and/or Python-based frameworks
• Prepare and manage regressions; debug and resolve design bugs
• Perform coverage analysis to ensure all features are verified
• Develop automation and hardware acceleration to improve efficiency; explore AI/ML-enabled verification
• Explore new verification methodologies to improve quality and productivity

Post-Silicon Validation

• Post-silicon validation of high-speed SerDes; bring-up, verification, and performance optimization
• Develop validation methodologies and automation for characterization
• Collaborate with design engineers to debug SerDes silicon issues
• Tune and optimize SerDes configurations; ensure compliance across PVT environments

Who We Are Looking For

A self-driven individual with a willingness to learn, resourcefulness, and passion for technology. Must have a positive attitude, be willing to work hard, and enjoy teamwork.

Relevant Skill Sets

• Scripting skills (Perl, TCL, shell, Python) are beneficial
• Fast learner with strong problem-solving and communication abilities
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team-oriented environment

Academic Credentials

Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD in Electronics/Electrical/Computer Engineering or Computer Science

Placement Letter

Please ensure you can provide a placement/support letter from your school covering the entire internship period.

Note

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