AI-Assisted Foundation IP Development Intern
About this role
To accelerate edge AI development, the Foundation IP team at Ambiq Micro, Inc. needs support in standard cell and memory compiler IP creation, specifically by applying data analysis and machine learning to spot characterization trends and flag outliers early. The intern will directly assist with circuit design, SPICE and Monte Carlo simulation, and physical layout tasks for foundation intellectual property, while also building simple predictive models to reduce simulation runs. This position exists to bridge traditional semiconductor engineering with modern data science methodologies in order to optimize ultra-low-power silicon solutions. Ideal candidates are self-motivated engineering students who possess foundational knowledge in both circuit design and Python-based data analysis.
What you will do
- Support circuit design, SPICE, and Monte Carlo simulation alongside layout tasks for standard cells.
- Perform placement, routing, and DRC/LVS cleanup for foundation IP components.
- Characterize standard cells for timing, power, and noise across multiple PVT corners.
- Execute characterization flows utilizing industry-standard tools like Liberate.
- Analyze large characterization datasets using Python libraries such as pandas and scikit-learn to identify trends and outliers.
- Build simple predictive models to flag likely failures and minimize the need for exhaustive simulation runs.
- Debug mismatches that arise between simulated and characterized results.
- Document technical findings and present them clearly to the broader IP team.
What you need
- Must be pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Microelectronics, or a related field as a rising Junior or Senior.
- Completed coursework covering digital logic, analog design, AI/ML, data science, VLSI, or semiconductor devices.
- Possess a basic understanding of fundamental circuit design and integrated circuit layout concepts, including DRC and LVS.
- Demonstrate working knowledge of Python programming along with basic machine learning concepts like regression and clustering.
- Show comfort and capability when working with large datasets.
Nice to have
- Exposure to layout and schematic tools such as Virtuoso and Calibre, or characterization tools like Liberate and Tempus.
- Completion of a class project applying machine learning to engineering or scientific data.
- A demonstrated interest in low-power intellectual property for edge AI and IoT applications.
Skills and tech stack
Questions candidates ask
What team will I be working with?
You will be part of the Foundation IP team focusing on standard cell and memory compiler IP for edge AI SoCs. The team spans across multiple global locations including Singapore.
What kind of programming and technical tools will I use?
You will use Python with pandas and scikit-learn for data analysis, alongside circuit design tools, SPICE, Monte Carlo simulations, and characterization flows using Liberate.
What are the educational requirements for this role?
Candidates must be pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Microelectronics, or a related field as a rising Junior or Senior.
What specific tasks are expected regarding data analysis?
You will analyze characterization data using Python to find trends and outliers, build simple predictive models to flag likely failures, and reduce simulation runs.
The application is on the official Ambiq Micro, Inc. careers page.
Apply on company site