Summer/Fall 2026 - Circuit Design Research Intern(7339)

Are you a visionary PhD student eager to shape the future of semiconductor technology?  

Join TSMC, the world leader in semiconductor manufacturing, as a Circuit Design Research Intern within our cutting-edge Corporate Research Design Solution team in San Jose. This isn't just an internship; it's an opportunity to dive deep into industrial R&D, work alongside seasoned professionals, and contribute to the foundational technologies that will power the next generation of electronic devices.  

Over 6 months, you'll gain invaluable hands-on experience, expand your skill set, and directly influence the exploration of novel solutions for advanced chip design. We're looking for bright, enthusiastic minds ready to tackle complex scientific and engineering challenges and transform innovative concepts into tangible results.  

To foster close collaboration and accelerate hands-on development, we operate a hybrid work model where interns are expected to be in our San Jose office four days per week.

What You'll Do & The Impact You'll Make:

• Pioneer Circuit Innovation: Conduct groundbreaking research and development, evaluating the Power, Performance, and Area (PPA) of novel circuit-level designs.
• Bring Ideas to Life: Play a crucial role in the proof-of-concept chip tapeout process, seeing your research transition from theory to a physical prototype.
• Collaborate & Grow: Work closely with a team of R&D experts, receiving mentorship and guidance as you navigate complex research problems.
• Share Your Discoveries: Actively participate in research group meetings, presenting your findings and engaging in stimulating discussions that push the boundaries of technology.
• Shape the Future: Contribute to the intellectual property landscape by converting your innovative work into patents and publications, leaving your mark on the industry.

What We're Looking For:

• An Aspiring Innovator: You are a current PhD student specializing in Electrical Engineering or a related field, passionate about pushing the limits of chip design.
• Availability: Ready to commit to a 6-month internship, typically spanning from summer to fall, to fully immerse yourself in our research projects.
• Circuit Design Acumen: Possess a solid foundation in circuit design principles and hands-on experience with the chip tapeout flow.
• Deep Domain Expertise: In-depth knowledge in at least one of the following critical areas:
• Memory Technology: SRAM, RRAM, MRAM, PCRAM.
• Memory Macro Design: Sense amplifiers, write circuitry, LDO, charge pumps, ADC/DAC.
• Accelerator Architectures: In-memory compute, near-memory computing, systolic arrays.
• Problem-Solving Prowess: Demonstrated strong technical problem-solving and analytical skills, with a knack for dissecting complex challenges.
• Proactive & Curious: Self-driven, highly proactive, and genuinely enthusiastic about exploring and mastering new technologies.
• Collaborative Spirit: A strong team player with excellent written and spoken communication skills, eager to share insights and learn from others.

 

Company Description

As a trusted technology and capacity provider, TSMC is driven by the desire to be:

• The world’s leading dedicated semiconductor foundry
• The technology leader with a strong reputation for manufacturing excellence
• Advancing semiconductor manufacturing innovations to enable the future of technology

TSMC pioneered the pure-play foundry business model when it was founded in 1987 and has been the world’s leading dedicated semiconductor foundry ever since. The Company supports a thriving ecosystem of global customers and partners with the industry’s leading process technologies and a portfolio of design enablement solutions to unleash innovation for the global semiconductor industry. With