Applied AI Engineer Intern (Silicon Engineering)

Astera Labs is looking for an Applied AI Intern to develop AI-powered solutions for silicon and ASIC engineering workflows. You will work at the intersection of machine learning, software engineering, and hardware design to improve the efficiency, productivity, and quality of engineering processes.

This is a hands-on role for someone who enjoys applying modern AI techniques to complex engineering problems and taking ideas from prototyping through testing, deployment, evaluation, and iteration. You will collaborate with Applied AI, silicon engineering, software, and hardware teams to create useful tools for engineers.

• Build prototypes and applications using Python, large language models, and agentic AI frameworks.
• Develop AI assistants and retrieval-based systems for silicon engineering workflows.
• Integrate AI solutions with ASIC design, CAD, and engineering data flows.
• Create dashboards, databases, and tools that help engineers find and act on relevant design information.
• Explore multi-agent systems, retrieval-augmented generation pipelines, vector databases, and other applied AI technologies.
• Support testing, deployment, debugging, and evaluation of AI-powered engineering tools.
• Collaborate with Applied AI, silicon engineering, software, and hardware teams.
• Document project results, communicate tradeoffs, and present measurable outcomes.

• Currently pursuing a degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field.
• Coursework, research, or project experience in machine learning, deep learning, software development, or computer systems.
• Proficiency in Python and familiarity with data structures, algorithms, and software engineering principles.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to learn new technical concepts quickly and work effectively in a collaborative environment.

• Experience with large language models, generative AI, agentic systems, retrieval-augmented generation, or vector databases.
• Familiarity with ASIC, VLSI, CAD, chip design, or hardware engineering concepts.
• Experience with version control, testing, continuous integration/continuous delivery, or cloud and compute environments.
• Interest in applying AI to complex engineering and silicon-design problems.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

What success looks like

You take ownership of a meaningful project, move it from problem definition and requirements through prototyping, testing, deployment, and end-user evaluation, and use metrics and feedback to improve the result. You communicate progress, risks, tradeoffs, and decisions clearly, document the project’s outcomes and future use cases, and demonstrate measurable value for the Applied AI and silicon engineering teams.

Internship experience and compensation

This is a paid, hourly U.S. internship. The applicable hourly rate is determined as part of the offer process and specified in the offer letter, depending on education level ranges form $35/hour to $55/hour. U.S. interns currently receive a $500-per-week housing/relocation stipend for the duration of the internship. Interns participate in Early Career programming, including technical and professional-development sessions, community events, and an end-of-program project presentation.