About the role#
This is a 6-month research internship focused on semiconductor design. You will join the Corporate Research Design Solution team to explore novel solutions for advanced chip design. This role involves industrial R&D and collaboration with experienced professionals to contribute to foundational electronic technologies.
What you'll do#
- Evaluate the Power, Performance, and Area (PPA) of circuit-level designs.
- Participate in the proof-of-concept chip tapeout process.
- Work with R&D experts to receive mentorship on complex research problems.
- Present findings during research group meetings.
- Convert your work into patents and publications.
What you'll need#
- Current PhD student status in Electrical Engineering or a related field.
- Solid foundation in circuit design principles.
- Hands-on experience with the chip tapeout flow.
- In-depth knowledge in at least one of these areas: Memory Technology, Memory Macro Design, or Accelerator Architectures.
- Strong technical problem-solving and analytical skills.
- Proactive, self-driven approach and strong communication skills.
Location & details#
- Location: San Jose, California.
- Work Modality: Hybrid (four days per week in the office).
- Duration: 6 months.
- Employment Type: Full-time, paid internship.
- Compensation: Hourly rate between $42 and $48.
About TSMC
TSMC operates as a dedicated semiconductor foundry. It produces wafers for integrated circuit suppliers across the globe. The company maintains multiple wafer fabs across Taiwan, the United States, China, and the Netherlands. It was established in 1987 and currently employs over 26,000 people. TSMC is a public company listed on both the Taiwan Stock Exchange and the New York Stock Exchange.
How to get in at TSMC
Applying to TSMC early provides a distinct advantage because recruiters review applications as they arrive. Intern Insider sends an instant alert the moment a role matching your target is published anywhere, so you apply among the first before the pile grows. This helps you avoid the frustration of submitting your resume into a crowded queue. You can also improve your chances by reaching out to the right people. Intern Insider surfaces the recruiters behind the company's roles so you can reach out directly to ask about the role or a referral. Connecting with a human contact often improves response rates compared to standard submissions.



