Datapath Algorithm Intern (2026 US Intern)

Intel Corporation • Folsom, CA

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

Where mathematics, electrical and electronic engineering and computer science meet you will find the discipline of computer arithmetic. The design of the math elements in chip design, also known as Datapath design, is nowhere more important than in the design of graphics chips. Graphics cores are filled to the brim with math operations - trigonometry for processing the millions of triangles, texture and lighting computations, ray-tracing, GPU compute operations, machine learning word loads. The list goes on. The 'Datapath' design determines the power consumption, the frequency and the numerical correctness of the chip. The design of optimized and functionally correct Datapath brings math directly in contact with electronics and computer science. The internship position is within 'The Numerical and System Level Design Group', a new applied research group focusing on all aspects of mathematical hardware design from architecting, RTL implementation and optimization and formal verification. The group works as an internal consultancy to the GPU cluster groups within 3D and Media IPs. The group is founded on the premise that deep mathematical and logical reasoning can deliver significant hardware benefits in terms of reliability, speed, area and power efficiency. Crucially, the group uses formal verification tools which mathematically prove the correctness of the hardware we design. We seek to grow our body of knowledge in all aspects of numerical hardware design. From automatic design space exploration through to accuracy analysis, the Numerical Hardware Group offers and faces a myriad of fascinating opportunities and challenges. Our aim is for our work to contribute and participate in best-in-class numerical hardware design within graphics, Intel's arithmetic community and on the international computer arithmetic stage; to engage with and grow into international experts. The Opportunity As part of seeding the group's expansion we are looking to hire talented interns who will share our passion for computer arithmetic and our value of quality, innovation and insight. Given the range of fascinating challenges the group faces, we have a whole range of projects to match the candidate's skills and interests and the group's latest goals. Project examples: Formal Super Usage: create an internal tool which using the latest in formal verification technology to find and remove arithmetically dead code. In complex Datapath algorithms, some hardware may actually be redundant but impossible to find by basic linting tools or code review. Transcendental Function Optimization: transcendental function implementation in hardware is a deeply nontrivial design problem. Polynomial datapath is efficiently implementing in hardware, how to best map transcendental functions into polynomial datapath is a design and formal verification challenge. Invent new ways of implementing and formally verifying floating-point hardware. Automatic Design Space Exploration: some algorithms in graphics are error tolerant. This project explores automatically exploring functionally different designs which are still correct from the application point of view but may have vastly different power, performance and area characteristics. The design space is truly enormous, machine learning algorithms will be required to explore this deeply non convex space. Behavioral Traits Our success hinges on understanding the needs of others, creating ideas with others, being and wanting to be understood by others, growing others as we grow ourselves. Successful ideas must be generated as well as disseminated - both require equal energy. You are: Highly inquisitive and eager to challenge the status quo Scintillating attention to detail Expertly able and interested in providing complete, clear, and concise delivery of complex material, whether emailed, presented, documented or verbalized tailored to the audience. Solid mathematical background with excellent creative analytic problem-solving skills.

Requirements

• Pursuing a Bachelor's degree in mathematics, electrical or electronic engineering, computer science, or similar field of study.

Nice To Haves

• SW/HW experience in some of: Verilog, C++, Python, Perl, TCL experience
• Understanding of floating point arithmetic
• Hardware Formal Verification awareness

Benefits

• We offer a total compensation package that ranks among the best in the industry. It consists of competitive pay, stock bonuses, and benefit programs which include health, retirement, and vacation.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Intern
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees