Overview

Research Internships at Microsoft provide a dynamic environment for research careers with a network of world-class research labs led by globally-recognized scientists and engineers, who pursue innovation in a range of scientific and technical disciplines to help solve complex challenges in diverse fields, including computing, healthcare, economics, and the environment.

We are seeking a motivated Research Intern to develop Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA)-based hardware emulation logic that accurately represents compute and memory behavior for advanced accelerator architectures. This role is ideal for candidates passionate about hardware design, system modeling, and performance validation in cutting-edge environments.

Responsibilities

Research Interns put inquiry and theory into practice. Alongside fellow doctoral candidates and some of the world’s best researchers, Research Interns learn, collaborate, and network for life. Research Interns not only advance their own careers, but they also contribute to exciting research and development strides. During the 12-week internship, Research Interns are paired with mentors and expected to collaborate with other Research Interns and researchers, present findings, and contribute to the vibrant life of the community. Research internships are available in all areas of research, and are offered year-round, though they typically begin in the summer.

Additional Responsibilities

Implement hardware emulation logic on FPGA platforms to model compute and memory subsystems.
Develop Register Transfer Level (RTL) modules and integrate them into existing FPGA frameworks.
Validate functional correctness and timing fidelity against architecture specifications.
Collaborate with hardware and software teams to ensure alignment with system-level performance goals.
Document design methodology, test results, and optimization strategies.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

Currently enrolled in a PhD program in Computer Science or a related STEM field.

Other Requirements

Research Interns are expected to be physically located in their manager’s Microsoft worksite location for the duration of their internship.
In addition to the qualifications below, you’ll need to submit a minimum of two reference letters for this position as well as a cover letter and any relevant work or research samples. After you submit your application, a request for letters may be sent to your list of references on your behalf. Note that reference letters cannot be requested until after you have submitted your application, and furthermore, that they might not be automatically requested for all candidates. You may wish to alert your letter writers in advance, so they will be ready to submit your letter.

Preferred Qualifications

Proficient understanding of digital design principles and hardware description languages (Verilog/SystemVerilog or VHDL).
Experience with FPGA development workflows (Quartus, Vivado, or similar).
Familiarity with memory hierarchies, compute pipelines, and SoC architecture concepts.
Proficiency in simulation and verification tools (ModelSim, Questa, or equivalent).
Coursework or project experience in computer architecture or hardware acceleration.
Exposure to high-performance computing or accelerator architectures.
Knowledge of PCIe, DDR/HBM interfaces, and on-chip interconnects.
Experience with scripting for automation (Python, TCL).
Familiarity with Agilex or similar FPGA platforms.

The base pay range for this internship is USD $6,710 - $13,270 per month. There is a different range applicable to specific work locations, within the San Francisco Bay area and New York City metropolitan area, and the base pay range for this role in those locations is USD $8,760 - $14,360 per month.

Certain roles may be eligible for benefits and other compensation. Find additional benefits and pay information here: https://careers.microsoft.com/us/en/us-intern-pay

Benefits/perks listed below may vary depending on the nature of your employment with Microsoft and the country where you work.

This position will be open for a minimum of 5 days, with applications accepted on an ongoing basis until the position is filled.

Microsoft is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, citizenship, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, immigration status, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran or military status, race, ethnicity, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable local laws, regulations and ordinances. If you need assistance with religious accommodations and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application process, read more about requesting accommodations.

Research Intern - FPGA-Based Compute & Memory Modeling