Hardware Machine Learning PhD Research Internship

IMC

We are deploying machine learning directly onto custom hardware – and we want you to help drive it from the ground up. This is an initiative where you'll have the rare opportunity to architect solutions from scratch, influence technical research direction, and see your work drive real impact in one of the most demanding computing environments in the world. We build the hardware, the software, and the infrastructure, so when you hit a bottleneck, you can fix it - there's no vendor to wait on and no abstraction layer you're not allowed to touch. If you've ever wanted to push the boundaries of what's computationally possible, this role is for you. We're looking for researchers and experienced engineers from any background. Trading experience is a bonus, not a prerequisite. Your Core Responsibilities * Architect and co-design ML models with traders, quant researchers, and software engineers, treating hardware constraints (latency budgets, resource limits, numerical precision) as first-class design inputs * Shape our custom hardware roadmap by translating ML model requirements into concrete architectural decisions * Work hands-on with hardware engineers to implement, verify, and deploy ML inference solutions from proof-of-concept through production * Track and evaluate emerging research in neural architecture search, machine learning systems and quantization methods, and determine what translates to measurable improvements in our systems Your Skills and Experience * Solid understanding of hardware constraints and design trade-offs (e.g., pipelining, resource utilization, fixed-point arithmetic) that shape how ML models can be efficiently mapped onto FPGAs or custom ASICs * Experience with hardware fundamentals, whether through VHDL/SystemVerilog development, HLS tools, or ML-to-hardware frameworks like hls4ml, FINN, or Vitis AI * Understanding of machine learning fundamentals – neural network architectures, inference optimization, quantization techniques, ML frameworks such as PyTorch/TensorFlow * Proficiency in Python, C++, or similar languages for tooling, testing, and simulation * Strong communication skills and ability to work collaboratively across disciplines with both technical and non-technical teams Nice to Have * Exposure to ML compiler infrastructure such as MLIR, TVM, XLA, or similar tools for lowering and optimizing models for hardware targets * Background in latency-sensitive or resource-constrained systems including high-frequency trading, particle physics data acquisition, real-time signal processing, or similar domains * Familiarity with functional verification methodologies (for example SystemVerilog, UVM, Cocotb) * Advanced degree (MS or PhD) in EE, CS, Physics, or related field, or equivalent depth through industry or research experience The Base Salary range for the role is included below. Base salary is only one component of total compensation; all full-time, permanent positions are eligible for a discretionary bonus and benefits, including paid leave and insurance. Please visit Benefits - US | IMC Trading for more comprehensive information. Salary Range $200,000—$225,000 USD About Us IMC is a global trading firm powered by a cutting-edge research environment and a world-class technology backbone. Since 1989, we’ve been a stabilizing force in financial markets, providing essential liquidity upon which market participants depend. Across our offices in the US, Europe, Asia Pacific, and India, our talented quant researchers, engineers, traders, and business operations professionals are united by our uniquely collaborative, high-performance culture, and our commitment to giving back. From entering dynamic new markets to embracing disruptive technologies, and from developing an innovative research environment to diversifying our trading strategies, we dare to continuously innovate and collaborate to succeed.

IMC

IMC is seeking a Hardware Engineer to join our Global Hardware team and help develop the next generation of custom ASICs that power our trading infrastructure. As a member of the Global Hardware organization, you’ll work on long-term, high-impact engineering challenges that directly influence the performance and scalability of IMC’s trading systems. This team focuses on designing proprietary hardware solutions that deliver meaningful advantages in latency-sensitive environments, partnering closely with software engineers, researchers, and trading teams to solve complex technical problems. This role combines hardware design, verification, and system-level thinking. You’ll contribute across the ASIC development lifecycle, from RTL design and validation to integration within larger hardware platforms. Because of the team’s size and collaborative culture, engineers have broad ownership and exposure to multiple aspects of the design process rather than being confined to a narrow specialization. WHAT YOU’LL DO ASIC DESIGN & DEVELOPMENT * Participate in the full ASIC development lifecycle, from specification through integration and deployment * Design and implement RTL for next-generation ASIC platforms using SystemVerilog * Contribute to architecture and design discussions for performance-critical hardware systems * Develop new functionality that supports evolving trading and infrastructure requirements * Collaborate with hardware, software, and research teams to translate requirements into scalable solutions VERIFICATION & TESTING * Develop unit tests and verification environments for RTL designs * Validate functionality and performance of hardware components * Debug design and integration issues throughout the development process * Contribute to verification methodologies and testing infrastructure * Ensure designs meet reliability, performance, and maintainability requirements ENGINEERING & TOOLING * Develop scripts and tooling to improve engineering workflows * Support automation efforts across design and verification processes * Contribute to continuous improvements in development methodologies and engineering practices WHAT YOU BRING * BS+ in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical discipline * Strong experience with RTL design and development using SystemVerilog * Strong understanding of digital design fundamentals * Working knowledge of C++ * Experience developing and executing verification and test strategies * Experience working with multi-clock-domain designs and clock-domain crossing concepts * Solid understanding of Ethernet protocols and networking fundamentals * Experience with Python, Bash, or similar scripting languages * Strong debugging and problem-solving skills * Ability to collaborate effectively across multiple engineering disciplines NICE TO HAVE * ASIC development experience * FPGA development experience with relevant ASIC design exposure * Familiarity with PMA (Physical Media Attachment) technologies * Experience with high-performance networking systems * Experience designing low-latency or performance-sensitive systems * Exposure to trading, market infrastructure, or financial technology environments * Experience building verification frameworks or test automation tools * Strong C++ development skills WHAT MAKES SOMEONE SUCCESSFUL IN THIS ROLE * Balances architecture-level thinking with hands-on implementation * Enjoys solving difficult technical problems across hardware and software domains * Takes ownership of systems and follows through from design to deployment * Demonstrates strong attention to detail and engineering rigor * Thrives in collaborative environments and works well across teams * Learns quickly and adapts to evolving technical challenges * Communicates clearly and effectively with both technical and non-technical stakeholders ABOUT US IMC is a global trading firm powered by a cutting-edge research environment and a world-class technology backbone. Since 1989, we’ve been a stabilizing force in financial markets, providing essential liquidity upon which market participants depend. Across our offices in the US, Europe, Asia Pacific, and India, our talented quant researchers, engineers, traders, and business operations professionals are united by our uniquely collaborative, high-performance culture and commitment to continuous innovation. The Base Salary range for the role is included below. Base salary is only one component of total compensation; all full-time, permanent positions are eligible for a discretionary bonus and benefits, including paid leave and insurance. Please visit Benefits - US | IMC Trading for more comprehensive information. The Base Salary range for the role is included below. Base salary is only one component of total compensation; all full-time, permanent positions are eligible for a discretionary bonus and benefits, including paid leave and insurance. Please visit Benefits - US | IMC Trading for more comprehensive information. Salary Range $200,000—$225,000 USD About Us IMC is a global trading firm powered by a cutting-edge research environment and a world-class technology backbone. Since 1989, we’ve been a stabilizing force in financial markets, providing essential liquidity upon which market participants depend. Across our offices in the US, Europe, Asia Pacific, and India, our talented quant researchers, engineers, traders, and business operations professionals are united by our uniquely collaborative, high-performance culture, and our commitment to giving back. From entering dynamic new markets to embracing disruptive technologies, and from developing an innovative research environment to diversifying our trading strategies, we dare to continuously innovate and collaborate to succeed.

IMC

Our 10-week internship is your chance to experience life as a Hardware Engineer at IMC. You’ll have the support you need to succeed: educational training and a mentor who will oversee your work and professional development. We provide a highly competitive compensation package with accommodations included. The bar for talent at IMC is high and interns who meet our performance expectations will have the opportunity to secure a full time Graduate Hardware Engineer position at the end of the program.  Where you go from here is up to you! Your Core Responsibilities: * Enhance your knowledge of algorithm complexity, professional design, and coding * Work on meaningful and challenging projects * Patricipate in classroom-based training covering an overview of financial markets, IMC technology and hardware design * Build valuable connections in an environment that recognizes and rewards problem solving, innovation and teamwork * Engage in professional development sessions aimed at helping you envision your future at IMC * Attend a full schedule of events and social activities throughout the summer Your Skills and Experience: * Current university student graduating between September 2027 - July 2028 that is pursuing an Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related degree * Must have proficient experience in Verilog, SystemVerilog, VHDL or other RTL programming (additional software experience is a plus; C++, Python, or similar) * Strong analytical skills and interest in solving complex problems programmatically * Desire to collaborate with technical and non-technical teammates in a dynamic environment * Interest in the Financial Markets; previous knowledge is NOT required * Must be able to start internship on June 7, 2027 You may submit one application per role each year.  We strongly encourage you to focus on applying to a single role that best matches your skills and interests.  Though you may apply to multiple roles, please note that each application will be evaluated based on the specific criteria established for that particular role. If you have already applied for this position during the current recruitment season and were not selected, you may reapply when the next recruitment season begins in 2027. The Base Salary range for the role is included below. Base salary is only one component of total compensation; all full-time, permanent positions are eligible for a discretionary bonus and benefits, including paid leave and insurance. Please visit Benefits - US | IMC Trading for more comprehensive information. Base Salary: $200,000 About Us IMC is a global trading firm powered by a cutting-edge research environment and a world-class technology backbone. Since 1989, we’ve been a stabilizing force in financial markets, providing essential liquidity upon which market participants depend. Across our offices in the US, Europe, Asia Pacific, and India, our talented quant researchers, engineers, traders, and business operations professionals are united by our uniquely collaborative, high-performance culture, and our commitment to giving back. From entering dynamic new markets to embracing disruptive technologies, and from developing an innovative research environment to diversifying our trading strategies, we dare to continuously innovate and collaborate to succeed.