Circuit Design Intern

About Atomic Semi

Atomic Semi is building a small, fast semiconductor fab.

It’s already possible to build this with today’s technology and a few simplifications. We’ll build the tools ourselves so we can quickly iterate and improve.

We’re building a small team of exceptional, hands-on engineers to make this happen. Mechanical, electrical, hardware, computer, and process. We’ll own the stack from atoms to architecture. Our team is optimistic about the future and we want to continue pushing the limits of technology.

Smaller is better. Faster is better. Building it ourselves is better.

We believe our team and lab can build anything. We’ve set up 3D printers, a wide array of microscopes, e-beam writers, general fabrication equipment - and whatever is missing, we’ll just invent along the way.

Atomic was founded by Sam Zeloof and Jim Keller. Sam is best known for making chips in his garage, and Jim has been a leader in the semiconductor industry for the past 40 years.

About the role

We’re seeking a Circuit Design intern to join our team. The internship begins in May or June, with the option for preferably a 4 to 8-month commitment. We’re rebuilding the chip fabrication process from the ground up, so you’ll be exposed to some really interesting and impactful work. You’ll be directly responsible for the circuit design, standard cell layout, device characterization, and CAD flow development needed to support our internal design teams and future customers. You’ll work with NGSpice, K-Layout, OpenROAD + proprietary tools.

As a startup, we offer interns a ton of ownership and mission-critical work. This is a deeply technical, high-ownership role that’s ideal for someone who loves solving first-principles engineering problems and building new infrastructure from the ground up.

Our philosophy is to get things built and tested in days or weeks, not months. Because of this, a portfolio is required to apply: show us the things you’ve actually built! If you’ve shipped a medium-to-high complexity system through a personal project or previous internship, you’d be a good fit here.

Responsibilities

• Design and layout CMOS analog, mixed-signal, and RF circuit blocks

• Perform testing and characterization of CMOS test chips, including wafer probing

• Develop, validate, and refine CMOS device models to support circuit design and simulation accuracy

• Contribute to Process Design Kit (PDK) development and maintenance

• Conduct physical verification activities, including Design Rule Checking (DRC) and Layout Versus Schematic (LVS)

Required Experience

• Pursuing a Bachelors Degree or higher in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related fields

• Ability to learn quickly and troubleshoot technical problems

• Hands-on experience with analog and digital standard cell design, including layout, parasitic extraction, and design rule-driven physical verification

• Hands-on prototyping experience and the ability to move through design cycles quickly

• Familiarity with semiconductor processing: ALD, CVD, PVD, photolithography, etc.

Nice-to-have

• Knowledge of EDA tool flows, especially open-source flows like OpenROAD/OpenLane

Working at Atomic Semi
We’re an early-stage hardware startup with solid funding, world-class advisors, and a lab/office in San Francisco, CA. Atomic Semi is committed to fair and equitable compensation practices. Hardware Interns are paid an hourly rate equivalent to an annualized range of $105,000-126,000, depending on experience and education level. This range assumes a 40-hour workweek and includes up to 10 hours of pre-approved weekly overtime, paid at 1.5x the base hourly rate. Actual earnings will vary depending on internship length and hours worked.

Internship Benefits:

• Housing Stipend to help with first month expenses

• Lunches daily, Dinners 3x per week, Stocked Office Kitchen with Snacks and Spindrifts

• Weekly Learning & Development opportunities

• Commuter Benefits including Parking and Late Night Uber rides from the office

• Paid Time Off inclusive of Holidays and Sick Time

• Visa Sponsorship

• Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance

• 401(k) retirement plan

• Life and Disability Insurance

We are an equal-opportunity employer and do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, veteran status, disability or other legally protected statuses.

Export Control Analysis: This position involves access to technology that is subject to U.S. export controls. Any job offer made will be contingent upon the applicant’s capacity to serve in compliance with U.S. export controls.