2027 PhD Data Center Networking Engineer Intern/Co-Op - CA, Santa Clara, United States
Originally posted 16 September 2026 by the employer.
About the role
This role involves developing realistic network traffic models and designing networking algorithms and architectural models for large-scale cloud and AI/ML infrastructure networks. You will work on identifying architecture, functionality, and performance challenges through simulation, analysis, and modeling.
What you'll do
- Develop realistic network traffic models by understanding AI/ML workloads, collective communication patterns, and cloud networking use cases.
- Design and simulate networking algorithms and architectural models for large-scale cloud and AI/ML infrastructure networks.
- Identify architecture, functionality, and performance challenges through simulation, analysis, and modeling.
- Evaluate performance versus complexity tradeoffs.
- Explore networking solutions for future AMD products.
What you'll need
- Currently enrolled at a U.S.-based university pursuing a Ph.D. or advanced M.S. degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
- Strong background in network simulation frameworks such as ns-3 or OMNeT++.
- Knowledge of networking architecture and algorithm design.
- Experience with P4 programming and programmable networking concepts.
- Interest in data center, cloud, or AI/ML networking technologies.
Nice to have
- Experience with software development tools and workflows, including debuggers, GitHub, source code control systems, and performance profilers.
- Familiarity with networking product validation or system testing.
Skills: data center networking, AI/ML infrastructure networks, network simulation, ns-3, OMNeT++, P4 programming
This role has been open 27 days — well below the 55-day median for Infrastructure/Platform Software roles.
Infrastructure/Platform Software · Networking Software
|
Open roles in category
42
|
Median days open
55 d
|
Median salary
$252k
|
See the full market breakdown ▾Category comparison, skills in demand, and who else is hiring
| Metric | AMD | All employers we track in this specialty (42 roles · 12 employers) |
|---|---|---|
| Open roles in this specialty | 3 | 42 |
| Open roles in the wider Software, Firmware & Systems family | 405 | 6119 · 146 employers |
| Median days open | 27 d | 55 d (−28 d vs this employer) |
| Median salary (USD postings) | — | $252k |
Skills observed across this category: data center networking, AI/ML infrastructure networks, network simulation, ns-3, OMNeT++, P4 programming
Who's hiring in this category
- NVIDIA · 25 open roles · median 49 d
- AMD (this employer) · 3 open roles · median 27 d
- Eridu AI · 3 open roles · median 132 d
- Arm Holdings · 2 open roles · median 188 d
- Upscale AI · 2 open roles · median 79 d
- Broadcom · 1 open role · median 22 d
How we counted: 42 open Infrastructure/Platform Software (Networking Software) roles from 12 employers tracked in the SemiconductorJobs index, counted 14 Oct 2026. Specialty figures count only roles carrying this exact specialty label, so an employer's related work in neighbouring specialties is not included there — it is counted in the wider Software, Firmware & Systems family row. Figures refresh nightly.