Applied Deep Learning PhD Research Intern, Reinforcement Learning for LLMs - Fall 2026 - CA, Santa Clara, United States
$30 - $94 USD yearly
Originally posted 12 October 2026 by the employer. Relisted by the employer on 13 October 2026.
Focus on algorithmic research across Megatron, MT-NLG, and DLSS foundation model architectures.
About the role
This internship focuses on algorithmic research at the intersection of reinforcement learning and large language models. The applied deep learning research team develops foundation models and methods targeting reasoning, alignment, and reliability across projects such as Megatron, MT-NLG, and DLSS.
What you'll do
- Develop and prototype reinforcement learning algorithms for large language models. - Explore methods for improving reasoning, alignment, instruction following, and multi-turn interaction. - Design experiments to evaluate model behavior, robustness, hallucination, and task performance. - Implement research ideas in Python and PyTorch, running experiments on large-scale GPU clusters.
What you'll need
- Currently pursuing a PhD in AI, ML, CS, CE, EE, Math, Physics, or a related field. - Background in reinforcement learning and natural language processing. - Programming skills in Python. - Experience with deep learning frameworks such as PyTorch. - Experience with experimental research, debugging models, and working with large-scale training pipelines.
Skills: reinforcement learning, large language models, deep learning, PyTorch, GPU clusters
This role has been open 170 days — well above the 52-day median for Software Engineering Semiconductor roles.
Software Engineering Semiconductor · AI EDA Design
|
Open roles in category
103
|
Median days open
52 d
|
Median salary
$193k
|
See the full market breakdown ▾Category comparison, skills in demand, and who else is hiring
| Metric | NVIDIA | All employers we track in this specialty (103 roles · 32 employers) |
|---|---|---|
| Open roles in this specialty | 5 | 103 |
| Open roles in the wider Software, Firmware & Systems family | 997 | 6277 · 144 employers |
| Median days open | 185 d | 52 d (+133 d vs this employer) |
| Median salary (USD postings) | — | $193k |
Skills observed across this category: reinforcement learning, large language models, deep learning, PyTorch, GPU clusters
Who's hiring in this category
- KLA Corporation · 14 open roles · median 44 d
- Micron Technology · 12 open roles · median 44 d
- Applied Materials · 11 open roles · median 67 d
- Lam Research · 8 open roles · median 29 d
- Cadence Design Systems · 7 open roles · median 27 d
- Etched · 6 open roles · median 9 d
How we counted: 103 open Software Engineering Semiconductor (AI EDA Design) roles from 32 employers tracked in the SemiconductorJobs index, counted 25 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.