Physical Design Intern (Summer 2027)

Lightmatter is hiring a Physical Design Intern (Summer 2027) in Boston, MA. When: Summer 2027. Posted November 13, 2026. Checked against the employer's posting on November 14, 2026.

Lightmatter is leading the revolution in AI data center infrastructure, enabling the next giant leaps in human progress. The company invented the world’s first 3D-stacked photonics engine, Passage™, capable of connecting thousands to millions of processors at the speed of light in extreme-scale data centers for the most advanced AI and HPC workloads.

Lightmatter raised $400 million in its Series D round, reaching a valuation of $4.4 billion. We will continue to accelerate the development of data center photonics and grow every department at Lightmatter!

If you're passionate about tackling complex challenges, making an impact, and being an expert in your craft, join our team of brilliant scientists, engineers, and accomplished industry leaders.

Lightmatter is (re)inventing the future of computing with light! About this job This team is responsible for defining and implementing the flow and methodology for the digital physical design of Lightmatter’s chips.

We interface with multiple teams and utilize industry best practices to develop flows and methodologies which enable the physical design team to design and implement chips, while optimizing power, performance, and area.

Responsibilities: • Learn the Lightmatter physical design flow • Improve the physical design flow through scripting in languages such as Python • Investigate usage of AI to improve and augment the physical design flow • Work with members of the physical design team on physical implementations or analysis • Work with other teams in Lightmatter such as the analog design team or photonics team to collaborate on and improve mixed signal and mixed signal + photonics design methodologies Requirements: • Currently enrolled in a Masters or PhD program • Interest in physical design • Familiar with TCL or Python scripting • Knowledge of physical design tools and flows • Understanding of the concepts of synthesis, place and route, and LVS/DRC • Understanding of VLSI design fundamentals • Willingness and curiosity to learn from an exciting team!

Preferred Qualifications • Research, lab, or prior internship experience in physical design involving photonics, semiconductors, or AI hardware • Publications, projects, or open-source contributions related to physical design or python programming • Prior experience or coursework relevant to physical design Our internship hourly rates are a standard pay determined based on the position and your location, year in school, degree, and experience.

Hourly Rate in USD $50—$55 USD Benefits • Comprehensive Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision) • Retirement Savings Matching Program • Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D) • Generous Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays) • Paid Family Leave • Short Term & Long Term Disability • Training & Development • Commuter Benefits • Flexible, hybrid workplace model • Equity grants (applicable to full-time employees) Benefits eligibility may vary depending on your employment status and location.

Lightmatter recruits, employs, trains, compensates, and promotes regardless of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, veteran status, and other protected status as required by applicable law.

Export Control Candidates should have capacity to comply with the federally mandated requirements of U.S. export control laws.