2027 PhD Residency - Computer Architecture & Emerging Systems (Early Stage Project)

InternshipMountain View, CA

About the Role:

X is seeking a PhD Resident with deep domain expertise in next-generation computer architecture to collaborate on moonshot computing paradigms. In this role, you will focus on specialized domain accelerators (XPUs), advanced memory hierarchies, and disaggregated compute clusters—pushing the boundaries of physical computing substrates and hardware-software co-design.

How you will make 10x impact:

  • Engage in hardware-software co-design to evaluate new computing paradigms and map non-standard model architectures onto physical substrates.
  • Partner closely with AI research teams to profile and map emergent workloads onto specialized hardware substrates.
  • Model, simulate, and analyze high-performance domain accelerators, memory hierarchies, and memory-interface bottlenecks.

Details:

  • Location: X's headquarters in Mountain View, CA
  • Start Date(s): Year-round rolling basis
  • Duration: a flexible 6 mo. to 1 year program based on project team needs and your availability

Throughout your Residency you can expect:

  • To be embedded into one of our confidential or public X projects
  • To get paid competitively and receive benefits
  • To be a part of a lively community of Interns and Residents
  • To attend tech-talks with Leaders from across X

What you should have:

  • Currently enrolled in a PhD program in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical field.
  • Deep domain expertise in next-generation computer architecture, focusing on specialized domain accelerators (XPUs), advanced memory hierarchies (HBM, CXL-attached, non-volatile fabrics), and disaggregated compute clusters.
  • Proven track record in hardware-software co-design, evaluating new computing paradigms, and mapping non-standard model architectures onto physical substrates.
  • Proven capability to work closely with AI research teams to profile and map emergent workloads onto specialized hardware substrates.

It’d be great if you also had these:

  • Extensive background in emerging memory fabrics, including non-volatile fabrics, photonic interconnects, dynamic near-memory processing units, and high-bandwidth disaggregated fabric topologies.
  • Experience with XPU-memory interfaces, disaggregated compute systems, and advanced accelerator modeling and simulation frameworks.

Additional public information:

The US base salary range for this position is $109,000 - $157,000 + benefits. Our salary ranges are determined by role, level, and location. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range for your location during the hiring process.
Please note that the compensation details listed in US role postings reflect the base salary only, and do not include benefits.

An Equal Opportunity Workplace

At X, we don't just accept difference - we celebrate it, we support it, and we thrive on it for the benefit of our employees, our products and our community. We are proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements.

If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please contact us at x-accommodation-request@x.team.

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Are you actively enrolled in a University Program? If so, which degree program?*
When is your expected graduation date? (Select the closest match):*
Are you willing to relocate to the Mountain View, CA area for an immersive, full-time internship or residency?*
This role requires a standard full-time schedule (40 hours per week). Are you available to work these hours for the duration of the program?*
Are you currently or were you previously an Alphabet employee, contractor, or intern?*
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For government reporting purposes, we ask candidates to respond to the below self-identification survey. Completion of the form is entirely voluntary. Whatever your decision, it will not be considered in the hiring process or thereafter. Any information that you do provide will be recorded and maintained in a confidential file.

As set forth in X, the moonshot factory’s Equal Employment Opportunity policy, we do not discriminate on the basis of any protected group status under any applicable law.

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