Etched

SI/PI Intern

Reposted 5 Days Ago

Be an Early Applicant

San Jose, CA, USA

In-Office

Internship

Artificial Intelligence • Hardware • Software

The Role

Work with package, PCB, ASIC, and system engineers to analyze high-speed interfaces (PCIe, Ethernet, SerDes), extract and validate S-parameter models, build HFSS 3D EM models, correlate simulation with lab measurements, and recommend design improvements to improve signal and power integrity across accelerator platforms.

Summary Generated by Built In

About Etched

Etched is building hardware for frontier intelligence. We co-design chips, racks, software, and manufacturing to deliver best-in-class throughput and latency across both prefill and decode workloads. Our first products are heavily focused on inference. Backed by hundreds of millions from top-tier investors and staffed by leading engineers, Etched is redefining the infrastructure layer for the fastest growing industry in history.

Job Summary

As a Signal Integrity / Power Integrity Intern, you will help design and validate the next generation of high-performance AI systems. You will work closely with package, PCB, ASIC, and system engineers to analyze high-speed interfaces, extract channel models, and improve signal quality across our accelerator platforms.

This role provides hands-on experience with industry-leading tools and real-world challenges involving PCIe, Ethernet, high-speed SerDes channels, advanced packaging, and multi-board systems.

Key Responsibilities

Signal Integrity Analysis
Perform channel analysis for high-speed interfaces including PCIe, Ethernet, and other SerDes links. Extract and validate S-parameter models from package and PCB layouts. Analyze insertion loss, return loss, impedance discontinuities, and crosstalk. Generate channel compliance reports and support design reviews. Modeling & Simulation
Build and validate 3D electromagnetic models using Ansys HFSS. Develop board and package channel models from ECAD design databases. Correlate simulation results with measurements and lab data. Support mixed package-board channel simulations and optimization.
Partner with PCB layout, package, hardware, and ASIC teams to improve signal integrity. Identify root causes of channel degradation and propose design improvements. Contribute to SI design guidelines and best practices.

Representative Projects

Extracting S-parameter models from package and board designs for PCIe channels.
Building HFSS models of high-speed breakout regions and BGA transitions.
Performing channel compliance analysis for Ethernet links.
Investigating impedance discontinuities and optimizing via structures.
Developing automated workflows for SI simulation and report generation.

You May Be a Good Fit If You Have

Progress toward a BS, MS, or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field.
Coursework or project experience in signal integrity, electromagnetics, RF, microwave engineering, or high-speed digital design.
Familiarity with transmission line theory and S-parameters.
Understanding of PCB stackups, routing, and high-speed design fundamentals.
Strong analytical and debugging skills.
Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
Strong Candidates May Also Have
Experience with Ansys HFSS, SIwave, ADS, CST, or similar simulation tools.
Experience with PCIe, Ethernet, DDR, or other high-speed interfaces.
Familiarity with Allegro, APD, ODB++, IPC2581, or other ECAD databases.
Experience processing Touchstone files and channel metrics.
Python scripting for simulation automation and data analysis.
Experience with laboratory measurements using VNAs, oscilloscopes, or TDR equipment.

We encourage you to apply even if you do not believe you meet every qualification.

Program details

12-week paid internship
Generous housing support for those relocating
Daily lunch and dinner in our office
Based at our office in San Jose, CA
Direct mentorship from industry leaders and world-class engineers
Opportunity to work on one of the most important problems of our time

For any questions, contact [email protected].

How we’re different

Etched believes in the Bitter Lesson. We are the first inference-focused frontier AI system, betting early on transformer and transformer-like architectures and on increasing model sizes. Our addressable market is the entirety of inference, unlike many of our competitors.

We are a fully in-person team in San Jose (Santana Row), and greatly value engineering skills. We do not have boundaries between engineering and research, and we expect all of our technical staff to contribute to both and work across disciplines as needed.

Skills Required

Progress toward a BS, MS, or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field.
Coursework or project experience in signal integrity, electromagnetics, RF, microwave engineering, or high-speed digital design.
Familiarity with transmission line theory and S-parameters.
Understanding of PCB stackups, routing, and high-speed design fundamentals.
Strong analytical and debugging skills.
Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
Ability to work in-person at the West San Jose, CA office for the 12-week internship.
Experience with Ansys HFSS, SIwave, ADS, CST, or similar simulation tools.
Experience with PCIe, Ethernet, DDR, or other high-speed interfaces.
Familiarity with Allegro, APD, ODB++, IPC2581, or other ECAD databases.
Experience processing Touchstone files and channel metrics.
Python scripting for simulation automation and data analysis.
Experience with laboratory measurements using VNAs, oscilloscopes, or TDR equipment.

Etched Compensation & Benefits Highlights

The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Etched and has not been reviewed or approved by Etched.

Equity Value & Accessibility — Equity growth is described as strong and significant equity is part of the package. High total compensation for technical roles reinforces the equity-led upside.
Healthcare Strength — Medical, dental, and vision coverage include generous premium support, indicating robust core healthcare. This reduces employee cost exposure for essential coverage.
Wellbeing & Lifestyle Benefits — Daily lunch and dinner, a housing subsidy for those living near the office, relocation support, and wellness perks are highlighted. These offerings lower day-to-day living costs and support practical wellbeing.