Internship: Hardware Logic Design (m/f/x)

Introduction

Are you passionate about shaping the future of computing? At IBM's hardware development lab in Böblingen, we design and build some of the world's most advanced computer systems. Our work powers mission-critical infrastructure for banks, airlines, governments, and global enterprises.

As part of our Hardware Logic Design team, you'll collaborate with engineers across the USA, Israel, and India, using agile methodologies and modern development practices to drive innovation. You'll be mentored by experienced professionals and contribute to real-world projects that impact millions of users.

We offer flexible internship formats - whether you're looking for a full-time deep dive or a part-time experience alongside your studies, we'll tailor the role to your goals.

Your role and responsibilities

Internship Topics - Choose Your Topic

Topic 1: Power Detective - Uncovering Energy Bottlenecks in Server Chips

IBM zSeries systems are the backbone of enterprise transaction processing. At their core is the IBM Telum processor - a many-core chip designed for speed, reliability, and efficiency.

Your mission:

• Analyze switching activity in processor HW blocks
• Analyse workload to power correlation
• Develop simulation workloads to stress-test power behavior
• Collaborate with hardware teams to improve power analysis workflows

Ideal for students in: Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mathematics
Skills: Hardware design, simulation, data analysis, scripting (Python)

Topic 2: Bug Hunting - Smart Tools for Processor Logic Fault Analysis

Explore state-of-the-art fault analysis in processor simulation environments and experiment with new tools and methods for a smarter debug of functional logic faults.

Your mission:

• Gain experience with a real processor simulation environment
• Explore existing smart debug tools & methods
• Develop methods to accelerate root cause identification, enabling easier and more effective examination of logic-level failures
• Experiment with fault injection scenarios to improve processor reliability
• Explore tools/methods based on ML/AI for Processor Simulation and debug

Ideal for students in: Computer Science, Data Science, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Computer Engineering, Software Development, Computational Science

Skills: Python/C++, AI/ML, Simulation environments, Processor Architecture Basics

Topic 3: Augmenting the Compiler for IBM's AI Accelerator (also a Master Thesis' Opportunity)

Dive into compiler development for IBM's enterprise-grade AI accelerator, used for high-performance inference on the IBM Z platform.

Your mission:

• Introduce higher abstraction levels for our AI compiler
• Compiler optimization for AI models

• Build a prototype demonstrator showcasing your work
• Collaborate across the full stack - from hardware to system integration

Ideal for students in: Computer Science, Software Engineering
Skills: Scala/Java/C++, OpenCL/OpenMP, compiler techniques, parallel programming

Topic 4: High-Level Abstraction for Scalable Hardware Design

Join IBM's journey toward next-generation hardware development by exploring one or more of the following mission.

Your mission:

• Transform existing designs into a high-level methodology enabling abstraction, scalability, and parameterization
• Consolidate the transformed designs into a high-level library for intuitive reuse and scalability using Chisel

Ideal for students in: Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or related field

Required Skills: Proficiency in Scala, Java, or C++, Knowledge of Chisel, Verilog, VHDL

Why Intern at IBM?
Work in a global team with labs in the USA, Israel, and India
Be mentored by experienced engineers from day one
Take on real responsibilities and contribute to impactful projects
Grow your skills in a flexible, agile, and supportive environment
Get hands-on experience with enterprise-grade technologies
Build your network and explore career opportunities within IBM

Application Checklist

Please submit all documents in one single PDF file:

* Your preferred project topic(s)
* Cover letter including your availability (earliest start and latest end date)
* CV including your level of German
* Certificate of enrollment from your university
* Transcript of records and other relevant certificates/references
* For non-EU citizens studying in Germany: copy of passport, residence and work permit
* For non-EU citizens studying elsewhere: proof of identity including place of birth

Ready to Apply?

If you're self-driven, curious, and excited about hardware development, we'd love to hear from you. Apply now and help shape the future of chip design at IBM!

Required education

Bachelor's Degree

Required technical and professional expertise

• Currently enrolled in a degree program in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, or a related field
• Strong programming skills in C++, Python or similar
• Familiarity with development tools such as Git
• Excellent communication skills in English
• Collaborative mindset with a passion for innovation

Preferred technical and professional experience

• German language skills at B2 level or higher are an advantage.
• Familiarity with hardware development (e.g., VHDL, Verilog, Chisel)
• Understanding of AI, machine learning, or power analysis
• Experience in compiler design or parallel computing
• Knowledge of simulation environments and fault injection techniques
• Exposure to scalable hardware design using Chisel, CIRCT, or similar methodologies

ABOUT BUSINESS UNIT

IBM Systems helps IT leaders think differently about their infrastructure. IBM servers and storage are no longer inanimate - they can understand, reason, and learn so our clients can innovate while avoiding IT issues. Our systems power the world's most important industries and our clients are the architects of the future. Join us to help build our leading-edge technology portfolio designed for cognitive business and optimized for cloud computing.

YOUR LIFE @ IBM

In a world where technology never stands still, we understand that, dedication to our clients success, innovation that matters, and trust and personal responsibility in all our relationships, lives in what we do as IBMers as we strive to be the catalyst that makes the world work better.

Being an IBMer means you'll be able to learn and develop yourself and your career, you'll be encouraged to be courageous and experiment everyday, all whilst having continuous trust and support in an environment where everyone can thrive whatever their personal or professional background.

Our IBMers are growth minded, always staying curious, open to feedback and learning new information and skills to constantly transform themselves and our company. They are trusted to provide on-going feedback to help other IBMers grow, as well as collaborate with colleagues keeping in mind a team focused approach to include different perspectives to drive exceptional outcomes for our customers. The courage our IBMers have to make critical decisions everyday is essential to IBM becoming the catalyst for progress, always embracing challenges with resources they have to hand, a can-do attitude and always striving for an outcome focused approach within everything that they do.

Are you ready to be an IBMer?

ABOUT IBM

IBM's greatest invention is the IBMer. We believe that through the application of intelligence, reason and science, we can improve business, society and the human condition, bringing the power of an open hybrid cloud and AI strategy to life for our clients and partners around the world.

Restlessly reinventing since 1911, we are not only one of the largest corporate organizations in the world, we're also one of the biggest technology and consulting employers, with many of the Fortune 500 companies relying on the IBM Cloud to run their business.

At IBM, we pride ourselves on being an early adopter of artificial intelligence, quantum computing and blockchain. Now it's time for you to join us on our journey to being a responsible technology innovator and a force for good in the world.

IBM is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, pregnancy, disability, neurodivergence, age, or other characteristics protected by the applicable law. IBM is also committed to compliance with all fair employment practices regarding citizenship and immigration status.

OTHER RELEVANT JOB DETAILS

For additional information about location requirements, please discuss with the recruiter following submission of your application.

Client-provided location(s): Böblingen, Germany

Job ID: IBM-74890

Employment Type: INTERN

Posted: 2025-11-18T18:52:47