Intel Internships 2026
Intel is the world's second-largest semiconductor company and one of the few U.S. chipmakers that designs AND manufactures its own processors. Intel's internship program gives students a rare opportunity to work on the cutting edge of hardware engineering — from chip architecture and process technology to AI accelerators and autonomous driving silicon. Intel hires 2,000+ interns annually across hardware design, software engineering, manufacturing, and business. Positions are based at Intel's major sites: Hillsboro (Oregon), Santa Clara (California), Chandler (Arizona), and Folsom (California). With the CHIPS Act driving $50+ billion in U.S. semiconductor investment, Intel internships are more relevant than ever for students who want to work on the physical foundation of modern computing.
Program Highlights
Interns earn $25–$45/hour depending on role and degree level, plus potential relocation assistance for out-of-state students
Intel offers one of the only internship programs where you can work on physical chip design — from RTL to tapeout to fabrication
The company's Oregon, Arizona, and Ohio fab sites give manufacturing interns hands-on experience with leading-edge process technology
Intel's intern development program includes technical workshops, executive speaker series, and cross-team networking events
With CHIPS Act funding, Intel is expanding massively — intern-to-full-time conversion opportunities are growing significantly
Typical Internship Roles at Intel
Hardware Engineer Intern — CPU/GPU architecture, RTL design, verification, and physical design using industry EDA tools
Software Engineer Intern — compiler development, driver engineering, oneAPI, and system software for Intel platforms
Process Engineer Intern — semiconductor fabrication, yield improvement, and manufacturing optimization at Intel's fabs
AI/ML Engineer Intern — building and optimizing machine learning workloads on Intel hardware (Gaudi, Xeon, Arc GPUs)
Validation Engineer Intern — pre-silicon and post-silicon testing, debugging, and quality assurance for Intel processors
Supply Chain & Operations Intern — procurement, logistics, and factory planning for Intel's global manufacturing network
Application Tips
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Intel posts internships on intel.com/jobs starting in August. Summer positions are most competitive — apply by November for best odds.
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For hardware roles, coursework in VLSI, computer architecture, or digital design is essential. Mention specific EDA tools you've used (Synopsys, Cadence).
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Intel's interview process includes a technical phone screen and 2–3 on-site (or virtual) interviews with the hiring team. Expect architecture and design questions.
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Highlight any experience with FPGA development, Verilog/SystemVerilog, or chip tapeouts — Intel values hands-on silicon experience.
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Intel's diversity recruitment programs (INROADS, NSBE, SWE partnerships) provide additional application pathways for underrepresented students.
Interested in Intel?
Submit your profile and a PropelGrad recruiter will help you prepare your application for Intel's internship program.