Chip Design ML Expert at AfterQuery

Chip Design ML Expert | $150–200/hr | Worldwide Remote | Short-Term Contract

AFTERQUERY is seeking a highly skilled machine learning researcher or engineer with deep expertise in ML applied to chip design and electronic design automation (EDA). This is a short-term, project-based remote engagement running over the next 2–3 weeks, offering exceptional compensation and exposure to cutting-edge research at the intersection of ML and VLSI design.

About the Role

You will work on focused, asynchronous tasks spanning model development, optimization, and applied research across EDA workflows — including placement, routing, synthesis, verification, and more. Projects are assigned on an individual basis, and you choose which to accept, with an expected commitment of 10–20 hours per week.

What You'll Do

• Develop and optimize machine learning models applied to chip design and EDA workflows
• Conduct research tasks at the intersection of ML and VLSI design
• Work independently on technical challenges in areas such as placement, routing, synthesis, and verification
• Deliver high-quality results on a project-by-project basis within defined timelines

Required Qualifications

• Published researcher with at least one first-author publication in a peer-reviewed venue (e.g., DAC, ICCAD, NeurIPS, ICML, or equivalent)
• Master's or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a related quantitative field
• Demonstrated expertise in both machine learning and chip design or EDA (e.g., VLSI, RTL design, physical design, or verification)
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to work independently on complex technical and research tasks

Why Apply?

• Exceptional hourly compensation: $150–$200/hr
• Fully remote and asynchronous — work on your own schedule
• Exposure to frontier ML-for-hardware research
• A meaningful addition to your professional research portfolio

This role is managed under the Data Analysis department at AFTERQUERY. If you are a specialist at the cutting edge of ML and chip design, we encourage you to apply.