Computer Science Internship: Hardware/Software Co-Verification for SoC Systems

Be part of progress

ASML develops some of the world’s most advanced lithography systems, relying heavily on complex embedded systems that integrate custom hardware (HDL) and firmware. To improve early-stage verification and reduce reliance on physical prototypes, ASML has developed a co-verification framework that connects QEMU (software simulation) and Questa Sim (hardware simulation) via a custom Inter-Process Communication (IPC) layer.

Building on a successful proof-of-concept, this internship will focus on extending the IPC framework and applying it to a real-world SoC-based pilot project.

As an intern, you’ll gain hands-on experience with cutting-edge co-verification techniques, work on real-world embedded systems at scale, and receive mentorship from experienced engineers in a high-tech environment.

Your assignment

Extend the IPC Framework:

• Add support for multiple interrupts and shared memory.
• Refactor the IPC for modularity, performance, and maintainability.
• Improve synchronization and debugging capabilities.

Inter-Process Communication (IPC) is a mechanism that enables data exchange and synchronization between separate processes. In this context, IPC bridges the software simulator (QEMU) and the hardware simulator (Questa Sim), allowing them to behave as a unified system under test.

Apply Co-Verification to a Complex SoC Project:

• Analyze the architecture of a selected SoC-based pilot project.
• Integrate the extended co-verification framework.
• Demonstrate early-stage verification of firmware-hardware interaction.

Deliverables

• A redesigned and extended IPC framework with documentation.
• A working co-verification setup for the selected SoC project.
• A technical report and/or presentation summarizing findings, challenges, and recommendations.
• A poster for a possible conference.

This is a master graduation (thesis) project for 3-5 days a week, with a duration of 3-6 months. The start date of this internship is as soon as possible.

Your profile

To be a fit for this internship, you preferably have:

• Familiarity with embedded systems, HDL (VHDL/Verilog), and firmware development.
• Experience with QEMU, Questa Sim, or similar simulation tools.
• Knowledge of C/C++, Python, and inter-process communication techniques.
• Strong debugging and system-level thinking skills.

Other requirements you need to meet

• You are enrolled at an educational institute for the entire duration of the internship;
• You need to be located in the Netherlands to perform your internship. In case you’re currently living/studying outside of the Netherlands, your CV/motivation letter includes the willingness to relocate.
• If you are a non-EU citizen, studying in the Netherlands, your university is willing to sign the documents relevant for doing an internship (i.e., Nuffic agreement).

This position requires access to controlled technology, as defined in the United States Export Administration Regulations (15 C.F.R. § 730, et seq.). Qualified candidates must be legally authorized to access such controlled technology prior to beginning work. Business demands may require ASML to proceed with candidates who are immediately eligible to access controlled technology.

Diversity and inclusion

ASML is an Equal Opportunity Employer that values and respects the importance of a diverse and inclusive workforce. It is the policy of the company to recruit, hire, train and promote persons in all job titles without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, or gender identity. We recognize that diversity and inclusion is a driving force in the success of our company.

About Us

ASML is a leading supplier of lithography equipment, used by the world’s top chipmakers to print microchips that are increasingly powerful, fast and energy efficient. Working at ASML is inspiring, no matter what field you're in. That’s because we push the boundaries of technology: if it’s moving the world forward, chances are, we’re behind it. In fact, we’re probably a part of the electronic device you’re using right now.

We’re a global team of more than 32,000 people from 122 different nationalities and counting. Headquartered in Europe’s top tech hub, the Brainport Eindhoven region in the Netherlands, our operations are spread across Europe, Asia and the US.