At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead silicon product engineering and validation lab from tapeout to production.
- Company: Join a fast-growing, innovative tech company shaping the future of AI.
- Benefits: Attractive compensation, pension plan, employee insurances, and share options.
- Other info: Inclusive culture that values diversity and empowers all team members.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic environment with creative freedom.
- Qualifications: Experience in product, test, and qualification of complex SoCs required.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 120000 £ per year.
You'll own Silicon Product Engineering and our Bristol validation lab end-to-end — from tapeout through NPI to volume production — and lead the teams that get us there. The NPI Engineering Manager and Lab Manager report to you; you report to the executive team and partner closely with Design, Sales, and our external manufacturing ecosystem. This is a director-level leadership role. It needs someone with the technical depth to make sound ATE, NPI and OSAT calls and earn senior engineers' respect, plus the commercial judgement to own budgets, headcount, and the day-to-day running of two technical departments as we scale across concurrent chip programs.
Key responsibilities
- Product engineering & strategy
- The product engineering roadmap across all silicon programs, from tapeout planning to high-volume manufacturing
- ATE strategy and major NPI decisions: build-vs-buy, test-coverage trade-offs, OSAT selection
- Tapeout-to-production timelines — surfacing risk early and coordinating resolution across design, validation, and partners
- Product qualification strategy for datacentre and automotive markets
- NPI governance: phase gates, cross-functional reviews, executive reporting
- External partners
- Strategic relationships with OSATs, ATE vendors, foundries, and test houses — selection, negotiation, production readiness
- Test program transfer, ramp, and ongoing yield improvement with OSAT and foundry partners
- Bristol lab
- Evolving the validation lab into a scalable, well-run operation; owning its budget, standards, and safety
- Through the Lab Manager, overseeing silicon bring-up, characterization, and production test development
- Ensuring validation capability (power, JTAG/scan, signal integrity, thermal) keeps pace with the roadmap
- Team
- Building, leading, and mentoring a multidisciplinary team of test engineers, validation engineers, and lab technicians
- Recruiting and retaining senior talent in a competitive market
- Translating executive strategy into clear direction, and representing both functions to the exec team, board, and key customers
What we are looking for
- A background spanning product, test, assembly, and qualification of complex SoCs — ideally including hands‑on lab time and exposure to startup or high‑growth environments
- Deep command of ATE platforms and test program development, from early silicon to volume
- Strong grasp of reliability physics and qualification methodology, including automotive and datacentre standards
- Working knowledge of DFT, silicon debug/FA workflows, and test/manufacturing economics
- A proven track record leading and scaling technical teams in fast‑moving semiconductor environments
- Senior‑level OSAT/foundry/test‑house management, including commercial negotiation
- Strong executive communication — able to take complex technical topics to a board‑level audience
- Comfort building process and infrastructure from scratch, and making high‑impact calls with incomplete information
Nice to have: automotive (AEC-Q100) or datacentre qualification experience; prior time in AI hardware or a high‑growth deep‑tech startup.
Success in the first 12 months
- Next chip program brought up and qualified on schedule
- Current products transitioned into qualified, cost‑effective production
- A clear, executive‑aligned test and product engineering strategy across all active programs
- A better‑structured, better‑equipped, better‑controlled Bristol lab
- Key OSAT and foundry partnerships strengthened and formalised
Location
Our Bristol (UK) office in an on‑site / hybrid capacity.
What we offer
This is your chance to shape and be part of a dynamic, fast‑growing, international organisation. We offer an attractive compensation package, including a pension plan, extensive employee insurances and the option to get company shares. An open culture that supports creativity and continual innovation is awaiting you. Collaborative ownership and freedom with responsibility is characteristic for the way we act and work as a team.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
At Axelera AI, we wholeheartedly embrace equal opportunity and hold diversity in the highest regard. Our steadfast commitment is to cultivate a warm and inclusive environment that empowers and celebrates every member of our team. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds to join us in shaping the future of AI.
Director of Silicon Product & Test Engineering in Bristol employer: Axelera AI
Axelera AI is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to work at the forefront of AI technology in a dynamic and inclusive environment. With flexible working arrangements across multiple European locations, employees benefit from a strong culture of collaboration, creativity, and innovation, alongside an attractive compensation package that includes pension plans and company shares. Join a world-class team dedicated to advancing humanity and making a meaningful impact through cutting-edge AI solutions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Silicon Product & Test Engineering in Bristol
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We think you need these skills to ace Director of Silicon Product & Test Engineering in Bristol
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Skills:In the manufacturing-production sector, it's crucial to highlight your technical skills and experience. Make sure your CV features any relevant qualifications, such as certifications in machinery operation or production management, and don’t forget about any specific systems or software you’re familiar with. This can really set you apart!
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Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Company:Don’t just recycle an old cover letter! Take the time to tailor your cover letter to Axelera AI specifically. Mention what excites you about their production processes or products, and how your previous experiences can contribute to their goals. We want to see your enthusiasm for the role!
Use Concrete Examples of Your Achievements:When detailing your work experience, include measurable achievements that can demonstrate your impact. Whether it’s improving efficiency by a certain percentage or successfully leading a project, these specifics can make a huge difference. Numbers speak volumes in the manufacturing world!
How to prepare for a job interview at Axelera AI
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Axelera AI, brush up on the specific manufacturing processes relevant to the role. Understanding lean manufacturing principles or quality control techniques could give you a solid edge to discuss how you’d fit into their operations.
✨Technical Questions Are Key
Be prepared for technical questions around machinery, production scheduling, or materials handling. Make sure you can confidently explain how you've dealt with these in past experiences or internships. Knowing industry-specific software could also be a big plus!
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Manufacturing environments often focus on continuous improvement. Be ready to discuss specific instances where you’ve solved a production issue or implemented a process improvement. It’s all about demonstrating your analytical thinking and hands-on approach.
✨Align Your Values with Quality and Safety
In a full-time role, companies like Axelera AI value commitment to quality and safety. Be prepared to discuss how you prioritise these factors in your work. It’s about showing that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about contributing positively to their production environment.
