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
At Axelera AI, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that fosters creativity and innovation. Our Bristol office provides a collaborative environment where you can lead multidisciplinary teams and shape the future of AI technology, all while enjoying competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and opportunities for professional growth in a fast-paced, international setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Silicon Product & Test Engineering in Bristol
✨Join Engineering Meetups!
Get yourself along to local engineering meetups or tech conferences. These are great places to connect with like-minded folks and industry leaders who might just have a lead on that full-time Director of Silicon Product & Test Engineering role you’re after at Axelera AI.
✨Show Off Your Projects!
Don’t be shy about showcasing your engineering projects. Whether it’s a funky app, a mechanical design, or a complex algorithm, having a solid portfolio on platforms like GitHub can really make you stand out. Plus, it gives potential employers at Axelera AI a taste of what you can bring to the table!
✨Engage with Online Communities
Dive into engineering forums and online communities, like Reddit or specific engineering Discord channels. Sharing your insights, asking questions, and being active can help you build connections that might lead to job opportunities at Axelera AI.
✨Apply Through Company Websites
When you spot a role like Director of Silicon Product & Test Engineering at Axelera AI, apply directly through their website. Often, this can show your genuine interest in the company and you might just get noticed quicker than via typical job boards.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Silicon Product & Test Engineering in Bristol
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like Director of Silicon Product & Test Engineering, it’s essential to highlight your technical skills. Include any relevant software or tools you're proficient in on your CV—think CAD software, simulation tools, or programming languages. Don't skimp on any engineering projects you've worked on that demonstrate your ability to solve complex problems.
Focus on Results and Impact:In the engineering world, we love numbers and real-world impact. Quantify your achievements wherever possible—like reducing costs by a certain percentage, improving efficiency, or successfully completing a project ahead of schedule. This gives your future employers at Axelera AI a clear picture of the value you can bring.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to express your passion for engineering and explain why you’re drawn to Axelera AI specifically. Share what aspects of their work excite you and how your values align with theirs. This is your chance to show a bit of personality while keeping it professional!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you have any engineering certifications, especially ones that are recognised in your field, make sure to feature them prominently on your CV. They demonstrate not just your knowledge, but also your commitment to professional development, which is something we at StudySmarter value highly.
How to prepare for a job interview at Axelera AI
✨Brush Up on Core Engineering Principles
Before heading into the interview with Axelera AI, make sure you're solid on the fundamental engineering principles relevant to the role. Be ready to discuss concepts such as thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, or structural analysis, depending on the specifics mentioned in the job description. Don’t skip any hands-on projects or coursework; these can be excellent talking points!
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
Expect technical questions or case studies during your interview—after all, engineering is all about solving problems! Prepare a few examples of how you've tackled engineering challenges in the past, whether at university or in any practical experience. Practising with mock technical interviews can really help you articulate your thought process and solutions.
✨Relate Your Experience to the Role
In a full-time role, employers like Axelera AI want to see that you can adapt and grow within their team. Be ready to discuss how your previous internships, projects, or studies relate directly to the work you'll be doing. Highlight specific experiences that showcase your collaborative skills and how you've successfully worked within a team environment.
✨Know Your Tools and Software
Most engineering roles require familiarity with specific tools and software. Prepare to talk about your proficiency with programmes like AutoCAD, MATLAB, or SolidWorks if they’re relevant to the role. Even better, have examples of projects where you’ve used these tools, as it'll demonstrate your hands-on experience and readiness for the job.
