At a Glance
- Tasks: Join us to develop high-performance ML kernels for cutting-edge AI hardware.
- Company: Graphcore, a leader in AI innovation and part of the SoftBank Group.
- Benefits: Flexible working, competitive salary, generous leave, and health plans.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in AI while collaborating with experts in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Degree in Computer Science or related field; experience in C/C++ and problem-solving skills.
- Other info: Inclusive culture with excellent career growth opportunities and a focus on continuous learning.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
About Us
Graphcore is one of the world’s leading innovators in Artificial Intelligence compute. It is developing hardware, software and systems infrastructure that will unlock the next generation of AI breakthroughs and power the widespread adoption of AI solutions across every industry. As part of the SoftBank Group, Graphcore is a member of an elite family of companies responsible for some of the world’s most transformative technologies. Together, they share a bold vision: to enable Artificial Super Intelligence and ensure its benefits are accessible to everyone. Graphcore’s teams are drawn from diverse backgrounds and bring a broad range of skills and perspectives. A melting pot of AI research specialists, silicon designers, software engineers and systems architects, Graphcore enjoys a culture of continuous learning and constant innovation.
Job Summary
We are looking for a Graduate Software Engineer to join a team pioneering the development of high-performance machine learning (ML) kernels for a new generation of AI hardware. In this role, you will contribute to building optimised compute kernels that support a wide range of ML operators—powering applications from convolutional neural networks (CNNs) to large language models (LLMs). You will leverage low-level programming and hardware-aware optimisation techniques to extract maximum performance and efficiency from modern accelerators. This is a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of ML, numerical computing, and scalable systems.
The Team
This is an exciting opportunity to join an expanding team at Graphcore. The Kernel Engineering team is responsible for delivering high performance compute library to help customers gain the maximum performance from AI hardware.
Responsibilities and Duties
- Supporting the design and implementation of kernels for linear algebra and tensor ops (GEMM, batched GEMM, convolutions, reductions, elementwise and fused operations) in C++.
- Profile and optimise for the next generation of AI hardware - threading, cache locality, memory layout, and kernel launch efficiency.
- Support performance and correctness - add microbenchmarks, regression tests, numerics validation.
- Debug issues, resolve bugs and generally improve the quality and functionality of the product.
About you
You are open-minded and collaborative with interests in performance optimisation and memory-efficient designs, and you are looking to join a team of experts. You are comfortable to discuss technical tradeoffs, receive feedback and iterate on solutions and you are drawn to technically challenging problems and use analytical reasoning to navigate unfamiliar domains.
Essential
- Bachelor or Master’s Degree in Computer Science, Maths, Machine Learning, Data Science, or related field.
- Experience in C/C++11.
- Familiarity with Python or scripting tools for automation and testing.
- Understanding of linear algebra, numerical methods, or scientific computing.
- Good problem-solving skills and ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Courseworks or past experience in using ML frameworks, parallel programming, or code optimisation.
- Exposure to math libraries such as MKL or OpenBLAS.
- Knowledge of performance analysis tools.
Benefits
In addition to a competitive salary, Graphcore offers flexible working, a generous annual leave policy, private medical insurance and health cash plan, a dental plan, pension (matched up to 5%), life assurance and income protection. We have a generous parental leave policy and an employee assistance programme (which includes health, mental wellbeing, and bereavement support). We offer a range of healthy food and snacks at our central Bristol office and have our own barista bar! We welcome people of different backgrounds and experiences; we’re committed to building an inclusive work environment that makes Graphcore a great home for everyone. We offer an equal opportunity process and understand that there are visible and invisible differences in all of us. We can provide a flexible approach to interview and encourage you to chat to us if you require any reasonable adjustments.
2026 Graduate Software Engineer - ML Kernels & Runtime Team in Bristol employer: Cerebras
Contact Detail:
Cerebras Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land 2026 Graduate Software Engineer - ML Kernels & Runtime Team in Bristol
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees at Graphcore on LinkedIn or other platforms. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for the interview process. It’s all about making connections!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for technical interviews by brushing up on your C++ skills and understanding linear algebra concepts. Practice coding challenges on platforms like LeetCode or HackerRank to get into the groove of problem-solving under pressure.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for AI and machine learning! Be ready to discuss your projects or coursework related to ML frameworks and performance optimisation. This will demonstrate your genuine interest in the field and the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Graphcore team. Good luck!
We think you need these skills to ace 2026 Graduate Software Engineer - ML Kernels & Runtime Team in Bristol
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Graduate Software Engineer role. Highlight any relevant projects or coursework in C++ and machine learning, as this will show us you’re a great fit for the team.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Use your cover letter to tell us why you’re passionate about AI and how your background makes you the perfect candidate. Be sure to mention any specific experiences that relate to performance optimisation and memory-efficient designs.
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills: In your application, include examples of how you've tackled technical challenges in the past. We love seeing candidates who can think critically and navigate complex problems, so don’t hold back!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cerebras
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your C/C++ skills, especially with the latest standards like C++11. Familiarise yourself with linear algebra and numerical methods, as these are crucial for the role. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you're serious about the position.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare to discuss specific examples where you've tackled complex problems, particularly in performance optimisation or memory-efficient designs. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and make them impactful.
✨Get Familiar with ML Frameworks
If you have experience with ML frameworks or parallel programming, be ready to talk about it! Even if it's coursework, discussing how you've applied these concepts can set you apart from other candidates. It shows your passion for the field and your readiness to contribute.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the team and the projects you'll be working on. This not only demonstrates your interest but also helps you gauge if the company culture aligns with your values. Ask about their approach to collaboration and innovation within the Kernel Engineering team.