Programme Manager in Bristol

Programme Manager in Bristol

Bristol Full-Time 60000 - 80000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead and coordinate manufacturing test solutions for exciting new AI products.
  • Company: Join Graphcore, a pioneering tech company shaping the future of AI compute.
  • Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, health plans, and a vibrant office culture.
  • Other info: Diverse and inclusive environment with excellent career growth opportunities.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in AI while collaborating with top experts globally.
  • Qualifications: Strong project management skills and understanding of hardware testing processes.

The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.

About Graphcore

At Graphcore, we’re building the future of AI compute. We’re a team of semiconductor, software and AI experts, with deep experience in creating the complete AI compute stack - from silicon and software to infrastructure at datacentre scale. As part of the SoftBank Group, backed by significant long‑term investment, we are delivering key technology into the fast‑growing SoftBank AI ecosystem. To meet the vast and exciting AI opportunity, Graphcore is expanding its teams around the world. We are bringing together the brightest minds to solve the toughest problems, in a place where everyone has the opportunity to make an impact on the company, our products and the future of artificial intelligence.

Job Summary

As a Staff Programme Manager within the Product Test and Diagnosis group you will be responsible for planning, coordinating, and supporting the delivery of manufacturing test solutions for New Product Introductions (NPI). You will develop and integrate plans across Chip Test, Board Test, System Test, Lab, and Silicon Characterisation teams, ensuring their activities are aligned and connected into a cohesive, end‑to‑end programme that supports manufacturing readiness. Working within the Manufacturing Operations organisation—spanning Manufacturing Technology, Supply Chain, Quality, and Product Test and Diagnosis. You will drive cross‑functional alignment and execution. You will maintain visibility of the Graphcore product roadmap to anticipate upcoming technical and operational challenges and ensure Manufacturing Operations is prepared to support future products.

The Team

The Product Test and Diagnosis team is responsible for identifying and diagnosing hardware defects introduced during the manufacturing process. The team defines, develops, and executes an end‑to‑end test strategy spanning silicon, board‑level assemblies, server blades, and rack‑scale systems. Testing is performed across the full product lifecycle, including manufacturing, and deployed field environments. Product Test and Diagnosis is part of the Manufacturing Operations organisation, which also comprises Manufacturing Technology, Supply Chain, and Quality teams. The group operates as a global team, with engineers based in the UK (Bristol and Cambridge), Taiwan, India, and the United States.

Responsibilities and Duties

  • Define, own, and communicate the integrated programme plan for Product Test and Diagnosis, covering Manufacturing Test, Lab infrastructure and operations, and Silicon Characterisation activities in support of New Product Introductions (NPI).
  • Build and maintain cohesive, end‑to‑end plans that align the outputs of the Chip Test, Board Test, System Test, Lab, and Characterisation teams with broader Manufacturing Operations and product delivery milestones.
  • Manage dependencies and execution across engineering, operations, and manufacturing, ensuring clear scope definition, deliverables, timelines, ownership, and success metrics.
  • Coordinate and drive Design for X (DfX) reviews, ensuring timely input from test, characterisation, lab, and manufacturing perspectives into product design decisions.
  • Maintain strong cross‑functional and multi‑regional working relationships within Graphcore and with external partners, including contract manufacturers and key suppliers.
  • Provide programme‑level visibility, risk management, and issue resolution, proactively identifying schedule, resource, or technical risks and driving mitigation plans.
  • Enhance NPI and New Product Development (NPD) processes by assessing current workflows across test, lab, and characterisation activities, identifying efficiency improvements, and implementing best practices.

Essential Skills

  • Strong programme and project management skills, with the ability to apply and tailor different delivery methodologies (e.g. waterfall, Agile, Scrum) to suit hardware‑centric, cross‑functional programmes.
  • Solid understanding of test and diagnosis solutions across the server product lifecycle, including silicon wafers, packaged devices, PCB assemblies, server blades, rack‑scale systems, and associated lab and characterisation activities.
  • Ability to understand and communicate the interactions between hardware design, manufacturing, test, lab infrastructure, and silicon characterisation to provide effective Design for Manufacturing and Test (DfM/DfT) feedback.
  • Proven ability to work independently while also driving alignment and execution across cross‑functional and geographically distributed teams through strong interpersonal and communication skills.
  • Experience managing complex dependency networks and aligning technical teams with operational and manufacturing constraints.

Desirable

  • Experience in semiconductors, electronics manufacturing, or other high‑mix, high‑volume manufacturing environments.
  • Working knowledge of programme and project management tools such as JIRA, Confluence, MS Project, or equivalent.
  • Experience working with advanced suppliers and partners across semiconductor fabrication, PCBA, system manufacturing, and lab infrastructure.
  • Demonstrable experience delivering or coordinating manufacturing test, lab, or silicon characterisation programmes in support of NPI.

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.

Programme Manager in Bristol employer: Cerebras

Graphcore is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration among a diverse team of experts in AI and semiconductor technology. Located in the vibrant city of Bristol, employees benefit from flexible working arrangements, generous leave policies, and comprehensive health plans, all while contributing to groundbreaking advancements in artificial intelligence. With a strong commitment to inclusivity and employee growth, Graphcore provides ample opportunities for professional development and meaningful impact within the fast-evolving AI landscape.

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Contact Details:

Cerebras Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Programme Manager 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 Programme Manager role you’re after at Cerebras.

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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 Cerebras.

Apply Through Company Websites

When you spot a role like Programme Manager at Cerebras, 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 Programme Manager in Bristol

Programme Management
Project Management
Agile Methodologies
Waterfall Methodologies
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Test and Diagnosis Solutions
Silicon Characterisation

Some tips for your application 🫡

Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like Programme Manager, 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 Cerebras 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 Cerebras 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 Cerebras

Brush Up on Core Engineering Principles

Before heading into the interview with Cerebras, 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 Cerebras 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.