At a Glance
- Tasks: Develop and maintain hardware defect detection tests for cutting-edge AI accelerator servers.
- Company: Fractile, a fast-growing tech company redefining AI with innovative silicon and systems.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, modern offices, collaborative culture, and opportunities for rapid career growth.
- Other info: Work closely with top leadership and engage in full-stack development.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team to make a real impact in the AI revolution.
- Qualifications: 3-7 years in hardware test engineering and strong debugging skills required.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 70000 € per year.
Fractile is building silicon, systems and software which will redefine the frontier of AI: running the world’s most advanced models at radically higher speed and lower cost. We have an exceptional team across hardware and software capable of bringing about this change, and we are growing fast to meet demand and deliver our product at scale. We’re looking for an engineer to develop and maintain system-level hardware defect detection tests for an AI accelerator server platform. The role is focused on implementing, executing, and improving tests used in factory assembly and service/repair environments to identify hardware defects quickly and reliably. Work closely with the System Test Engineering Lead to translate defect detection strategy into robust, repeatable test implementations rather than design validation.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and maintain system-level hardware defect detection tests for individual servers and rack-based systems.
- Implement tests to detect assembly defects, marginal components, damaged hardware, cabling or interconnect issues, cooling faults, etc.
- Develop service and field diagnostic tests used for RMA triage, repair validation, and preventative maintenance.
- Implement deterministic, fast-running tests with clear pass/fail criteria and actionable failure output suitable for manufacturing and service technicians.
- Develop PCIe defect detection tests to identify lane faults, link degradation, polarity issues, retimer problems, and intermittent connectivity failures.
- Implement stress and soak tests designed to expose latent or marginal hardware issues.
- Debug test failures and hardware issues, performing root-cause analysis and escalating design or process issues as appropriate.
- Analyze factory and field failure data to identify coverage gaps and propose test improvements.
- Support deployment, versioning, and maintenance of test software across factory and service environments.
- Collaborate with software development teams to integrate tests into production system software.
- Collaborate with hardware, manufacturing, service, and reliability teams to ensure tests align with known defect modes and operational needs.
Required Qualifications
- 3–7 years of experience in system, server, or hardware test engineering, preferably in manufacturing or service environments.
- Solid understanding of server hardware architectures, PCIe fabrics, power delivery, cooling systems, and common failure modes.
- Hands-on experience developing or executing hardware defect detection or diagnostic tests.
- Experience working in Linux-based test environments.
- Familiarity with BMC-based systems and basic use of OpenBMC or Redfish interfaces.
- Strong debug skills and the ability to distinguish test issues from real hardware faults.
- Ability to write clear test code, logs, and documentation for operational use.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with AI accelerator, GPU, or high-performance compute servers.
- Exposure to PCIe Gen4/5/6 systems or other high-speed serial interconnects.
- Experience diagnosing intermittent, marginal, or temperature-dependent hardware failures.
- Experience working with liquid-cooled or thermally complex server platforms.
How we work
- Ownership and execution: you will have full agency to drive your work forward.
- Rapid iteration: we all work directly with top leadership to move from idea to hardware on ambitious timelines.
- Full-stack engagement: hardware, software, silicon, and modelling teams all work closely together to create a product with generational impact.
- Optimistic and pragmatic: we possess the will to win, and to do the hard work to get us there.
- Team player mentality: the mission is bigger than any of us, and we have the curiosity and technical focus to see the best idea shipped, no matter who’s it is.
About us
- Founded in 2022, team of 70+ which is expanding rapidly.
- Modern, open offices in London and Bristol.
- Collaborative, problem-solving culture built on deep curiosity, entrepreneurial initiative and technical fluency.
Export control and security clearance
Certain roles may involve working on technologies subject to export restrictions. Applicants may be required to undergo additional eligibility checks to ensure compliance with applicable law.
Hardware System Product Engineer in Bristol employer: Fractile
Fractile is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture, where engineers are empowered to take ownership of their projects and drive meaningful change in the AI landscape. With modern offices in London and Bristol, employees benefit from a dynamic environment that encourages rapid iteration and full-stack engagement across hardware and software teams, providing ample opportunities for professional growth and development. Joining Fractile means being part of a passionate team dedicated to redefining technology while enjoying the perks of a supportive workplace that values curiosity and initiative.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Hardware System Product Engineer in Bristol
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the industry, attend meetups, and connect with people on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio or GitHub repository showcasing your projects and tests you've developed. This gives potential employers a taste of what you can do and sets you apart from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by practising common technical questions related to hardware testing and defect detection. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or using online platforms to get comfortable with the format.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our awesome team at Fractile.
We think you need these skills to ace Hardware System Product Engineer in Bristol
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Hardware System Product Engineer role. Highlight your experience with hardware defect detection tests and any relevant projects you've worked on. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about AI and how your background makes you a great fit for our team. Don’t forget to mention specific experiences that relate to the job description.
Show Off Your Technical Skills:In your application, be sure to showcase your technical skills, especially in Linux-based environments and hardware testing. We love seeing hands-on experience, so include any relevant tools or technologies you've worked with.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It’s super easy, and you’ll be able to keep track of your application status. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative!
How to prepare for a job interview at Fractile
✨Know Your Hardware Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of server hardware architectures, PCIe fabrics, and common failure modes. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you're not just familiar with the theory but can apply it practically.
✨Demonstrate Your Debugging Skills
Prepare to talk about your hands-on experience with debugging test failures and hardware issues. Have specific examples ready where you performed root-cause analysis and how you escalated design or process issues when necessary.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Testing Environments
Since the role involves working in Linux-based test environments, make sure you’re comfortable navigating and executing tests in this setting. If you have experience with BMC-based systems or OpenBMC, be ready to highlight that too!
✨Show Your Collaborative Spirit
Fractile values teamwork, so be prepared to discuss how you've collaborated with cross-functional teams in the past. Share examples of how you’ve worked with software development teams or other engineering disciplines to integrate tests into production systems.
