At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the design of cutting-edge hardware architecture for AI systems and collaborate across teams.
- Company: Fractile, a fast-growing tech company redefining AI with innovative silicon and software.
- Benefits: Dynamic work environment, full ownership of projects, and rapid career growth opportunities.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with modern offices in London and Bristol.
- Why this job: Join a team at the forefront of AI technology and make a real impact on future innovations.
- Qualifications: Experience in system architecture and a strong grasp of hardware and software integration.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ 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.
As a Senior System Architect, you’ll define and drive the end-to-end hardware architecture that underpins our products from chip-level interfaces and interconnects through to board design, thermal management, and system-level integration. This isn’t just about designing elegant systems on paper. You’ll work closely with digital and verification teams to translate architecture into working silicon and reliable hardware platforms. Expect to be hands-on in early prototyping, bring-up, and system testing. You’ll be the connective tissue between hardware, firmware, and software, ensuring architectural coherence and technical excellence across all layers.
Key Responsibilities
- Define and own the system architecture roadmap, balancing performance, power, and scalability.
- Contribute to system-level design from concept through production, coordinating with chip design, mechanical, and manufacturing teams.
- Specify system interfaces, power delivery networks, interconnects, and control subsystems.
- Guide board and platform design for early bring-up and validation.
- Partner with the software and firmware leads to ensure seamless integration and coherent system-level performance.
- Evaluate emerging technologies and components to inform architectural decisions.
- Act as a technical mentor, raising the bar for design discipline and documentation across the team.
- Represent system architecture in technical reviews, partner discussions, and customer engagements.
Skills & Experience
- Proven experience as a Systems Architect, SoC Architect, or similar role in semiconductor or high-performance computing domains.
- Deep understanding of system-level design, including power, thermal, I/O, memory, and interconnect architectures.
- Strong grasp of digital design flows.
- Experience taking complex hardware systems from concept through to mass production.
- Demonstrated ability to define and manage system requirements and trade-offs.
- Comfortable working across many disciplines, hardware, firmware, and software.
- Excellent communicator who can bridge technical depth with practical execution.
Desirable
- Background in AI acceleration, HPC, or data-centric architectures.
- Experience with FPGA prototyping and system bring-up.
- Familiarity with modern toolchains and modelling environments (SystemC, MATLAB, etc.).
- Prior start-up or scale-up experience, someone who thrives in ambiguity and fast iteration.
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 80+ 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.
Senior System Architect employer: Fractile
Fractile is an exceptional employer that fosters a culture of ownership and rapid iteration, allowing Infrastructure Engineers to drive their work forward while collaborating closely with top leadership. With competitive salaries, meaningful equity, and comprehensive benefits including private medical and a contributory pension, employees are well-supported in their professional growth. Located in a diverse and dynamic office environment, Fractile is committed to building an inclusive team that thrives on solving complex problems together.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior System Architect
✨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 a personal project that highlights your expertise in system architecture. This is your chance to demonstrate what you can bring to the table beyond just your CV.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on technical questions and real-world scenarios. Practice explaining complex concepts in simple terms, as communication is key in bridging hardware and software.
✨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, we love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in joining our mission.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior System Architect
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior System Architect role. Highlight your experience in system-level design and any relevant projects that showcase your skills in hardware architecture, power management, and integration.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter should tell us why you're the perfect fit for Fractile. Share your passion for AI and how your background aligns with our mission to redefine the frontier of AI. Be sure to mention any hands-on experience you have with prototyping and system testing.
Showcase Your Communication Skills:As a Senior System Architect, you'll need to bridge the gap between various teams. Use your application to demonstrate your excellent communication skills. Give examples of how you've collaborated with hardware, firmware, and software teams in the past.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. This way, we can ensure your application gets the attention it deserves, and you can easily keep track of your application status!
How to prepare for a job interview at Fractile
✨Know Your Architecture Inside Out
Make sure you have a solid grasp of system architecture principles, especially in relation to power, thermal management, and interconnects. Be prepared to discuss how you've applied these concepts in previous roles, particularly in high-performance computing or semiconductor environments.
✨Showcase Your Hands-On Experience
Since the role involves early prototyping and system testing, be ready to share specific examples of your hands-on work. Talk about projects where you’ve taken complex hardware systems from concept to production, highlighting any challenges you faced and how you overcame them.
✨Communicate Clearly and Effectively
As a Senior System Architect, you'll need to bridge the gap between various teams. Practice explaining complex technical concepts in simple terms. During the interview, demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
✨Emphasise Team Collaboration
Fractile values a team player mentality, so be sure to highlight your collaborative experiences. Discuss how you've worked with cross-functional teams, including firmware and software leads, to ensure seamless integration and coherent system-level performance.
