At a Glance
- Tasks: Kickstart your firmware career by developing code for AI hardware.
- Company: Join Graphcore, a leading innovator in AI compute.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and tailored benefits.
- Other info: Inclusive culture that values diverse backgrounds and perspectives.
- Why this job: Make an impact on cutting-edge AI technology while learning and growing.
- Qualifications: Degree in computer science or related field; experience with C or Python.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ per year.
Start your firmware career working on the code that brings AI hardware to life. As a 2026 Graduate Firmware Engineer, you will help develop the low-level software that starts, monitors and supports Graphcore products. You will learn how firmware connects silicon, hardware, drivers and datacentre systems. Your work will help our products boot correctly, communicate clearly and run reliably. You will contribute to code, tests, reviews and technical discussions with firmware, drivers, hardware and partner teams. You will build practical skills in C, Python, embedded systems, debugging, build systems and continuous integration. You do not need to arrive as an expert. We are looking for graduates who want to learn deeply, solve hard problems and grow into confident firmware engineers.
The Team & culture
The Firmware team writes the software that enables Graphcore hardware and silicon to boot, communicate and operate reliably. The team works closely with drivers, hardware, silicon and partner teams. Work happens through agile planning, code reviews, design discussions and hands-on debugging. You will own well-scoped tasks, get clear feedback and build confidence through real product work. Decisions are made through evidence, practical trade-offs and open technical discussion. Graduates are encouraged to ask questions, share ideas and improve how the team works.
What we’re looking for
- Bachelor’s or master’s degree in computer science, Maths, Machine Learning, Data Science, or a related field
- Introductory experience with C or Python, gained through study, projects, internships, hobbies or work experience
- Understanding of continuous integration, build systems or software packaging fundamentals
- Interest in embedded software, hardware bring-up, device drivers, operating systems or server platforms
- Ability to learn through debugging, code reviews, technical feedback and practical problem solving
- Curiosity, ownership and motivation to start your career close to hardware and AI compute
Flexible working: Balance your work and personal life with greater flexibility
Generous leave: Take time to rest, recharge and enjoy life outside of work
Retirement planning support: Up to 5% matched pension
Phantom equity: Share in Graphcore's success
Workplace experience: Enjoy thoughtfully designed office spaces for collaboration, with free food and an on-site barista to support your day
Peace of mind protection: Income protection and life assurance to provide financial security for you and your loved ones
Flexible benefits: Tailor your benefits package with a choice of additional options, including private medical insurance and dental cover
Optional benefits: Dental cover, health cash plan, private medical insurance, cycle to work scheme, give as you earn
Sponsorship: Applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK. Unfortunately, we are unable to provide visa sponsorship or support visa applications for this role.
Inclusion statement: We welcome people from all backgrounds and experiences and are committed to building an inclusive environment where everyone can do their best work. We’re an equal opportunity employer and recognise that everyone brings different strengths and perspectives. If you need any adjustments during the interview process, just let us know - we’re happy to support you.
Join the team at Graphcore
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 brings together deep expertise to solve complex problems and deliver meaningful progress in AI compute.
2026 Graduate Firmware Engineer in Bristol employer: Graphcore Early Careers
Graphcore is an exceptional employer for aspiring firmware engineers, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters learning and collaboration. With generous benefits such as flexible working arrangements, comprehensive leave policies, and opportunities for professional growth, employees are empowered to thrive both personally and professionally. Located in the UK, Graphcore provides a stimulating environment where innovative minds come together to shape the future of AI technology.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land 2026 Graduate Firmware Engineer in Bristol
✨Join Local Tech Meetups
Get out there and mingle with fellow developers by joining local tech meetups. It’s a fantastic way to meet people who might be working at Graphcore Early Careers or know someone who does. Plus, you can pick up some trendy tech skills and trends while you're at it!
✨Contribute to Open Source Projects
Show off your coding chops by jumping into open-source projects. Not only does this give you practical experience, but it also gets you noticed in the dev community. You'll create a killer portfolio that speaks volumes about your skills to Graphcore Early Careers.
✨Tap into Online Developer Communities
Don’t underestimate the power of online developer communities like GitHub, Stack Overflow, and even Reddit. Participate in discussions, share your projects, and build your visibility. We can often find opportunities through these channels that can lead to a full-time gig at companies like Graphcore Early Careers.
✨Explore Job Boards Specifically for Tech Roles
Keep your eyes peeled on job boards that focus on tech roles. Sites like TechCareers or Stack Overflow Jobs can often have listings for companies like Graphcore Early Careers that might not show up on broader job sites. Make it a habit to check these regularly, and don’t hesitate to apply directly through our website!
We think you need these skills to ace 2026 Graduate Firmware Engineer in Bristol
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show off your coding skills:When applying for a software engineering role, it's super important to showcase your coding skills. Make sure your CV includes your tech stack, any relevant programming languages you’re comfortable with, and examples of projects you've worked on. If you have a GitHub profile, link it up! We love to see code in action.
Tailor your portfolio:For a full-time role, we’d expect to see some solid examples of your work in your portfolio. Make sure to include at least two or three projects that highlight your problem-solving skills and your ability to work with different technologies. Focus on the projects that are most relevant to the position at Graphcore Early Careers.
Craft a killer cover letter:Your cover letter is your chance to stand out—make it personal! Explain why you want to work at Graphcore Early Careers and how your skills align with the role. Show us your passion for software development. We dig enthusiastic candidates who understand the value of collaboration and continuous learning!
Be clear and concise:When it comes to writing your CV and cover letter, clarity is key. Avoid jargon that could confuse us and stick to simple, direct language. Highlight your achievements with quantifiable results where possible, and keep everything easy to read. A well-organised application goes a long way!
How to prepare for a job interview at Graphcore Early Careers
✨Brush Up on Your Coding Skills
For a full-time software engineering role, it's crucial that we stay sharp with our coding abilities. Expect technical questions that might involve solving problems on the spot or discussing algorithms. Practise on platforms like LeetCode or HackerRank to get comfortable with the types of questions that often come up.
✨Know Your Tools and Frameworks
Make sure we’re well-acquainted with the tools and technologies listed in the job description. Familiarise ourselves with any specific frameworks or programming languages mentioned. If Graphcore Early Careers uses React or Node.js, for instance, be ready to discuss how we’ve used them in previous projects or coursework.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Bring along a portfolio that highlights our best work. This could be code samples, GitHub repositories, or any side projects we’ve built. Make sure we can talk through our thought process for each project, especially the challenges we faced and how we solved them—this shows our problem-solving skills in action.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
While technical skills are key, full-time positions also require cultural fit. Be ready to discuss our previous experiences and how we handle teamwork, conflict, and deadlines. Brush up on the STAR method—Situation, Task, Action, Result—to clearly articulate our past experiences when discussing how we've contributed to a team.
