At a Glance
- Tasks: Develop low-level software and improve kernel drivers in a collaborative team.
- Company: Join Graphcore, a leader in AI compute technology.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, competitive salary, and unique perks like free food and an on-site barista.
- Other info: Inclusive environment with excellent growth opportunities and support for your development.
- Why this job: Kickstart your career with hands-on learning and make a real impact in tech.
- Qualifications: Experience with low-level software and coding in C, C++, or Python.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 45000 £ per year.
Location: Bristol, UK
Salary: £45,000 per annum
Start date: September 2027
Application deadline: Midnight, 29th November 2026
We encourage you to apply early, as we may close applications before the advertised deadline.
The Graduate Programme at Graphcore offers a permanent role with two years of hands-on learning. From day one, you’ll be trusted to take ownership, share your ideas and help shape what we’re creating. You’ll tackle challenging problems alongside a team who support your development and are as excited about your success as you are.
What you’ll work on:
- Put your coding skills to work at the boundary of hardware and software, helping Graphcore’s platforms perform at their best.
- As a Graduate Systems Software Engineer in the Drivers and Utilities team, you’ll help plan, build, test and improve kernel drivers and user space driver libraries.
- Your code will support the wider software stack and help engineering teams and customers use Graphcore hardware efficiently and effectively.
- You’ll write code to Graphcore standards, create unit tests, review code and manually test changes.
- You’ll also support our continuous integration system and contribute to technical design discussions.
Your team and support:
- Systems Software brings together Firmware, Drivers and Utilities, and System QA.
- You’ll work closely with hardware and software colleagues through design discussions, Scrum ceremonies, code reviews and testing.
- Take responsibility for your code, ask questions early and learn from feedback.
How you’ll learn and grow:
- During the two-year programme, you’ll build your understanding of how hardware and software interact through hands-on work on drivers and libraries.
- Writing and testing changes will help you develop your low-level programming skills.
- Work on continuous integration will show you how automated checks support reliable software development.
What we're looking for:
- Experience with low-level software, such as embedded software, device drivers, or a university or personal project.
- Basic electronics knowledge, including confidence reading schematics and datasheets.
- Introductory coding experience in C, C++ or Python.
- Practical Git experience, including branches, pull requests, reviews and merges.
- Curiosity about how hardware and software platforms interact, a willingness to take responsibility for your work and openness to asking questions and learning from others.
Benefits:
- Flexible working: Balance your work and personal life with greater flexibility.
- 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.
- Peace of mind protection: Income protection and life assurance.
- Electric Vehicle Scheme: Choose an electric vehicle and lease it through salary sacrifice.
- Flexible benefits: Tailor your benefits package with a choice of additional options.
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.
Sponsorship: Applicants must already have the right to work in the UK for the full duration of the programme, without requiring visa sponsorship.
Introduction to Graphcore: At Graphcore, we’re building next generation AI compute: from semiconductors and software to systems at datacenter scale.
How to apply and what to expect: To apply, answer the application questions below and upload your CV and cover letter. We’ll let you know the outcome of your application by early December at the latest.
Graduate Software Engineer, Drivers and Utilities 2027 in Bristol employer: Graphcore Early Careers
At Graphcore, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration among our talented team of engineers. Located in the vibrant city of Bristol, we provide flexible working arrangements, generous benefits including private medical insurance and a supportive parental leave policy, and a commitment to employee growth through diverse project opportunities. Join us to make a meaningful impact in the fast-evolving field of AI compute, where your contributions will be valued and recognised.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Graduate Software Engineer, Drivers and Utilities 2027 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 Graduate Software Engineer, Drivers and Utilities 2027 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.
