At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the reliability of AI compute hardware and solve complex engineering challenges.
- Company: Join Graphcore, a leading innovator in AI compute technology.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and a supportive workplace culture.
- Other info: Inclusive environment welcoming diverse backgrounds and experiences.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the future of AI with hands-on engineering.
- Qualifications: Strong knowledge of server hardware and experience with HPC systems.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
Own the reliability of AI compute hardware where lab discovery becomes data centre reality. Graphcore is building the hardware and systems infrastructure needed for the next generation of AI breakthroughs. This role helps prove those platforms work when complexity, scale and pressure increase. You will lead advanced operational, diagnostic and engineering support across lab and data centre environments. Your work will improve hardware bring-up, validation and troubleshooting for AI compute platforms. You will diagnose failures across server blades, racks, power systems, thermal behaviour, network configuration and BIOS/BMC issues. You will turn hard problems into clear root cause analysis, corrective action and better operating practice. This is hands-on engineering with visible impact. You will support new platforms from early bring-up through deployment, helping Graphcore move faster with confidence.
The team and culture: You will work with Systems Engineering, Hardware Engineering, server engineering, firmware, platform architects and data centre operations. Problems are solved close to the hardware, with clear evidence and direct ownership. The team moves quickly during bring-up and validation cycles. Engineers are expected to act fast, take responsibility and speak up when something needs attention. Decisions are shaped by data, system behaviour and practical engineering judgement. You will guide others, improve documentation and help raise the standard of hardware diagnostics.
What we’re looking for:
- Strong knowledge of server hardware architectures and board-level debugging
- Experience isolating failures using system logs, telemetry, power data and thermal metrics
- Hands-on experience with HPC systems, AI compute platforms or rack-scale infrastructure
- Ability to lead structured root cause analysis and propose practical corrective actions
- Confidence working across engineering, platform and data centre teams
- Clear written and verbal communication, with the judgement to guide junior engineers
While we have outlined a set of requirements, we value transferable skills and diverse experiences. We also welcome engineers returning to the profession after a career break, including through returnship routes.
Benefits:
- 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
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.
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.
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.
Senior Systems Engineer 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 Senior Systems Engineer
✨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 Senior Systems Engineer role you’re after at Graphcore Early Careers.
✨Show Off Your Projects!
Don’t be shy about showcasing your engineering projects. Whether it’s a funky app, a mechanical design, or a complex algorithm, having a solid portfolio on platforms like GitHub can really make you stand out. Plus, it gives potential employers at Graphcore Early Careers a taste of what you can bring to the table!
✨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 Graphcore Early Careers.
✨Apply Through Company Websites
When you spot a role like Senior Systems Engineer at Graphcore Early Careers, 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 Senior Systems Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like Senior Systems Engineer, 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 Graphcore Early Careers 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 Graphcore Early Careers 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 Graphcore Early Careers
✨Brush Up on Core Engineering Principles
Before heading into the interview with Graphcore Early Careers, 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 Graphcore Early Careers 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.