At a Glance
- Tasks: Write code and develop software for cutting-edge AI hardware.
- Company: Join Graphcore, a leader in AI innovation and technology.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, competitive salary, and generous leave policies.
- Why this job: Make an impact in AI while working with talented teams and innovative tech.
- Qualifications: Degree in Computer Science or related field; experience with low-level software.
- Other info: Inclusive culture with excellent career growth and support for diverse backgrounds.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
About us
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.
Job Summary
The System Software group comprises of the Firmware team, the Drivers and Utilities team and the System QA team. We are responsible for the enablement of all silicon and hardware platforms produced by our colleagues at Graphcore. Our aim is to produce high quality software and APIs that enable the wider software team to utilise our products efficiently and effectively. The Firmware and Drivers teams form the foundation of the Graphcore software stack, upon which all our customer-facing systems are built and run.
The Team
The Drivers and Utilities team develop kernel and user space software to allow our customers to get maximum performance and utility from our unique hardware. We work closely with the software engineering team developing our Poplar SDK to support machine learning applications and with silicon and hardware engineers to fully exploit the capabilities of our Graphcore IPU solution.
Responsibilities and Duties
- Write code to Graphcore standards
- Ensure all code written has the appropriate unit tests created for it
- Participate in code reviews individually and as part of the team
- Manually test code written by self and others
- Maintain our Continuous Integration system and fix when broken
- Contribute to and take part in technical design discussions with team members
Candidate Profile
- Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Computer Science, Maths, Machine Learning, Data Science, or related field.
- Previous experience with low-level software including embedded or device drivers. This could be a personal or university project
- Basic understanding of electronics including the ability to read and understand schematics and datasheets
- Introductory experience with any of the following languages: C, C++, Python
- Awareness of Continuous Integration systems such as Jenkins
- Experience using Git for managing source code, raising and reviewing Pull Requests, merging branches
- Previously experience with hardware, perhaps with PCI cards or PC motherboards
- Has contributed to open-source projects
- Has designed and built own hardware and controlled it from a host (e.g. Linux-based system)
- Has an interest in how hardware and software platforms interact
In addition to a competitive salary, Graphcore offers flexible working, a generous annual leave policy, private medical insurance and health cash plan, a dental plan, pension (matched up to 5%), life assurance and income protection. We have a generous parental leave policy and an employee assistance programme (which includes health, mental wellbeing, and bereavement support). We offer a range of healthy food and snacks at our central Bristol office and have our own barista bar! We welcome people of different backgrounds and experiences; we’re committed to building an inclusive work environment that makes Graphcore a great home for everyone. We offer an equal opportunity process and understand that there are visible and invisible differences in all of us. We can provide a flexible approach to interview and encourage you to chat to us if you require any reasonable adjustments.
2026 Graduate Software Engineer - Drivers Bristol, UK employer: graphcore
Contact Detail:
graphcore Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land 2026 Graduate Software Engineer - Drivers Bristol, UK
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees at Graphcore on LinkedIn or attend industry events. A friendly chat can give you insider info and might just get your foot in the door.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you've got a project or two that showcases your coding chops, don’t hesitate to share them. A GitHub portfolio can really make you stand out during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for technical interviews by brushing up on your coding skills and understanding of low-level software. Practice common algorithms and data structures, and be ready to discuss your thought process.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining the Graphcore team.
We think you need these skills to ace 2026 Graduate Software Engineer - Drivers Bristol, UK
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the job description. Highlight any relevant projects or coursework, especially those involving low-level software or hardware interactions.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Use your cover letter to tell us why you're passionate about AI and how your background fits with our mission at Graphcore. Be genuine and let your personality shine through!
Showcase Your Projects: If you've worked on personal or university projects related to embedded systems or device drivers, make sure to mention them. We love seeing practical applications of your skills!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role you’re excited about!
How to prepare for a job interview at graphcore
✨Know Your Code
Make sure you brush up on your coding skills, especially in C, C++, and Python. Be prepared to discuss your previous projects, particularly any low-level software or driver work you've done. This will show that you understand the technical requirements of the role.
✨Understand the Hardware
Familiarise yourself with how hardware and software interact, especially if you've worked with PCI cards or motherboards. Being able to read schematics and datasheets will give you an edge, so don’t skip this part in your prep!
✨Get Comfortable with CI/CD
Since the role involves maintaining Continuous Integration systems, make sure you know the basics of tools like Jenkins. Be ready to discuss how you've used Git for version control, including raising and reviewing Pull Requests.
✨Engage in Technical Discussions
Prepare to contribute to technical design discussions during the interview. Think about how you can articulate your ideas clearly and demonstrate your collaborative spirit. This is a great opportunity to showcase your problem-solving skills and teamwork.