At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the testing of advanced AI hardware and ensure top-notch quality before deployment.
- Company: Join Graphcore, a pioneering tech company shaping the future of AI.
- Benefits: Enjoy unlimited leave, flexible work, and a range of health benefits.
- Other info: Inclusive culture with opportunities for mentorship and career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on cutting-edge technology and drive innovation in manufacturing.
- Qualifications: Extensive experience in manufacturing test solutions and strong collaboration skills required.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ per year.
About the job
Shape how advanced AI hardware is tested before it reaches customers. You'll lead the technical direction of manufacturing test solutions for Host Processor Modules, Server Blades, and multi-node rack systems. Your work will help ensure every system meets the highest quality standards before deployment. You'll own the architecture of the test executive software and develop manufacturing test content that validates complex hardware at scale. Working across hardware, firmware, and software teams, you'll enable reliable, efficient testing throughout production. This role offers broad technical influence. You'll solve complex engineering challenges, improve manufacturing quality through data, and help shape the future of Graphcore's production test capability.
The team and culture
You'll join the Product Test and Diagnosis team within Manufacturing Operations. The team defines and delivers test strategies across silicon, boards, server systems, and rack-scale platforms. Day to day, you'll work closely with engineers across hardware, firmware, software, manufacturing, and quality. Decisions are driven by technical evidence, collaboration, and continuous improvement. You'll have the freedom to lead technically, mentor other engineers, and influence how manufacturing test evolves across globally distributed teams.
What we're looking for
- Essential
- Extensive experience developing and deploying manufacturing test solutions for high-performance servers, accelerators (GPU-class), or comparable large-scale compute hardware.
- Proven technical leadership as an individual contributor, owning architecture and driving alignment across multiple teams without direct line management responsibility.
- Deep technical understanding across silicon, board, and system design sufficient to define effective manufacturing test coverage and lead complex debug/root-cause analysis.
- Strong cross-functional collaboration skills, with experience driving requirements and delivery with internal software/firmware/platform teams to enable testability and diagnosability.
- Hands-on experience using Linux, OpenBMC, and vendor-specific test tools, diagnostics, and system-level utilities to test hardware in lab and manufacturing environments.
- Strong software engineering skills with scripting and automation (e.g., Python, Bash, or similar), including building reliable test infrastructure and integrating heterogeneous test content.
- Desirable
- Familiarity with rack-scale/multi-node systems, high-speed interconnects, and production qualification of complex assemblies.
- Experience improving manufacturing KPIs (yield, test time, false fail reduction) through data-driven test optimisation and robust statistical/diagnostic approaches.
- Knowledge of open-source tools commonly used for manufacturing test, system bring-up, and hardware diagnostics.
- Experience designing testability/diagnosability features into products (e.g., telemetry, self-test hooks, debug interfaces) in partnership with design teams.
Benefits
- Unlimited annual leave
- Up to 5% matched pension
- Phantom equity – share in Graphcore’s success
- True flexibility in how and where you work
- Office spaces designed for collaboration
- Free food and an on-site barista
- Health cash plan
- Income protection
- Life assurance
- Along with other benefits you can choose from (private medical insurance, dental plan etc)
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 building the compute platform for the next generation of artificial intelligence. From advanced silicon to intelligent software, our technology is designed to unlock breakthroughs in AI and bring its benefits to every industry. As part of the SoftBank Group, we’re backed by one of the world’s most ambitious technology investors, working alongside companies shaping the future of AI. Together, we share a bold goal: to help enable artificial superintelligence and ensure it delivers meaningful impact at a global scale. At Graphcore, you’ll work with people who are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. Our teams bring together AI researchers, chip designers, software engineers and systems experts from a wide range of backgrounds. It’s an environment where we take on big challenges with curiosity and focus, move quickly and decisively, take real ownership of our work, and speak up to challenge ideas, stepping up to support each other and lead through action. If you want to lead the engineering behind manufacturing test for advanced AI hardware and help deliver quality at scale, we'd love to hear from you. Apply now to join Graphcore.
Principal Hardware System Test Engineer in Bristol employer: graphcore
Graphcore is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of Bristol and London, where innovation thrives. With a strong focus on employee growth, we provide opportunities to engage in cutting-edge AI technology while enjoying benefits like flexible working, generous leave policies, and comprehensive health plans. Our inclusive culture fosters collaboration among diverse talents, ensuring that every team member can make a meaningful impact on the future of artificial intelligence.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Hardware System Test Engineer in Bristol
✨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 Principal Hardware System Test Engineer role you’re after at graphcore.
✨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 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.
✨Apply Through Company Websites
When you spot a role like Principal Hardware System Test Engineer at graphcore, 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 Principal Hardware System Test Engineer in Bristol
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like Principal Hardware System Test 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 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 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
✨Brush Up on Core Engineering Principles
Before heading into the interview with graphcore, 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 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.
