At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and develop firmware for cutting-edge AI hardware and systems.
- Company: Join Graphcore, a leader in AI compute innovation.
- Benefits: Flexible working, generous leave, and equity options.
- Other info: Inclusive culture with diverse backgrounds and excellent career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on next-gen AI technology and systems.
- Qualifications: Strong embedded software experience with C/C++ and real-time systems.
The predicted salary is between 63000 - 77000 £ per year.
Own the firmware that brings Graphcore hardware and silicon to life. As a Staff Firmware Engineer, you will design, develop and deliver firmware for Graphcore’s next generation products. Your work will sit close to the hardware and shape how our systems boot, run and communicate. You will help build the software that supports complete hardware bootup, silicon interaction, telemetry and monitoring. Your code will connect silicon, drivers, host systems and datacentre operations. You will take part in technical design discussions across Graphcore and with partners. You will also help engineers solve complex firmware problems and raise engineering standards across the team. This role suits someone who wants deep technical ownership, real system complexity and the chance to influence product delivery.
The Firmware team writes the software that enables Graphcore hardware and silicon to start, operate and report reliably. The work is practical, technical and close to the product. Engineers are expected to own outcomes, speak up in design discussions and move work forward. Decisions are shaped through technical debate, code reviews and Agile ceremonies. You will work with firmware specialists, system software engineers, partners and wider product teams. The pace is focused, with responsibility shared by people who understand the detail.
What we're looking for
- Strong embedded software engineering experience using C or C++
- Experience designing and implementing real-time embedded systems using Zephyr or a similar RTOS
- Proven ability to understand, build and debug complex embedded platforms
- Clear problem-solving skills and the ability to drive outcomes independently
- Strong communication skills, including documenting complex system designs clearly
- Solid understanding of Continuous Integration, build systems and software packaging best practices
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. If you want to shape the firmware behind Graphcore’s next generation systems, we’d love to hear from you. Apply now to be part of the journey.
Senior Firmware 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 Senior Firmware Engineer in Bristol
✨Join Local Tech Meetups
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We think you need these skills to ace Senior 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.
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 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
✨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 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.
