At a Glance
- Tasks: Build and validate Linux distributions for cutting-edge AI systems.
- Company: Join Graphcore, a leader in AI innovation and technology.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and a supportive workplace culture.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team that values growth and collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on AI technology and shape the future of computing.
- Qualifications: Experience in Linux environments and CI/CD pipelines; scripting skills are a plus.
The predicted salary is between 73500 - 99500 £ per year.
About the job
Build the Linux distribution foundation that turns upstream software into trusted Graphcore platform releases. You will help create the Linux distribution that powers Graphcore AI systems. The team produces production-ready system images from proven upstream distributions. Your work will shape how releases are built, validated and prepared for deployment. You will strengthen the engineering path from upstream Linux software to dependable platform releases. You will build and improve automated pipelines, run established Linux test suites, and diagnose issues across build and validation flows. As the platform evolves, you will introduce controlled configuration and tuning changes with evidence-led validation. This is hands-on systems engineering with visible impact. You will help define reliable processes for a new team building a critical part of Graphcore’s platform.
The team and culture
You will join one of Graphcore’s newest engineering teams, helping shape its culture from the start. It is a small, co-located team where ownership matters and progress is visible. Work happens through close technical discussion, practical problem-solving and evidence-led decisions. Ideas are challenged openly, and the best path wins regardless of hierarchy. You will report to a leader who values technical credibility and invests in people’s growth. The team moves with pace, takes responsibility and changes direction when the evidence demands it.
What we're looking for
- Strong practical experience working in Linux environments
- Experience building or maintaining automated CI/CD pipelines for reliable engineering workflows
- Proficiency in Python, Bash or similar scripting languages
- Experience with Linux image creation, provisioning or system installation
- Ability to diagnose failures in automated build or test environments
- Confidence using established tools while continuously improving engineering quality
While we have outlined a set of requirements, we value transferable skills and diverse experiences. If you meet most of our essential criteria, we encourage you to submit an application and showcase how your background makes you a strong candidate.
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.
Ready to build the Linux foundation beneath Graphcore AI systems? Apply now and help turn upstream software into production-ready platform releases.
Senior Linux Distribution & Validation 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 Linux Distribution & Validation Engineer in Bristol
✨Join Local Tech Meetups
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✨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.
✨Tap into Online Developer Communities
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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 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 Senior Linux Distribution & Validation 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.
