At a Glance
- Tasks: Shape the future of AI chips through architecture and design.
- Company: Join Graphcore, a leading innovator in AI computing.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and equity options.
- Other info: Inclusive culture with opportunities for growth and collaboration.
- Why this job: Kickstart your career in AI with hands-on experience and mentorship.
- Qualifications: Degree in Electronic Engineering or Computer Science; programming skills required.
The predicted salary is between 63000 - 77000 £ per year.
Start your architecture career helping shape the AI chips of the future. Our two-year Graduate Programme is designed to give you the technical experience, support and responsibility to build a successful career in AI computing. As a 2026 Graduate SoC Architecture Engineer, you will help define, model and evaluate complex sub-systems for Graphcore’s next-generation AI acceleration hardware. You will discover how product requirements become architectural choices, develop trade-offs and silicon-ready specifications. Your work will support high-performance, highly integrated SoC designs used in advanced AI compute. You will contribute to specifications, modelling, simulation, validation and technical analysis. You may also support IP evaluation, silicon bring-up, testing and performance investigations. You do not need to arrive as an expert. We are looking for graduates with strong fundamentals, curiosity and the aim to learn from real architecture work.
The Silicon Architecture team defines how critical SoC sub-systems behave, connect and perform. The team works closely with silicon design, verification, hardware and software engineers. Work happens through technical discussion, modelling, documentation, review and careful evaluation of design choices. You will learn from experienced architects while taking ownership of well-scoped tasks early. Decisions are shaped by evidence, system impact and clear engineering judgement. Graduates are encouraged to ask questions, test assumptions and communicate ideas clearly.
What we’re looking for:
- Degree or equivalent experience, in Electronic Engineering, Computer Science or a related field
- Understanding of computer architecture or digital systems, gained through study, projects or internships
- Programming experience in Python, Rust, C++ or a similar language
- Exposure to hardware design concepts (e.g. RTL, Verilog, or VHDL)
- Experience with modelling, simulation, or performance analysis
- Interest in AI, machine learning, or high-performance computing
- Familiarity with interfaces such as PCIe, Ethernet, or memory systems (e.g. DDR)
- Interest in SoC design, AI hardware, high-performance computing or system-level architecture
- Analytical thinking, clear communication and the ability to explain technical work
- Curiosity, ownership and motivation to grow through feedback and practical engineering experience
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.
Graduate SoC Architect employer: graphcore
Graphcore is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that fosters continuous learning and innovation in the heart of London. With a commitment to inclusivity and employee well-being, we provide flexible working arrangements, comprehensive benefits including private medical insurance and generous parental leave, and opportunities for professional growth within a cutting-edge AI environment. Join us to be part of a transformative journey in AI technology, where your contributions will directly impact the future of intelligent computing.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Graduate SoC Architect
✨Join Local Tech Meetups
Get out there and mingle with fellow developers by joining local tech meetups. It’s a fantastic way to meet people who might be working at graphcore or know someone who does. Plus, you can pick up some trendy tech skills and trends while you're at it!
✨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
Don’t underestimate the power of online developer communities like GitHub, Stack Overflow, and even Reddit. Participate in discussions, share your projects, and build your visibility. We can often find opportunities through these channels that can lead to a full-time gig at companies like graphcore.
✨Explore Job Boards Specifically for Tech Roles
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 Graduate SoC Architect
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.
