At a Glance
- Tasks: Validate and debug cutting-edge AI hardware systems to ensure top performance.
- Company: Join Graphcore, a leader in AI hardware innovation with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy unlimited leave, flexible work, free food, and health benefits.
- Other info: Inclusive environment that values diverse perspectives and encourages ownership.
- Why this job: Shape the future of AI computing while tackling real-world hardware challenges.
- Qualifications: Strong experience in hardware validation and debugging, especially with PCIe and Ethernet.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Build the systems that prove the next generation of AI hardware works at scale. You will validate and debug Graphcore's silicon platforms before they power advanced AI workloads worldwide. Your work will directly influence product quality, performance, and reliability across our hardware stack. You will lead hands‑on system validation in the lab, working closely with architecture, silicon, hardware, and firmware teams. You will debug complex PCIe, Ethernet, and SerDes issues, drive root‑cause analysis, and bring new platforms to life. This role offers deep technical ownership and exposure to some of the industry’s most demanding hardware challenges. You will help shape the future of AI computing from the lab bench upward.
The team and culture: You will join a team that moves quickly, solves hard problems, and values technical depth. Engineers are trusted to investigate issues, challenge assumptions, and drive decisions forward. Work is highly hands‑on and collaborative across hardware, firmware, and silicon teams. Problems are tackled directly in the lab using real systems and real data. We value people who take ownership and enjoy figuring things out. The best ideas win, regardless of job title or background.
What we’re looking for:
- Strong experience validating and debugging complex hardware systems
- Hands‑on expertise with PCIe Root Complex bring‑up, debug, and protocol analysis
- Experience debugging Ethernet SerDes systems and high‑speed interfaces
- Confident using oscilloscopes, BERT systems, VNA/TDR equipment, and protocol analysers
- Strong root‑cause analysis skills across signal integrity and subsystem issues
- Ability to work independently and drive technical issues across multiple 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
- Additional benefits such as private medical insurance, dental plan, etc.
Inclusion statement: 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.
Hardware Validation & Debug Engineer employer: graphcore
Graphcore is an exceptional employer for those looking to make a significant impact in the AI hardware industry. With a culture that fosters collaboration and innovation, employees enjoy unlimited annual leave, flexible working arrangements, and a range of benefits including phantom equity and health plans. The opportunity for hands-on technical ownership and the chance to work alongside some of the brightest minds in the field makes this role not just a job, but a meaningful career path.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Hardware Validation & Debug Engineer
✨Tip Number 1
Get hands-on! If you can, try to get some practical experience with hardware validation and debugging. Whether it's through personal projects or internships, showing that you can tackle real-world problems will make you stand out.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with professionals in the industry on platforms like LinkedIn. Join relevant groups and participate in discussions. You never know when a casual chat might lead to your next opportunity!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for technical interviews by brushing up on your skills. Practice debugging scenarios and be ready to discuss your past experiences with PCIe, Ethernet, and SerDes systems. Confidence in your technical knowledge can really impress interviewers.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in joining our team. Tailor your application to highlight your hands-on experience and problem-solving skills, and let us know how you can contribute to shaping the future of AI computing.
We think you need these skills to ace Hardware Validation & Debug Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights your experience with validating and debugging complex hardware systems. Use specific examples that showcase your hands-on expertise with PCIe and Ethernet systems, as this will grab our attention!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Share your passion for AI hardware and how your skills align with the role. Don’t forget to mention your problem-solving approach and how you enjoy tackling challenges in a collaborative environment.
Show Off Your Technical Skills:We love seeing technical depth! Be sure to include any experience you have with oscilloscopes, BERT systems, and protocol analysers. Highlighting your root-cause analysis skills will also make you stand out in our eyes.
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. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at graphcore
✨Know Your Hardware Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of PCIe, Ethernet, and SerDes systems. Be ready to discuss specific challenges you've faced in validating and debugging hardware. This shows you're not just familiar with the concepts but have hands-on experience that aligns with what they need.
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare to share examples of how you've tackled complex issues in the lab. Think about a time when you drove root-cause analysis or resolved a tricky signal integrity problem. This will demonstrate your ability to take ownership and work collaboratively across teams.
✨Get Comfortable with the Tools
Familiarise yourself with oscilloscopes, BERT systems, and protocol analysers before the interview. If you can talk confidently about how you've used these tools in past projects, it’ll show you’re ready to hit the ground running and tackle the demanding hardware challenges they face.
✨Embrace the Culture
Research Graphcore's team culture and values. They appreciate engineers who challenge assumptions and drive decisions forward. Be prepared to discuss how you fit into this collaborative environment and how your approach to problem-solving aligns with their ethos.
