At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the bring-up and characterisation of cutting-edge AI processors.
- Company: Join Graphcore, a leader in AI technology and innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy unlimited leave, flexible work, and equity options.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with opportunities for growth and impact.
- Why this job: Shape the future of AI and influence product design.
- Qualifications: Experience in silicon design and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
Help shape the first moments of life for the next generation of AI processors. You'll lead the bring-up and characterisation of Graphcore's silicon devices and system platforms. Your work will ensure products perform reliably before they reach customers. You'll build and lead a team that develops characterisation plans, automates testing, and analyses results across silicon and system platforms. You'll work closely with architecture, silicon, hardware, operations and product teams to solve complex technical challenges. This is a hands-on technical leadership role with the opportunity to influence product design, shape new capabilities, and build a team from the ground up.
The team and culture: You'll join a newly formed team within Manufacturing Operations and help define how bring-up and characterisation is delivered at Graphcore. Your decisions will shape the team's direction as it grows. The team works closely with colleagues across Bristol, Cambridge and Taiwan. Success comes from solving problems together, sharing data, and making informed engineering decisions. You'll be trusted to take ownership, remove blockers, and improve how work is done. We value people who speak up, challenge assumptions, and turn ideas into practical solutions.
What we're looking for:
- Essential: Proven track record of delivering technical outcomes as an individual contributor, manager, or project manager, with strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
- Solid experience in silicon digital device design, bring-up, and characterisation, with a good understanding of silicon process technology and its impact on transistor- and system-level performance.
- Strong knowledge of high-performance processors, system-on-chip (SoC) architectures, and high-speed digital interfaces such as PCIe, Ethernet, and DDR.
- Experience with measurement automation, data analysis, and developing code or scripts to support automated testing and analysis workflows.
- Bachelor's degree (or equivalent practical experience), with a background understanding of ATE systems and their role in silicon characterisation.
- Desirable: Knowledge of PCBA and system level technologies. Project management experience.
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)
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.
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 build the systems that validate the next generation of AI hardware and lead a team making a measurable impact, we'd love to hear from you.
Lead Bring-up & Characterisation Engineer 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 Lead Bring-up & Characterisation Engineer
✨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 Lead Bring-up & Characterisation 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 Lead Bring-up & Characterisation 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 Lead Bring-up & Characterisation Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like Lead Bring-up & Characterisation 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.