At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic team in validating cutting-edge AI silicon technology.
- Company: Join Graphcore, a leader in AI computing and innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and comprehensive health plans.
- Other info: Inclusive culture with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the future of AI technology.
- Qualifications: 20+ years in silicon validation with strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 42525 - 51975 £ per year.
Graphcore is a globally recognized leader in Artificial Intelligence computing systems. The company designs advanced semiconductors and datacentre hardware that provide the specialized processing power needed to drive AI innovation, while delivering the efficiency required to support its broader adoption. 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, we are working to enable Artificial Super Intelligence and ensure that its benefits are accessible to everyone.
We are developing the next generation of AI compute, a large-scale system-on-chip (SoC) designed to power future high-performance AI systems. As the Director of Post Silicon Validation, you will be responsible for leading the Bristol team, enabling pre-production software to run reliably on new silicon quickly and efficiently, before showing that the silicon meets the highest standards of quality, reliability and functionality, ready for production deployment.
Reporting to the Senior Director of Post Silicon Validation, you will manage, develop and grow the Post Silicon Validation team in Bristol, delivering post-silicon validation across the full AI SoC, working across silicon, firmware, and platform levels. The role requires a deep technical understanding, strong hands‑on debug experience, and the ability to collaborate effectively with hardware, software, and systems engineering teams.
Responsibilities
- Manage, develop and grow the Post Silicon Validation team in Bristol: The Post Silicon Validation team is relatively new, with a strong remit and growing quickly to help Graphcore bring up new silicon quickly and effectively.
- Play a significant role in the definition, planning and execution of chip bringup activities: Develop and refine the overall post-silicon validation approach for our AI SoCs, ensuring reliable and timely delivery of validated silicon, architectural correctness, feature robustness, and at‑scale system reliability.
- Drive cross-domain debug and issue resolution: Lead investigation and resolution of complex issues spanning silicon, firmware, operating systems, and platform interactions. Ensure that fixes are effective and sustainable.
- Promote collaboration and shared understanding: Work closely with design, software, and validation teams to align on quality objectives and debug priorities. Use data‑driven insights and clear communication to maintain focus and alignment across teams.
- Advance automation and scalable validation: Encourage the use of emulation, prototyping, and large‑scale validation infrastructure to improve coverage and reduce time to debug.
- Support continuous improvement: Foster a culture that values learning, transparency, and improvement in validation methods, automation, and analysis.
- Engage with leadership and partners: Provide clear and concise updates on validation progress, risks, and quality indicators to executive teams and key partners. Contribute to product readiness assessments and roadmap decisions.
Essential skills
- Building and running high performing teams
- A systems thinker, comfortable working across hardware, software, and integration boundaries
- A collaborative leader who builds trust and alignment across diverse teams
- Skilled in technical problem solving and debugging complex post-silicon issues
- A clear communicator who can simplify complexity and support sound decision-making in fast‑paced environments
- Committed to developing people and promoting an inclusive, high‑performing team culture
- Bachelor’s degree in Electronic Engineering or equivalent; Master’s preferred
- 20+ years in silicon, system, or platform validation, including 10+ years in technical leadership
- Proven experience leading post-silicon validation and bring‑up for complex SoCs (AI, GPU, or CPU)
- Strong understanding of SoC architecture, coherency protocols, power management, and interconnects
- Expertise in debug tools, DFT infrastructure, and validation automation frameworks
- Proficient in C/C++, Python, and Linux-based environments; experience with large-scale validation clusters is an advantage
Benefits
- Flexible working
- Generous annual leave policy
- Private medical insurance and health cash plan
- A dental plan
- Pension
- Life assurance and income protection
- Generous parental leave policy
- Employee assistance programme (which includes health, mental wellbeing, and bereavement support)
We welcome people of different backgrounds and experiences; we’re committed to building an inclusive work environment that makes Graphcore a great home for everyone. We offer an equal opportunity process and understand that there are visible and invisible differences in all of us. We can provide a flexible approach to interview and encourage you to chat to us if you require any reasonable adjustments.
Tech Director, Post Silicon Validation 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 Tech Director, Post Silicon Validation
✨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 Tech Director, Post Silicon Validation role you’re after at Graphcore.
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✨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 Tech Director, Post Silicon Validation 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 Tech Director, Post Silicon Validation
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like Tech Director, Post Silicon Validation, 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.
