2026 Graduate Silicon Engineer

2026 Graduate Silicon Engineer

Internship 63000 - 77000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
TargetJobs UK

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Help build the silicon behind tomorrow's AI systems and gain hands-on experience.
  • Company: Join Graphcore, a leading innovator in AI compute technology.
  • Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and tailored benefits packages.
  • Other info: Inclusive culture with opportunities for growth and collaboration.
  • Why this job: Kickstart your engineering career and make a real impact in AI development.
  • Qualifications: Degree in Electronic Engineering, Computer Science or related field; skills in C, C++ or Python.

The predicted salary is between 63000 - 77000 £ per year.

Start your engineering career helping build the silicon behind tomorrow's AI systems. As a Graduate Silicon Engineer, you will gain insight into how sophisticated AI chips are crafted, verified and prepared for manufacture. You will join one of our silicon teams across logical compose and DFT, verification, or layout implementation. Each path gives you hands-on experience with real chip development and industry-standard EDA tools. You will work close to expert engineers who explain the detail, challenge your thinking and help you grow. You will build practical skills in RTL, verification methods, timing, implementation or physical design checks. You do not need to arrive as an authority. We are looking for graduates with strong fundamentals, curiosity and the aim to learn quickly.

The Team & Culture

Graphcore's Silicon team turns high-reaching AI compute ideas into manufacturable silicon. Logical design, DFT, verification, and physical design work closely with architecture, operations and other engineering teams. You will learn through design reviews, code reviews, technical discussions and practical problem solving. Work is broken into clear tasks, with support available and ownership expected from the start. Decisions are made through evidence, engineering judgment, and open challenge. Graduates are encouraged to ask questions, speak up, and build confidence by contributing early.

What we're looking for

  • On track for, or achieved, a degree in Electronic Engineering, Computer Science or a related subject
  • Technical skills in C, C++ or Python, shown through study, projects, hobbies, internships or work experience
  • Interest in digital design, ASICs, verification, physical design, computer architecture or AI compute
  • Motivation to learn modern silicon design techniques and industry-standard EDA tools
  • Strong problem-solving skills, collaboration and clear communication
  • Curiosity, ownership and hunger to learn, not instant expertise

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

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.

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 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. Join Graphcore's Graduate Silicon Engineering Programme and start building the skills, confidence, and experience to turn your learning into real impact.

2026 Graduate Silicon Engineer employer: TargetJobs UK

At targetjobs UK, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration. Our Graduate Fire Engineer role not only provides competitive benefits such as 25 days holiday and flexible working options but also presents unique opportunities for professional growth in the thriving Cherwell District. Join us to make a meaningful impact in fire safety while enjoying a balanced work-life environment.

TargetJobs UK

Contact Details:

TargetJobs UK Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land 2026 Graduate Silicon Engineer

Get Involved in Engineering Societies

Join local engineering societies or student chapters; they often have networking events and workshops tailored for internship seekers. It's a great way to meet professionals and get insider tips on which companies, like TargetJobs UK, are hiring!

Attend Career Fairs and Workshops

Make the most of your university's career fairs! These events often feature companies looking specifically for interns, and they give us the chance to make a direct impression on recruiters from places like TargetJobs UK. Bring your best elevator pitch and showcase your enthusiasm!

Show Off Your Projects

Make sure to create a portfolio or a personal website showcasing any relevant projects you’ve worked on, whether it's uni assignments or personal projects. This visual representation will help you stand out during interviews or casual chats with engineers from TargetJobs UK!

Leverage Internships to Build Skills

Don't just aim for any internship; seek out those that allow you to learn and grow. Even roles at startups can offer hands-on experience that's invaluable. We should focus on companies like TargetJobs UK that may have rotational internship programmes, providing us with diverse experiences.

We think you need these skills to ace 2026 Graduate Silicon Engineer

C
C++
Python
Digital Design
ASICs
Verification
Physical Design

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Your Technical Skills:In the engineering world, we want to see your technical skills front and centre. When you’re crafting your CV, highlight any relevant coursework, projects, or software you’ve used. If you’ve got experience with CAD programs or any engineering software, make sure to mention that to grab our attention!

Tailor Your Motivation in the Cover Letter:This internship is all about learning and growth, so let us know why you're excited about this opportunity at TargetJobs UK. Your cover letter should reflect your passion for engineering and willingness to learn — share what makes us the perfect place for you to dip your toes into the industry!

Include Relevant Academic Projects:If you've completed any engineering projects, whether in class or on your own time, showcase those in your application. We love to see practical experience, even if it’s from school! Detail what you did, what techniques you used, and any challenges you faced. This shows us you can apply your knowledge in real-world situations.

Keep it Clear and Concise:When you're applying for an internship, we know it can be tempting to cram every detail into your CV or cover letter. But keep it clear and to the point! One page for your CV is usually enough — highlight the most relevant bits and make sure your passion for engineering shines through without any fluff.

How to prepare for a job interview at TargetJobs UK

Brush Up on Technical Fundamentals

For an engineering internship like the one at TargetJobs UK, it’s essential to have a solid grasp of core principles. Expect technical questions that test your understanding of basic engineering concepts. We recommend revising key topics relevant to the role and finding some example problems to solve ahead of time.

Show Your Passion for Engineering

During the interview, we should communicate our enthusiasm for engineering and the specific area you're applying to. Share any projects, coursework, or experiences that fuelled your interest. Companies like TargetJobs UK often look for candidates who not only have the skills but also a genuine passion for the field.

Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions

Be ready for situational questions that probe your problem-solving and critical-thinking abilities. You might be asked how you would approach a specific engineering challenge or design a solution to a hypothetical problem relevant to the industry. Think through a few scenarios before going in, as these can really demonstrate your thought process.

Highlight Your Teamwork Skills

Internships often involve collaboration, so we should be prepared to discuss our experiences working in teams. Have examples ready where you've worked as part of a group on projects, whether in a school setting or during co-curricular activities. This will show TargetJobs UK that we understand the importance of collaboration in engineering.