At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a team developing high-performance ML kernels for cutting-edge AI hardware.
- Company: Graphcore, a leader in AI innovation and part of the SoftBank Group.
- Benefits: Flexible working, generous leave, private medical insurance, and a vibrant office culture.
- Other info: Inclusive environment with excellent career growth and support for diverse backgrounds.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in AI by optimising performance for next-gen technology.
- Qualifications: Degree in Computer Science or related field; experience in C/C++ and problem-solving skills.
The predicted salary is between 28000 - 38000 £ per year.
About Us
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 enjoys a culture of continuous learning and constant innovation.
Job Summary
We are looking for a Graduate Software Engineer to join a team pioneering the development of high-performance machine learning (ML) kernels for a new generation of AI hardware. In this role, you will contribute to building optimised compute kernels that support a wide range of ML operators—powering applications from convolutional neural networks (CNNs) to large language models (LLMs). You'll leverage low-level programming and hardware-aware optimisation techniques to extract maximum performance and efficiency from modern accelerators. This is a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of ML, numerical computing, and scalable systems.
The Team
This is an exciting opportunity to join an expanding team at Graphcore. The Kernel Engineering team is responsible for delivering high performance compute library to help customers gain the maximum performance from AI hardware.
Responsibilities and Duties
- Supporting the design and implementation of kernels for linear algebra and tensor ops (GEMM, batched GEMM, convolutions, reductions, elementwise and fused operations) in C++.
- Profile and optimise for the next generation of AI hardware - threading, cache locality, memory layout, and kernel launch efficiency.
- Support performance and correctness - add microbenchmarks, regression tests, numerics validation.
- Debug issues, resolve bugs and generally improve the quality and functionality of the product.
About you
You are open-minded and collaborative with interests in performance optimisation and memory-efficient designs, and you are looking to join a team of experts. You are comfortable to discuss technical tradeoffs, receive feedback and iterate on solutions and you are drawn to technically challenging problems and use analytical reasoning to navigate unfamiliar domains.
Essential:
- Bachelor or Master's Degree in Computer Science, Maths, Machine Learning, Data Science, or related field.
- Experience in C/C++11.
- Familiarity with Python or scripting tools for automation and testing.
- Understanding of linear algebra, numerical methods, or scientific computing.
- Good problem-solving skills and ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Courseworks or past experience in using ML frameworks, parallel programming, or code optimisation.
- Exposure to math libraries such as MKL or OpenBLAS.
- Knowledge of performance analysis tools.
Benefits
In addition to a competitive salary, Graphcore offers flexible working, a generous annual leave policy, private medical insurance and health cash plan, a dental plan, pension (matched up to 5%), life assurance and income protection. We have a generous parental leave policy and an employee assistance programme (which includes health, mental wellbeing, and bereavement support). We offer a range of healthy food and snacks at our central Bristol office and have our own barista bar! 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.
2026 Graduate Software Engineer - ML Kernels & Runtime Team in Bristol employer: us Graphcore
Graphcore is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and inclusive work culture that fosters continuous learning and innovation in the field of Artificial Intelligence. With a strong commitment to employee well-being, Graphcore provides a comprehensive benefits package, including flexible working arrangements, generous leave policies, and health support, all within a vibrant Bristol office environment that encourages collaboration and creativity. Joining Graphcore means being part of a pioneering team at the forefront of AI technology, where your contributions will directly impact the future of computing.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land 2026 Graduate Software Engineer - ML Kernels & Runtime Team in Bristol
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees at Graphcore on LinkedIn or attend industry events. A friendly chat can give you insider info and might just get your foot in the door.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare a mini-project or a GitHub repo showcasing your C++ prowess and any ML projects you've worked on. This hands-on evidence can really make you stand out during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Brush up on your problem-solving skills with coding challenges. Websites like LeetCode or HackerRank can help you get into the right mindset for technical interviews.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in joining the Graphcore team.
We think you need these skills to ace 2026 Graduate Software Engineer - ML Kernels & Runtime Team in Bristol
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Graduate Software Engineer. Highlight your experience with C/C++ and any relevant coursework in machine learning or numerical computing. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about AI and how your background makes you a great fit for our Kernel Engineering team. Let us know what excites you about the role and Graphcore!
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills:In your application, don’t forget to mention specific examples where you've tackled challenging problems, especially in programming or optimisation. We love seeing how you approach complex issues and come up with innovative solutions!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows us that you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at Graphcore!
How to prepare for a job interview at us Graphcore
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your C/C++ skills, especially if you've worked with C++11. Familiarise yourself with linear algebra and numerical methods, as these are crucial for the role. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you're serious about the position.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare to discuss specific examples where you've tackled complex problems, particularly in performance optimisation or memory-efficient designs. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and make them impactful.
✨Get Familiar with ML Frameworks
If you have experience with machine learning frameworks or parallel programming, be ready to talk about it. Even if it's coursework, mentioning relevant projects can demonstrate your hands-on experience and enthusiasm for the field.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions about the team and the projects you'll be working on. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if Graphcore is the right fit for you. Think about asking how they approach performance analysis or what challenges the Kernel Engineering team is currently facing.
