About the job
Start your firmware career working on the code that brings AI hardware to life. As a 2026 Graduate Firmware Engineer, you will help develop the low-level software that starts, monitors and supports Graphcore products.
You will learn how firmware connects silicon, hardware, drivers and datacentre systems. Your work will help our products boot correctly, communicate clearly and run reliably.
You will contribute to code, tests, reviews and technical discussions with firmware, drivers, hardware and partner teams. You will build practical skills in C, Python, embedded systems, debugging, build systems and continuous integration.
You do not need to arrive as an expert. We are looking for graduates who want to learn deeply, solve hard problems and grow into confident firmware engineers.
The Team & culture
The Firmware team writes the software that enables Graphcore hardware and silicon to boot, communicate and operate reliably. The team works closely with drivers, hardware, silicon and partner teams.
Work happens through agile planning, code reviews, design discussions and hands-on debugging. You will own well-scoped tasks, get clear feedback and build confidence through real product work.
Decisions are made through evidence, practical trade-offs and open technical discussion. Graduates are encouraged to ask questions, share ideas and improve how the team works.
What we’re looking for
- Bachelor’s or master’s degree in computer science, Maths, Machine Learning, Data Science, or a related field
- Introductory experience with C or Python, gained through study, projects, internships, hobbies or work experience
- Understanding of continuous integration, build systems or software packaging fundamentals
- Interest in embedded software, hardware bring-up, device drivers, operating systems or server platforms
- Ability to learn through debugging, code reviews, technical feedback and practical problem solving
- Curiosity, ownership and motivation to start your career close to hardware and AI compute
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 Firmware Engineering Programme and start building the skills, confidence, and experience to turn your learning into real impact. Apply now.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's or master's degree in Computer Science, Maths, Machine Learning, Data Science, or related field
- Introductory experience with C or Python (through study, projects, internships or work)
- Understanding of continuous integration, build systems or software packaging fundamentals
- Interest in embedded software, hardware bring-up, device drivers, operating systems or server platforms
- Ability to learn through debugging, code reviews, technical feedback and practical problem solving
- Curiosity, ownership and motivation to work close to hardware and AI compute
- Legal right to work in the UK (no visa sponsorship available)
What the Team is Saying
Graphcore Compensation & Benefits Highlights
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Healthcare Strength — Healthcare is presented with day-one U.S. medical coverage, plus dental/vision, mental health support, and concierge services. Wellbeing extras such as an EAP and pet insurance broaden the health-focused package.
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Retirement Support — Retirement programs include a company-matched 401(k) in the U.S. and matched pensions in the U.K. Employer-provided life insurance and disability/income protection further reinforce long-term financial security.
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — Time off is framed as flexible or unlimited in multiple locations, with paid holidays and generous parental leave highlighted. Flexible hours are emphasized to accommodate personal needs alongside a hybrid model.
Graphcore Insights
What We Do
At Graphcore, we’re building the future of AI compute. We’re a team of semiconductor, software and AI experts, with deep experience in creating the complete AI compute stack - from silicon and software to infrastructure at datacenter scale. As part of the SoftBank Group, backed by significant long-term investment, we are delivering key technology into the fast-growing SoftBank AI ecosystem. To meet the vast and exciting AI opportunity, Graphcore is expanding its teams around the world. We are bringing together the brightest minds to solve the toughest problems, in a place where everyone has the opportunity to make an impact on the company, our products and the future of artificial intelligence.
Why Work With Us
Our team is at the forefront of the machine intelligence revolution, enabling innovators from all industries to build AI-native products to expand human potential. What we do at Graphcore really makes a difference.
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Graphcore Offices
Hybrid Workspace
Employees engage in a combination of remote and on-site work.
At Graphcore, we value wellbeing and flexibility to support a healthy work/life balance. Our hybrid approach encourages office-based colleagues to work onsite three days a week, with trusted flexibility built on trust and transparency for everyone.
