Principal HW Engineering Development Program Manager

About Us 

Graphcore is a globally recognised leader in Artificial Intelligence computing systems. The company designs advanced semiconductors and data centre hardware that provide the specialised 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. We are opening a new AI Engineering Campus in Austin, which will play a central role in Graphcore's work building the future of AI computing. 

Job Overview: 

We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Power and System Hardware Development Program Manager to lead end-to-end development and delivery of next-generation hardware platforms. In this role, you will be responsible for driving execution across cross-functional engineering teams, supply chain, manufacturing, and operations, and finance to ensure on-time and high-quality product releases. This position requires strong technical acumen, outstanding program management skills, working with global engineering and manufacturing partners, and the ability to navigate complex development lifecycles in a fast-paced environment. 

Responsibilities: 

• Lead and manage full lifecycle hardware development programs from concept through production. 

• Develop, own, and drive schedules, program plans, resource allocations, and risk mitigation strategies for complex hardware programs. 

• Responsible for establishing and maintaining program budget 

• Lead hardware development milestones (e.g., schematic/layout freeze, EVT/DVT/PVT builds, system integration, bring-up, and deployment). 

• Drive cross-functional collaboration with engineering, operations, supply chain, manufacturing, and quality teams. 

• Coordinate and align efforts across hardware architecture, board design, thermal/mechanical, power systems, firmware, and validation teams. 

• Lead prototype builds, validation schedules, and bring-up plans with internal teams and external partners. 

• Coordinate with Suppliers, Contract Manufacturers (CMs) and Joint Design Manufacturers (JDMs) for build readiness, issue resolution, and process improvement. 

• Maintain program documentation, status reports, and presentations for executive leadership. 

• Drive BOM management, change control processes, and material readiness for prototype and production phases. 

• Provide regular program updates to stakeholders, executives, and customers, with clear status, risks, and mitigation plans. 

• Work with supply chain and operations to support scalable manufacturing and delivery of systems. 

• Collaborate with hardware, software and data center teams to ensure hardware readiness for system-level performance testing and deployment. 

Required Skills and Experience : 

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related technical field or comparable experience. 

• Proven experience managing hardware or system-level product development, preferably in server, datacenter, or high-performance computing (HPC) environments. 

• Proven track record of delivering complex hardware programs on schedule and within budget. 

• Solid understanding of power, networking, and server hardware architecture, board development, thermal, mechanical, and power subsystems. 

• Experience working with CMs/JDMs and navigating NPI (New Product Introduction) cycles. 

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail. 

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; able to influence cross-functional teams and executive stakeholders. 

• Experience navigating hardware NPI cycles and managing product development across engineering, operations, and manufacturing. 

• Strong interpersonal, analytical, and communication skills, with the ability to drive decisions and influence stakeholders. 

• Proficiency with program management tools (e.g., Microsoft Project, Wrike, Smartsheet) and PLM systems (e.g., Agile, Arena). 

“Nice To Have” Skills and Experience : 

• Familiarity with PLM tools (e.g., Agile, Arena). 

• Experience in global team teamwork across time zones. 

• Understanding of compliance and regulatory requirements. 

• Experience with server validation, diagnostics, and failure analysis. 

Benefits  
 
In addition to a competitive salary, Graphcore offers a competitive benefits package. 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.