About the job
Own the firmware that brings Graphcore hardware and silicon to life.
As a Staff Firmware Engineer, you will design, develop and deliver firmware for Graphcore’s next generation products. Your work will sit close to the hardware and shape how our systems boot, run and communicate.
You will help build the software that supports complete hardware bootup, silicon interaction, telemetry and monitoring. Your code will connect silicon, drivers, host systems and datacentre operations.
You will take part in technical design discussions across Graphcore and with partners. You will also help engineers solve complex firmware problems and raise engineering standards across the team.
This role suits someone who wants deep technical ownership, real system complexity and the chance to influence product delivery.
Team and Culture
The Firmware team writes the software that enables Graphcore hardware and silicon to start, operate and report reliably. The work is practical, technical and close to the product.
Engineers are expected to own outcomes, speak up in design discussions and move work forward. Decisions are shaped through technical debate, code reviews and Agile ceremonies.
You will work with firmware specialists, system software engineers, partners and wider product teams. The pace is focused, with responsibility shared by people who understand the detail.
What we're looking for
· Strong embedded software engineering experience using C or C++
· Experience designing and implementing real-time embedded systems using Zephyr or a similar RTOS
· Proven ability to understand, build and debug complex embedded platforms
· Clear problem-solving skills and the ability to drive outcomes independently
· Strong communication skills, including documenting complex system designs clearly
· Solid understanding of Continuous Integration, build systems and software packaging best practices
While we have outlined a set of requirements, we value transferable skills and diverse experiences. We also welcome engineers returning to the profession after a career break, including through returnship routes.
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 Comment by Helen Doyle: can we take out unlimited as its not contractual and change to generous or flexible.
· 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
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.
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.
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.
If you want to shape the firmware behind Graphcore’s next generation systems, we’d love to hear from you. Apply now to be part of the journey.
Skills Required
- Strong embedded software engineering experience using C or C++
- Experience designing and implementing real-time embedded systems using Zephyr or a similar RTOS
- Proven ability to understand, build and debug complex embedded platforms
- Clear problem-solving skills and the ability to drive outcomes independently
- Strong communication skills, including documenting complex system designs clearly
- Solid understanding of Continuous Integration, build systems and software packaging best practices
- 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 — Private medical insurance, comprehensive dental/vision, a health cash plan, and mental wellbeing support are listed as standard, with day-one coverage and Spring Health/EAP support noted for the U.S. Life assurance and income protection add further protection for serious illness or injury.
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — Flexible working hours and “unlimited annual leave” are explicitly stated. U.S. materials also note flexible PTO and 11 paid holidays.
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Retirement Support — Retirement programs include a U.K. pension match up to 5% and a U.S. 401(k) with a 100% company match up to 6% (with a year-end true-up). These provisions signal a meaningful employer contribution toward long-term savings.
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.
