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.
About the Role
We are looking for Staff System Software Engineer in Test to join our team.
In this role, you will be responsible for design, development, automation and reporting of Integration and system tests spanning across firmware and device drivers.
This role requires you to have significant technical breadth and deep understanding of low-level system software specifically in server class systems.
You will be part of a new team responsible for integration of different system software deliverables and development of system tests spanning all the components. You will
contribute to shaping the test strategy , guide best practices and solve complex problems while maintaining a strong hands-on focus. You will partner with development and other QA teams to deliver high quality scalable
and reliable solutions.
The team and culture
You will join a new integration and system test team within System Software QA. The team verifies integrated components across BMC, firmware and Linux device drivers.
Work happens close to the hardware, across component teams and QA. You will partner with developers, consult package stakeholders and turn use cases into robust system tests.
Decisions are shaped by evidence, clear technical reasoning and ownership. You will be expected to speak up, act fast and raise standards through hands-on leadership.
What we’re looking for
- Strong experience in low level system testing and integration across complex software and hardware layers.
- Deep understanding of RTOS, complex boot logic, Linux and device drivers.
- Test development capability using Python and C/C++.
- Experience working with hardware, debuggers, CI/CD pipelines and build or integration tools.
- Ability to debug cross-layer issues and drive root-cause investigations to lasting corrective actions.
- Clear communication skills, with the ability to mentor engineers and document complex technical decisions.
Responsibilities & Duties :
- Technical leadership for test features –
- Ownership of multiple features
- Infrastructure ownership
- Test Strategy
- Design and development of tests specifically for complex multi component areas achieving close to 100% coverage
- Knowledge of overall functionality
- Ability to understand complex features and design and implement test plans with minimum guidance.
- Bug triaging and debugging
- Debug bugs found in tests (self or help others) to narrow it down to RC.
- Review and improve code, test design and implementation processes.
- Perform code review for teammates as well as developers
- Improve ‘ways of working’ by ensuring team follows standard practices.
- Collaborate with HW and Software teams to understand use-cases, create and implement test plans to meet requirements across the stack
- Integration tests for other components on the board
- Acceptance tests for stakeholders
- Communicate complex technical concepts to experts and non-experts
- Demonstrate knowledge of your domain
- Contribute to validation framework, CI/CD, Automation and packaging.
- Lead/contribute to design decisions
- Drive RCCA
- Work with developers to reduce mean time between failures for externally reported bugs
- Add missing test coverage
- Mentor Jr members
- Technical expert on domain
- Ensure best practices are followed
- Raise quality and coding standards, best practices by setting an example
- Ensure and improve code quality
- Ensure and improve best practices
- Contribute to improving team culture
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.
Skills Required
- Strong experience in low-level system testing and integration across complex software and hardware layers
- Deep understanding of RTOS, complex boot logic, Linux, and device drivers
- Test development experience using Python and C/C++
- Experience working with hardware, debuggers, CI/CD pipelines, and build or integration tools
- Ability to debug cross-layer issues and drive root-cause investigations to corrective actions
- Clear communication skills and ability to mentor engineers and document complex technical decisions
What the Team is Saying
Graphcore Compensation & Benefits Highlights
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Healthcare Strength — Company materials list private medical insurance, dental coverage, health cash plans, mental‑health support, and day‑one U.S. medical options via Cigna/Kaiser. Feedback suggests these offerings are a meaningful strength, particularly in the UK.
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — Benefits highlight flexible working hours, unlimited annual leave, generous parental leave, and paid U.S. holidays. Feedback suggests work‑life balance is often described positively alongside these policies.
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Retirement Support — UK information cites pension matching up to 5%, while U.S. listings describe a 401(k) with a 100% company match up to 6%. Feedback suggests these structured contributions are viewed as competitive elements of the package.
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.
