Hardware Validation & Debug Engineer

EngineersOfAI; Bristol; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working

Generous leave

Pension match

Phantom equity

On-site barista

Income protection

Private medical insurance

Dental cover

Cycle to work scheme

Job summary

Graphcore is seeking a Validation and Debug Engineer to verify high-speed interfaces and ensure real-world performance across our silicon and platforms. You will own hands-on validation in the lab, focusing on SerDes, PCIe Root Complex and Ethernet, and you will help translate lab findings into engineering decisions.

You will collaborate with Architecture, Silicon Engineering, Hardware Engineering and Firmware, driving bring-up and issue resolution through data-driven decisions.

Qualifications

• Hands-on hardware validation experience with board bring-up and subsystem debugging.
• Experience validating and debugging Ethernet, PCIe Root Complex and SerDes systems.
• Proficient with lab instruments such as oscilloscopes, BERT systems, VNA/TDR equipment and PCIe protocol analysers.
• Ability to debug signal integrity, protocol-level and interface issues through to root cause.
• Experience with PCIe bring-up, LTSSM analysis, link training, equalization tuning and interoperability testing.
• Ability to work independently and drive issue resolution across teams.

Responsibilities

• Own hands-on validation and debug in the lab, focused on SerDes, PCIe Root Complex and Ethernet.
• Tune links, investigate failures and turn lab findings into clear engineering decisions.
• Drive bring-up, debug issues and help teams reach data-based decisions.
• Speak up when something is unclear or risky and collaborate across Architecture, Silicon and Firmware teams.

Skills

Hardware validation

Ethernet/PCIe/SerDes

Lab instrumentation

Signal integrity debugging

PCIe bring-up

Independent work

Tools

PCIe protocol analysers

Job description

About the job

Debug the high-speed interfaces that decide whether advanced AI systems perform in the real world.

As a Validation and Debug Engineer, you will help prove Graphcore silicon and platforms work across real product conditions. You will build deep knowledge of our devices, boards and system behaviour.

You will own hands-on validation and debug in the lab, focused on SerDes, PCIe Root Complex and Ethernet. Your work will help resolve complex issues across silicon, hardware, firmware and architecture teams.

This role is for someone who enjoys getting close to the hardware. You will tune links, investigate failures and turn difficult lab findings into clear engineering decisions.

The team and culture

You will work closely with Architecture, Silicon Engineering, Hardware Engineering and Firmware. Progress comes through practical evidence, clear communication and fast problem solving.

The team expects ownership without daily oversight. You will drive bring-up, debug issues and help teams reach decisions based on data.

You will be trusted to speak up when something is unclear or risky. The best ideas can come from anyone close to the problem.

What we’re looking for

• Strong hands-on hardware validation experience, including board bring-up and subsystem debug
• Experience validating and debugging Ethernet, PCIe Root Complex and SerDes systems
• Confident use of lab instrumentation, including oscilloscopes, BERT systems, VNA/TDR equipment and PCIe protocol analysers
• Ability to debug signal integrity, protocol-level and interface issues through to root cause
• Experience with PCIe bring-up, LTSSM analysis, link training, equalization tuning and interoperability testing
• Ability to work independently, take responsibility and drive issue resolution across teams

While we have outlined a set of requirements, we value transferable skills and diverse experiences. If you meet most of our essential criteria, we encourage you to submit an application and showcase how your background makes you a strong candidate.

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

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.

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