Hardware Validation & Debug Engineer

Graphcore; West of England; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Unlimited annual leave

Company pension matching up to 5%

Phantom equity – share in Graphcore’s‑

On-site barista

Job summary

Graphcore is seeking a hands‑on hardware validation engineer to validate and debug cutting‑edge AI silicon platforms in our lab. You will own system validation across PCIe, Ethernet, and SerDes interfaces, tracing root causes and ensuring platforms meet performance and reliability targets.

You will collaborate with architecture, silicon, hardware and firmware teams to drive issues to resolution and bring new platforms to life in a fast‑paced, highly technical environment.

Qualifications

• Strong experience validating and debugging complex hardware systems.
• Hands‑on expertise with PCIe Root Complex bring‑up, debug, and protocol analysis.
• Experience debugging Ethernet SerDes systems and high‑speed interfaces.
• Confident using oscilloscopes, BERT systems, VNA/TDR equipment, and protocol analysers.
• Strong root‑cause analysis skills across signal integrity and subsystem issues.

Responsibilities

• Lead hands‑on system validation in the lab and debug complex hardware issues.
• Drive root‑cause analysis and bring new platforms to life.
• Collaborate with architecture, silicon, hardware and firmware teams to ensure robust validation.

Skills

Hardware validation

PCIe root complex bring-up

Ethernet SerDes debugging

Oscilloscopes

Signal integrity

Root-cause analysis

Independent work

Tools

BERT system

VNA/TDR equipment

Protocol analysers

Job description

About The Job

Build the systems that prove the next generation of AI hardware works at scale.

You will validate and debug Graphcore’s silicon platforms before they power advanced AI workloads worldwide. Your work will directly influence product quality, performance, and reliability across our hardware stack.

You will lead hands‑on system validation in the lab, working closely with architecture, silicon, hardware, and firmware teams. You will debug complex PCIe, Ethernet, and SerDes issues, drive root‑cause analysis, and bring new platforms to life.

This role offers deep technical ownership and exposure to some of the industry’s most demanding hardware challenges. You will help shape the future of AI computing from the lab bench upward.

The team and culture

You will join a team that moves quickly, solves hard problems, and values technical depth. Engineers are trusted to investigate issues, challenge assumptions, and drive decisions forward.

Work is highly hands‑on and collaborative across hardware, firmware, and silicon teams. Problems are tackled directly in the lab using real systems and real data.

We value people who take ownership and enjoy figuring things out. The best ideas win, regardless of job title or background.

What We’re Looking For

• Strong experience validating and debugging complex hardware systems
• Hands‑on expertise with PCIe Root Complex bring‑up, debug, and protocol analysis
• Experience debugging Ethernet SerDes systems and high‑speed interfaces
• Confident using oscilloscopes, BERT systems, VNA/TDR equipment, and protocol analysers
• Strong root‑cause analysis skills across signal integrity and subsystem issues
• Ability to work independently and drive technical issues across multiple teams

Benefits

• Unlimited annual leave
• Up to 5 % matched pension
• Phantom equity – share in Graphcore’s success
• True flexibility in how and where you work
• Office spaces designed for collaboration
• Free food and an on‑site barista
• Health cash plan
• Income protection
• Life assurance
• Other benefits you can choose from (private medical insurance, dental plan, etc)

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.