SoC Architect

Graphcore; West of England; Hybrid; GBP 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working

Generous leave

Pension support

Phantom equity

On‑site office with meals

Income protection

Private medical insurance

Dental cover

Job summary

Graphcore is seeking an experienced SoC Architect to define and integrate subsystems for next‑generation AI compute platforms. You will shape interfaces, interconnects and system architecture across processor, SoC and board levels, influencing performance, validation and bring‑up decisions.

You will work across architecture, design, verification, hardware and software teams, owning meaningful technical areas and mentoring others to move quickly while maintaining rigorous engineering discipline.

Qualifications

• Deep understanding of computer architecture and SoC design requirements.
• Experience writing clear technical specifications for engineering teams.
• Familiarity with RTL development, verification processes or logical design.
• Ability to coordinate across architecture, design, verification, hardware and software teams.
• Knowledge of PCIe, DDR, LPDDR, Ethernet or on‑chip networks.
• Proven drive to take ownership, mentor others and drive practical decisions.

Responsibilities

• Define and integrate critical subsystems for complex silicon devices.
• Shape interfaces and interconnects to meet performance and bring‑up targets.
• Collaborate with design, verification, hardware and software teams to realise product requirements.

Skills

Computer architecture

Technical specifications

RTL/verification

Cross-team collaboration

PCIe/DDR/Ethernet

Ownership & mentorship

Job description

About the job

Shape the SoC architecture behind Graphcore's next generation AI acceleration platforms.Graphcore is building AI compute systems that push far beyond a single chip. As a SoC Architect, you will define, specify and integrate critical subsystems for complex silicon devices.You will work across processor, SoC and system architecture to turn product requirements into practical design choices. Your work will influence performance, integration, modelling, validation and bring-up.This role is for someone who enjoys deep technical ownership and broad system context. You will help Graphcore deliver multiple AI silicon projects in parallel, at real scale.You will work on interfaces, interconnects and SoC subsystems that sit at the centre of advanced AI platforms. The problems are complex, visible and difficult to find elsewhere.

The team and culture

The Silicon Architecture team sits at the point where product ambition becomes silicon reality. Architects work closely with design, verification, hardware, software and systems teams.The team is growing because the scope is expanding. You will own meaningful technical areas, move quickly on decisions and keep momentum across groups.Ideas are tested through modelling, specification, discussion and evidence. People are expected to speak up, take responsibility and help others move faster.

What we're looking for

• Strong understanding of computer architecture, SoC architecture or complex silicon systems
• Experience writing clear technical specifications for engineering teams
• Knowledge of RTL development, verification processes or logical design
• Ability to work across architecture, design, verification, hardware and software teams
• Domain knowledge in areas such as PCIe, DDR, LPDDR, Ethernet or on-chip networks
• Motivation to take ownership, mentor others and drive practical decisions

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.

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.