Staff Software Engineer New Bristol, UK

Graphcore, Ltd.; Bristol; On-site; GBP 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working

Generous leave

Pension matching

Phantom equity

On-site barista and free food

Private medical insurance

Dental cover

Cycle to work

Income protection

Job summary

Graphcore is seeking a Staff System Software Engineer to own the test strategy for production-ready drivers and platform tools. You will validate Linux kernels and device drivers, influence design decisions and guide test infrastructure across hardware and software stacks.

You will design, build, execute and report tests across components, system and acceptance levels, debugging complex issues with hardware, firmware, and software tools, while mentoring others and promoting strong quality

Qualifications

• Deep experience validating Linux kernels, device drivers or similar systems software.
• Strong C++ and Python test development skills.
• Experience with CI/CD, build tools and modern automated testing practices.
• Ability to debug complex issues across hardware, firmware, drivers and upper software layers.
• Proven ownership of technical work, priorities and delivery in an agile engineering setting.
• Clear communication skills, including the ability to document and explain complex technical concepts.

Responsibilities

• Own the test strategy that proves Graphcore’s drivers are production-ready and validated across the stack; design, build, execute and report tests.
• Shape validation of complex device drivers and platform tools, mentoring others and raising standards.
• Drive reliability across component, system and acceptance levels using hardware, simulators and emulators.
• Collaborate with driver developers, hardware, firmware, ML stack, Kubernetes and cloud teams to ensure quality.

Skills

Linux kernel validation

C++ test development

Python test development

CI/CD tooling

Debugging complex systems

Agile delivery

Clear communication

Tools

CI/CD tooling

Build tools

Job description

Own the test strategy that proves Graphcore’s next generation drivers are production-ready.

As a Staff System Software Engineer, you will shape how Graphcore validates complex device drivers and platform tools. You will bring technical depth across Linux kernels, drivers and systems software.

Your work will help raise the quality bar for products that support the next generation of AI compute. You will influence design decisions, guide test infrastructure and drive reliability across the stack.

You will design, build, execute and report tests across component, system and acceptance levels. You will debug difficult issues using hardware and software tools, simulators and emulators.

This is a hands-on technical leadership role with broad reach. You will help teams move quickly while protecting production quality.

The team and culture

The Drivers QA team verifies low-level kernel drivers, user-space libraries and platform tools. Work spans component tests, user acceptance and full system validation.

You will work directly with driver developers, hardware, firmware, ML stack, Kubernetes and cloud management teams. Decisions are made close to the technical detail, with engineers expected to speak up and own outcomes.

The team values engineers who think big, act fast and take responsibility. You will mentor others, raise standards and turn hard system problems into lasting improvements.

What we're looking for

• Deep experience validating Linux kernels, device drivers or similar systems software
• Strong C++ and Python test development skills
• Experience with CI/CD, build tools and modern automated testing practices
• Ability to debug complex issues across hardware, firmware, drivers and upper software layers
• Proven ownership of technical work, priorities and delivery in an agile engineering setting
• Clear communication skills, including the ability to document and explain complex technical concepts

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.

• 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.