Staff System Software Engineer

EngineersOfAI; Bristol; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Graphcore is seeking a Staff System Software Engineer to design and implement robust integration tests for firmware, BMC and Linux device drivers in server class systems.

You will build automated test suites, tooling and packaging to improve release quality while collaborating across hardware and software teams in a fast‑paced environment.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in low level system testing across software and hardware layers.
• Deep knowledge of RTOS, boot logic, Linux and device drivers.
• Test development using Python and C/C++ and experience with hardware debugging.

Responsibilities

• Design, build, automate and report tests across complex server class systems.
• Develop reusable tools, pipelines and packaging solutions for teams.
• Own hard technical areas and guide best practice with hands‑on leadership.

Skills

Low level testing

RTOS knowledge

Linux drivers

Python

C/C++

CI/CD pipelines

Debug cross-layer

Mentoring

Communication

Tools

Debuggers

CI/CD tools

Build systems

Packaging tools

Job description

About the job

Build the test strategy that protects Graphcore’s system software releases at scale.

As a Staff System Software Engineer, you will shape integration and system testing across firmware, BMC and Linux device drivers. Your work will help create a high quality gate for system software release packages.

You will design, build, automate and report tests across complex server class systems. You will also develop reusable tools, pipelines and packaging solutions that help teams move faster with confidence.

This role needs deep low level software knowledge and strong system thinking. You will own hard technical areas, guide best practice and stay close to the code.

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.

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.

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.

Ready to build the tests, tools