Staff SLT Test Engineer

Graphcore; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working

Medical, dental and vision coverage

401(k) retirement plan

Job summary

Graphcore in Austin, Texas is seeking a skilled System Level Test Engineer to drive testing solutions for next-gen AI processors. The role involves collaboration with cross-functional teams and focuses on both hardware and software development.

The ideal candidate has a strong background in semiconductor design and validation, excellent problem-solving skills, and a Bachelor's degree in computer or electrical engineering. Graphcore offers flexible working and competitive benefits.

Qualifications

• Experience in System-Level Test, production test, characterization, or post-silicon validation of semiconductor products.
• Understanding of semiconductor fundamentals and advanced packaging technologies.
• Knowledge of DFT methodologies including JTAG and boundary scan.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and deployment of SLT hardware and software solutions.
• Own major SLT workstreams and drive execution.
• Develop SLT test content in collaboration with other teams.
• Lead the development of SLT hardware including test boards.
• Conduct debug, failure analysis, and root-cause investigations.
• Mentor junior engineers and provide technical leadership.

Skills

System-Level Test

Power delivery

Signal integrity

Scripting (Python, Tcl, Shell, Perl)

Communication skills

Problem-solving skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field

Job description

About Graphcore

At Graphcore, we’re building the future of AI compute. We’re a team of semiconductor, software and AI experts, with deep experience in creating the complete AI compute stack - from silicon and software to infrastructure at datacenter scale. As part of the SoftBank Group, backed by significant long-term investment, we are delivering key technology into the fast-growing SoftBank AI ecosystem. To meet the vast and exciting AI opportunity, Graphcore is expanding its teams around the world. We are bringing together the brightest minds to solve the toughest problems, in a place where everyone has the opportunity to make an impact on the company, our products and the future of artificial intelligence.

Job Summary

We are looking for an experienced System Level Test Engineer to join our Product Test and Diagnostics Department (PTD). In this role, you will lead the development and deployment of System Level Test (SLT) solutions for next‑generation AI processors. Working closely with cross‑functional teams, you will contribute to the design and implementation of SLT hardware, software, automation, and characterization solutions that support silicon bring‑up, yield learning, manufacturing readiness, and production deployment. The ideal candidate will possess strong technical depth in semiconductor design and validation, a passion for solving complex engineering challenges, and a strong focus on product quality and manufacturability.

The Team

The Product Test and Diagnostics team’s role is to detect and manage hardware defects that arise from the manufacture and use of our products. This covers chips, boards and finished systems and takes place both in the manufacturing sites and in the field.

Responsibilities and Duties

• Lead development and deployment of SLT hardware and software solutions supporting silicon bring‑up, characterization, yield learning, and manufacturing deployment.
• Own major SLT workstreams and drive execution from requirements definition through deployment and production readiness.
• Develop and integrate SLT test content in collaboration with Silicon Validation, Bring‑up, Product Engineering, and Manufacturing teams.
• Lead development of SLT hardware including test boards, sockets, thermal solutions, instrumentation, and vendor engagements.
• Develop and maintain SLT software frameworks, automation infrastructure, diagnostics, telemetry collection, and data analysis tools.
• Drive characterization activities including voltage margining, frequency characterization, thermal characterization, and reliability screening.
• Lead debug, failure analysis, root‑cause investigations, and correlation activities across Simulation, ATE, Bench, SLT, and manufacturing environments.
• Define and optimize test coverage, test time, screening effectiveness, DPPM, and manufacturing test strategies.
• Support transfer of SLT solutions into OSAT and contract manufacturing environments and provide production ramp support.
• Work closely with DFT teams to understand testability, observability, scan architectures, and manufacturing test requirements.
• Contribute to definition of future SLT architectures, methodologies, and infrastructure requirements.
• Mentor junior engineers and provide technical leadership within the team.
• Drive technical reviews, project planning, risk management, and execution tracking for assigned workstreams.
• Collaborate with external vendors and industry partners to evaluate and deploy SLT platforms and solutions.

Candidate Profile – Essential Requirements

• Experience in System‑Level Test, production test, characterization, or post‑silicon validation of complex semiconductor products.
• Strong understanding of semiconductor fundamentals, power delivery, signal integrity, board design practices, and advanced packaging technologies.
• Knowledge of DFT methodologies including scan, JTAG, BIST, MBIST, boundary scan, and manufacturing test architectures.
• Experience working with OSATs, contract manufacturers, and high‑volume manufacturing environments.
• Strong scripting, automation, and debug skills using Python, Tcl, Shell, Perl, or similar languages.
• Demonstrated ability to lead technical projects and coordinate cross‑functional activities.
• Strong communication, collaboration, and problem‑solving skills.
• Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field.

Candidate Profile – Desirable Qualifications

• Experience with System‑Level Test (SLT), production test, characterization, or post‑silicon validation of 2.5D/3D stacked semiconductor products.
• Familiarity with advanced packaging technologies such as chiplets, CoWoS, SoIC, HCB, or other integration methods.
• Experience with manufacturing test flows, OSAT engagement, and production ramp activities.

Benefits

In addition to a competitive salary, Graphcore offers flexible working and a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your health, wellbeing and financial future. Our benefits include medical, dental and vision coverage, Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs), Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), disability and life insurance, a 401(k) retirement plan, commuter benefits, wellness services and an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP). We welcome people of different backgrounds and experiences; we're committed to building an inclusive work environment that makes Graphcore a great home for everyone.

We offer an equal opportunity process and understand that there are visible and invisible differences in all of us. We can provide a flexible approach to interview and encourage you to chat to us if you require any reasonable adjustments.