AI SoC Validation / Bring-up Lead

About the Position

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.

We are seeking an AI SoC Validation / Bring-up Lead to join our team in Bristol or Cambridge, UK. This role is pivotal in ensuring the reliability and efficiency of our next-generation AI compute systems.

Responsibilities

• Define and lead post-silicon validation strategy: Develop and refine the overall post-silicon validation approach for our AI SoCs, ensuring reliable and timely delivery of validated silicon, architectural correctness, feature robustness, and at-scale system reliability.
• Drive cross-domain debug and issue resolution: Lead investigation and resolution of complex issues spanning silicon, firmware, operating systems, and platform interactions. Ensure that fixes are effective and sustainable.
• Promote collaboration and shared understanding: Work closely with design, software, and validation teams to align on quality objectives and debug priorities. Use data-driven insights and clear communication to maintain focus and alignment across teams.
• Advance automation and scalable validation: Encourage the use of emulation, prototyping, and large-scale validation infrastructure to improve coverage and reduce time to debug.
• Support continuous improvement: Foster a culture that values learning, transparency, and improvement in validation methods, automation, and analysis.
• Engage with leadership and customers: Provide clear and concise updates on validation progress, risks, and quality indicators to executive teams and key partners. Contribute to product readiness assessments and roadmap decisions.

Requirements

• A systems thinker comfortable working across hardware, software, and integration boundaries.
• A collaborative leader who builds trust and alignment across diverse teams.
• Skilled in technical problem solving and debugging complex post-silicon issues.
• A clear communicator who can simplify complexity and support sound decision-making in fast-paced environments.
• Committed to developing people and promoting an inclusive, high-performing team culture.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electronic Engineering or equivalent; Master’s preferred.
• 20+ years in silicon, system, or platform validation, including 10+ years in technical leadership.
• Proven experience leading post-silicon validation and bring-up for complex SoCs (AI, GPU, or CPU).
• Strong understanding of SoC architecture, coherency protocols, power management, and interconnects.
• Expertise in debug tools, DFT infrastructure, and validation automation frameworks.
• Proficient in C/C++, Python, and Linux-based environments; experience with large-scale validation clusters is an advantage.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and stakeholder management skills.

We Offer

In addition to a competitive salary, Graphcore offers:

• Flexible working
• Generous annual leave policy
• Private medical insurance and health cash plan
• Dental plan
• Pension (matched up to 5%)
• Life assurance and income protection
• Generous parental leave policy
• Employee assistance programme (includes health, mental wellbeing, and bereavement support)
• Healthy food and snacks at our central Bristol office
• Flexible approach to interview and support for reasonable adjustments

About the Company

Graphcore is 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.

Applicants for this position must hold the right to work in the UK. Unfortunately, at this time, we are unable to provide visa sponsorship or support for visa applications.