Staff Software Engineer

About the Position

Staff Software Engineer

Location: Bristol, UK

About the Job

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.

Responsibilities

• Design, build, execute, and report tests across component, system, and acceptance levels.
• Debug difficult issues using hardware and software tools, simulators, and emulators.
• Influence design decisions and guide test infrastructure.
• Drive reliability across the stack.
• Help teams move quickly while protecting production quality.

Requirements

• 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.

Nice to Have

• Transferable skills and diverse experiences.

We Offer

• 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.

About the Company

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 prove the reliability of the drivers behind next-generation AI compute? Apply now to join Graphcore in Bristol.