Graduate SoC Architect

About us 

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 enjoys a culture of continuous learning and constant innovation. 

Job Summary

As a Graduate SoC Architecture Engineer, you will work as part of our Silicon Architecture Team, supporting the design and development of next-generation AI acceleration hardware. You will contribute to the specification, modelling, and evaluation of sub-systems within complex System-on-Chip (SoC) designs.

Working under the guidance of experienced architects, you will collaborate with cross-functional teams—including silicon design, verification, hardware, and software engineers—to help deliver high-performance, highly integrated silicon solutions.

This role offers an excellent opportunity to develop your technical skills while gaining hands-on experience in cutting-edge AI hardware development.

The Team

The Silicon Architecture Team sits within the COO group. The SoC architects are responsible for the architectural specification, integration, modelling, validation and evaluation of numerous critical sub-systems, including high-speed interfaces for our upcoming AI acceleration platforms.

As a graduate engineer, you’ll be supported by experienced mentors and work closely with a wide range of teams across the business.

Responsibilities and Duties

• Support the development of SoC sub-system specifications and design documentation
• Assist in analysing product requirements and understanding their impact on system design trade-offs
• Collaborate with architecture, design, and software teams to explore and evaluate technical solutions
• Contribute to modelling and simulation of architectural features (e.g. using Python or Rust)
• Assist in the integration and validation of SoC components
• Support evaluation of third-party IP and emerging technologies
• Participate in silicon bring-up, testing, and performance analysis activities
• Document findings and communicate technical information clearly to the wider team
• Continuously learn and develop technical knowledge in SoC and AI hardware design

Candidate Profile

Essential

• A degree (or expected degree) in Electronic Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field
• Understanding of computer architecture or digital systems (academic or project-based)
• Experience with programming (e.g. Python, Rust, C++, or similar)
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Good written and verbal communication skills
• Enthusiasm for learning and working in a collaborative team environment

Desirable

• Exposure to hardware design concepts (e.g. RTL, Verilog, or VHDL)
• Experience with modelling, simulation, or performance analysis
• Interest in AI, machine learning, or high-performance computing
• Familiarity with interfaces such as PCIe, Ethernet, or memory systems (e.g. DDR)

Benefits

In addition to a competitive salary, Graphcore offers flexible working, a generous annual leave policy, private medical insurance and health cash plan, a dental plan, pension (matched up to 5%), life assurance and income protection. We have a generous parental leave policy and an employee assistance programme (which includes health, mental wellbeing, and bereavement support). We offer a range of healthy food and snacks at our central Bristol office and have our own barista bar! 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.