Graphcore
Director of Characterisation

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About the job
Lead the team that proves our AI silicon performs reliably before it reaches customers.
You will build and lead Graphcore's characterisation capability for next generation silicon and system platforms. Your work will help ensure our products perform consistently across real world conditions.
You will define bring up and characterisation strategies, lead technical execution, and shape the lab infrastructure needed for success. You'll work across silicon, hardware, manufacturing, architecture and product teams to solve complex engineering challenges.
This is a hands on leadership role with the opportunity to influence both product design and how Graphcore validates future AI systems.
The team and culture
This is a newly formed team within Manufacturing Operations. You'll have the opportunity to establish how the team works while building strong partnerships across engineering and operations.
Day to day, you'll work closely with architecture, silicon, hardware, production test and product teams. Decisions are driven by data, technical evidence and close collaboration across disciplines.
We value ownership and clear communication. You'll be trusted to lead technical direction, remove blockers and help teams make progress with confidence.
What we're looking for
Essential
- Proven track record of delivering complex technical projects as an individual contributor, manager, or project manager, with the ability to work independently and drive execution.
- Strong expertise in silicon digital device design, bring-up, characterisation, and silicon process technologies, with an understanding of their impact on transistor- and system-level performance.
- In-depth knowledge of high-performance processors, system-on-chip (SoC) architectures, and high-speed digital interfaces such as PCIe, Ethernet, and DDR.
- Experience with measurement automation, data analysis, and scripting/coding to develop automated test and analysis workflows, with familiarity of ATE systems and their capabilities.
- Excellent communication, presentation, and stakeholder management skills, supported by a bachelor's degree (or equivalent practical experience).
Reasons to use Rodeo
I’m in my final year doing Economics and I don’t know whether to apply for grad schemes now or do a masters first. What do you think?
Honest answer — it depends on where you want to end up. A lot of top grad schemes (Big 4, civil service, banking) don’t need a masters. Let’s look at the ones you’d be competitive for now, and we can decide if a masters actually adds anything.
Also worth knowing: most autumn 2026 applications are open now. Timing matters more than you think.
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Grad scheme, placement, apprenticeship? Not sure what you want yet — that's fine. Your agent talks it through with you and turns "I have no idea" into a shortlist.
Graduate Consultant — 2026 Scheme
Why you're a good match
StrongYour economics background and your summer at a regional bank line up with what PwC looks for on the consulting scheme. Applications close in four weeks.
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Why you're a good match
You’ve got the grades and the economics background, and your bank internship is exactly the experience this scheme looks for. Apply soon — deadlines close within the month.
Experience fit
Your summer at the bank plus your econometrics coursework map directly to the day-one responsibilities on this scheme — client modelling, market briefings, and deal support.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
Desirable
- Knowledge of PCBA and system level technologies.
- Project management experience.
Benefits
- Unlimited annual leave
- Up to 5% matched pension
- Phantom equity – share in Graphcore's success
- True flexibility in how and where you work
- Office spaces designed for collaboration
- Free food and an on-site barista
- Health cash plan
- Income protection
- Life assurance
Along with other benefits you can choose from (private medical insurance, dental plan etc)
We welcome people from all backgrounds and experiences and are committed to building an inclusive environment where everyone can do their best work.


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Join the team at Graphcore
Graphcore is building the compute platform for the next generation of artificial intelligence. From advanced silicon to intelligent software, our technology is designed to unlock breakthroughs in AI and bring its benefits to every industry.
As part of the SoftBank Group, we're backed by one of the world's most ambitious technology investors, working alongside companies shaping the future of AI. Together, we share a bold goal: to help enable artificial superintelligence and ensure it delivers meaningful impact at a global scale.
At Graphcore, you'll work with people who are pushing the boundaries of what's possible. Our teams bring together AI researchers, chip designers, software engineers and systems experts from a wide range of backgrounds. It's an environment where we take on big challenges with curiosity and focus, move quickly and decisively, take real ownership of our work, and speak up to challenge ideas, stepping up to support each other and lead through action.
If you want to lead the team that validates the technology powering the next generation of AI systems, we'd love to hear from you. Apply now to join Graphcore.
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