Graphcore
Senior Software Engineer

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About the job
Own the quality gate for the drivers that power Graphcore’s next-generation AI systems.
As a Staff System Software Engineer in Test, you will join the Drivers QA team in Cambridge. You will design, build and run tests for complex Linux device drivers, user space libraries and platform tools.
Your work will help ensure Graphcore’s driver releases are reliable, robust and production ready. You will shape test strategy, raise engineering standards and solve issues across hardware, firmware, drivers and higher-level software.
You will stay deeply hands-on while guiding test infrastructure, coverage and best practice. This role is for someone who wants technical breadth, deep systems work and real ownership of quality.
The team and culture
The Drivers QA team validates the low-level software that connects Graphcore’s products to real system use. Work spans component testing, system testing, user acceptance and cross-stack validation.
You will work closely with development, hardware, firmware, ML stack, Kubernetes and cloud management teams. Decisions are shaped through technical evidence, clear communication and direct ownership.
The team moves with purpose, but quality is never treated as an afterthought. You will be expected to speak up, take responsibility and help others raise the bar.
What we’re looking for
- Deep experience validating Linux kernels and/or device drivers
- Strong test development skills in C++ and Python
- Experience with CI/CD, build tools and modern automated testing practices
- Ability to debug complex cross-layer issues using hardware and software tools
- Confidence shaping test strategy, infrastructure and coverage for production software
- Clear communication skills, with the judgement to influence technical decisions across teams
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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Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.
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.
While we have outlined a set of requirements, we value transferable skills and diverse experiences. We also welcome engineers returning to the profession after a career break, including through returnship routes.
Benefits
- 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
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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We’re an equal opportunity employer and recognise that everyone brings different strengths and perspectives. If you need any adjustments during the interview process, just let us know - we’re happy to support you.
Sponsorship
Applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK. Unfortunately, we are unable to provide visa sponsorship or support visa applications for this role.
Join the Team at Graphcore
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.
If you want to own the quality of the driver software behind Graphcore’s next-generation AI systems, we’d love to hear from you. Apply now to be part of the journey.
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