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About The Job
Shape the test strategy that proves Graphcore firmware is ready for production hardware.
As a Staff System Software Engineer, you will lead firmware QA across Graphcore’s next-generation hardware platforms. You will verify the low level software behind boot, configuration and monitoring.
Your tests will protect production firmware quality, from power sequencing to hardware interfaces and telemetry. You will create reliable gates for firmware used across teams and systems.
You will design test infrastructure, build high coverage tests and debug issues with hardware and analysers. You will also guide best practice while staying close to the code.
This role needs technical breadth, embedded systems depth and calm ownership of difficult problems. You will shape how firmware quality scales at Graphcore.
The Team and Culture
You will join the Firmware QA team within System Software QA. The team validates low level software for complete boot, configuration and monitoring of Graphcore silicon and hardware platforms.
- Work happens close to hardware, across firmware, software and platform teams.
- You will turn requirements and use cases into acceptance tests that protect production quality.
Decisions are shaped by evidence, technical discussion and clear ownership. You will speak up, set standards and mentor engineers through practical, hands-on leadership.
What We’re Looking For
- Significant experience in firmware qualification across complex embedded systems.
- Deep understanding of real time embedded systems and complex boot logic.
- Experience working with hardware, debuggers and analysers.
- Strong understanding of silicon and hardware interfaces, including I2C, I3C, SMBus, SPI, PCIe, DDR and power management.
- Experience with CI/CD, build tools and modern testing practices.
- Ability to debug cross-layer issues, drive root-cause investigations and communicate complex technical concepts clearly.
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.
Start with a chat, not a search bar
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.
See breakdownIt searches the market for you
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. If you meet most of our essential criteria, we encourage you to submit an application and showcase how your background makes you a strong candidate.
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.
Ready to shape firmware quality for Graphcore’s next-generation hardware platforms? Apply now to join the team.
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