About Graphcore

How often do you get the chance to build a technology that transforms the future of humanity?

Graphcore products have set the standard in made-for-AI compute hardware and software, gaining global attention and industry acclaim. Now we are developing the next generation of artificial intelligence compute with systems that will allow AI researchers to develop more advanced models, help scientists unlock exciting new discoveries, and power companies around the world as they put AI at the heart of their business.

Graphcore recently joined SoftBank Group – bringing large and ongoing investment from one of the world’s leading backers of innovative AI companies.

Job Summary

Our team is at the forefront of the artificial intelligence revolution, enabling innovators from all industries and sectors to expand human potential with technology. The availability of specialised artificial intelligence compute will be a decisive factor in AI’s rate of progress. Graphcore allows innovators to go further, faster. What we do, really makes a difference.

Reporting to the Director of Silicon Architecture, the SoC Architect is responsible for the design, specification and modelling of sub-systems within complex, high performance and highly integrated silicon devices at the forefront of AI acceleration technology.

The role involves close collaboration with other groups, including architecture, silicon design, verification, hardware and software teams. 

The Team

The Silicon Architecture Team sits within the CTO 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.

Responsibilities and Duties

• Distilling product requirements and their effects on SoC/platform design trade-offs
• Collaborating with processor, SoC and system architects to determine optimal solutions
• Collaborating with silicon design, verification and hardware engineers to ensure implementation correctness
• Evaluating potential hard and soft third-party IP and liaising with third party IP vendors
• Design and specification of performant SoC sub-systems and their associated integrations
• Contribute to the silicon bring-up, characterisation and evaluation activities as required
• Working with senior engineers, when required, within cross-functional working groups
• Implement improvements to infrastructure and processes
• Assist with debugging activities

Candidate Profile 

Essential:

• Degree in Electronic Engineering, Computer Science or related subject
• Solid understanding of computer/SoC architecture
• Excellent communication skills
• Experienced in the writing of technical specifications
• Knowledge of RTL development and verification processes
• Be highly motivated, a self-starter, and a team player
• Ability to work across teams and programming languages

Desirable

• Experience in the technical specification of complex silicon SoC devices
• Experience of machine learning or massively parallel computing systems
• Verilog 
• Low-level software experience
• Knowledge of one or more of DDR, PCIe, Ethernet, on-chip networks

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