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# Staff Software Engineer

- **Company:** Graphcore
- **Location:** Bristol, UK
- **Salary:** £60,327.0
- **Contract:** Permanent contract
- **Skills:** Artificial Intelligence, Automation of Tests, C++ (Programming Language), Continuous Integration, Software Debugging, Device Drivers, Emulators, Firmware, Python (Programming Language), Linux Kernel, Software Tools, Software Engineering, System Software, System Testing, Strategies of Testing, Kubernetes, Build Tools
- **Published:** July 29, 2026
- **Apply:** https://www.adzuna.co.uk/jobs/details/5818644285

## About the Role

· Deep experience validating Linux kernels, device drivers or similar systems software
· Strong C++ and Python test development skills
· Experience with CI/CD, build tools and modern automated testing practices
· Ability to debug complex issues across hardware, firmware, drivers and upper software layers
· Proven ownership of technical work, priorities and delivery in an agile engineering setting
· Clear communication skills, including the ability to document and explain complex technical concepts

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.

## Description

Own the test strategy that proves Graphcore's next generation drivers are production-ready.

As a Staff System Software Engineer, you will shape how Graphcore validates complex device drivers and platform tools. You will bring technical depth across Linux kernels, drivers and systems software.

Your work will help raise the quality bar for products that support the next generation of AI compute. You will influence design decisions, guide test infrastructure and drive reliability across the stack.

You will design, build, execute and report tests across component, system and acceptance levels. You will debug difficult issues using hardware and software tools, simulators and emulators.

This is a hands-on technical leadership role with broad reach. You will help teams move quickly while protecting production quality.

The team and culture

The Drivers QA team verifies low-level kernel drivers, user-space libraries and platform tools. Work spans component tests, user acceptance and full system validation.

You will work directly with driver developers, hardware, firmware, ML stack, Kubernetes and cloud management teams. Decisions are made close to the technical detail, with engineers expected to speak up and own outcomes.

The team values engineers who think big, act fast and take responsibility. You will mentor others, raise standards and turn hard system problems into lasting improvements.


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