> Markdown version of [/jobs/ext/3525116-principal-hardware-system-test-engineer](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/jobs/ext/3525116-principal-hardware-system-test-engineer). Every page supports `.md` or `Accept: text/markdown`. Links point to the HTML versions so they work for humans too. Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md).

---

# Principal Hardware System Test Engineer

- **Company:** Graphcore
- **Location:** Cambridge, UK
- **Contract:** Permanent contract
- **Skills:** Bash Shell, Code Coverage, Software Debugging, Linux, Firmware, Python (Programming Language), Open Source Technology, Software Engineering, Strategies of Testing, Hardware Testing, Data Analytics, Hardware Infrastructure
- **Published:** October 1, 2026
- **Apply:** https://www.apply4u.co.uk/jobs/principal-hardware-system-test-engineer/49333813

## About the Role

software/firmware/platform teams to enable testability and diagnosability, Hands-on experience using Linux, OpenBMC, and vendor-specific test tools, diagnostics, and system-level utilities to test hardware in lab and manufacturing environments.Strong software engineering skills with scripting and automation (e.g., Python, Bash, or similar), including building reliable test infrastructure and integrating heterogeneous test content. Desirable Familiarity with rack-scale/multi-node systems, high-speed interconnects, and production qualification of complex assemblies. Experience improving manufacturing KPIs (yield, test time, false fail reduction) through data-driven test optimisation and robust statistical/diagnostic approaches. Knowledge of open-source tools commonly used for manufacturing test, system bring-up, and hardware diagnostics. Experience designing testability/diagnosability features into products (e.g., telemetry, self-test hooks, debug interfaces) in partnership with design teams.

## Description

About the job Shape how advanced AI hardware is tested before it reaches customers. You'll lead the technical direction of manufacturing test solutions for Host Processor Modules, Server Blades, and multi-node rack systems. Your work will help ensure every system meets the highest quality standards before deployment. You'll own the architecture of the test executive software and develop manufacturing test content that validates complex hardware at scale. Working across hardware, firmware, and software teams, you'll enable reliable, efficient testing throughout production. This role offers broad technical influence. You'll solve complex engineering challenges, improve manufacturing quality through data, and help shape the future of Graphcore's production test capability. The team and culture You'll join the Product Test and Diagnosis team within Manufacturing Operations. The team defines and delivers test strategies across silicon, boards, server systems, and rack-scale platforms. Day to
day, you'll work closely with engineers across hardware, firmware, software, manufacturing, and quality. Decisions are driven by technical evidence, collaboration, and continuous improvement. You'll have the freedom to lead technically, mentor other engineers, and influence how manufacturing test evolves across globally distributed teams. What we're looking for Essential Extensive experience developing and deploying manufacturing test solutions for high-performance servers, accelerators (GPU-class), or comparable large-scale compute hardware. Proven technical leadership as an individual contributor, owning architecture and driving alignment across multiple teams without direct line management responsibility. Deep technical understanding across silicon, board, and system design sufficient to define effective manufacturing test coverage and lead complex debug/root-cause analysis. Strong cross-functional collaboration skills, with experience driving requirements and, delivery with internal


## Related Videos

- [More efficient software for more efficient microchips](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1164-more-efficient-software-for-more-efficient-microchips)
- [Old tools, new tricks](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1916-old-tools-new-tricks)
- [Playing Pong on a shoulder press machine](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100140-playing-pong-on-a-shoulder-press-machine)
- [Docker network without Docker](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1418-docker-network-without-docker)
- [Agent Smith Gets Hardware: Autonomous IoT Hacking From Debug Port to Cloud API](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100258-agent-smith-gets-hardware-autonomous-iot-hacking-from-debug-port-to-cloud-api)
- [Testing .NET applications a Tool box for every developer](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/704-testing-net-applications-a-tool-box-for-every-developer)

## Related Articles

- [The 8 Best Code Testing Tools](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/402-the-8-best-code-testing-tools)
- [How We Built a Worry-Free System That Runs for 10+ Years – And What We’d Do Again](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/751-how-we-built-a-worry-free-system-that-runs-for-10-years-and-what-we-d-do-again)
- [Should senior developers refuse interview coding challenges?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/29-should-senior-developers-refuse-interview-coding-challenges)
- [Dev Digest 120 - Apple and peers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/455-dev-digest-120-apple-and-peers)
- [Dev Digest 121 - AI goes offline](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/456-dev-digest-121-ai-goes-offline)
- [Is Software Engineering Hard?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/448-is-software-engineering-hard)