Staff SoC Architect

About the role

<div class="text-base my-auto mx-auto pt-12 [--thread-content-margin:var(--thread-content-margin-xs,calc(var(--spacing)*4))] @w-sm/main:[--thread-content-margin:var(--thread-content-margin-sm,calc(var(--spacing)*6))] @w-lg/main:[--thread-content-margin:var(--thread-content-margin-lg,calc(var(--spacing)*16))] px-(--thread-content-margin)"> <div class="[--thread-content-max-width:40rem] @w-lg/main:[--thread-content-max-width:48rem] mx-auto max-w-(--thread-content-max-width) flex-1 group/turn-messages focus-visible:outline-hidden relative flex w-full min-w-0 flex-col" data-conversation-screenshot-content=""> <div class="flex max-w-full flex-col gap-4 grow"> <div class="min-h-8 text-message relative flex w-full flex-col items-end gap-2 text-start break-words whitespace-normal outline-none keyboard-focused:focus-ring [.text-message+&amp;]:mt-1" data-message-author-role="user" data-message-id="3434bb82-2f70-493f-820b-f472f6a2ac87"> <div class="flex w-full flex-col gap-1 empty:hidden items-end rtl:items-start"> <div class="contents max-w-(--user-chat-width,70%)"> <div class="corner-superellipse/0.98 relative min-w-0 overflow-hidden rounded-[22px] px-4 py-2.5 leading-6 user-message-bubble-color max-w-(--user-chat-width,70%)"> <div class="max-w-full min-w-0 [overflow-wrap:anywhere] whitespace-pre-wrap"> <h3 class="PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer" data-start="135" data-end="148">About the job</h3> <p data-start="150" data-end="241">Shape the SoC architecture behind Graphcore's next generation of AI acceleration platforms.</p> <p data-start="243" data-end="447">Graphcore is expanding its Silicon Architecture Team in Bristol to deliver complex AI compute platforms. As a SoC Architect, you will define how critical subsystems are specified, modelled and integrated. You will turn product requirements into architecture choices across interfaces, interconnect, memory and platform behaviour. Your work will guide implementation, validation and trade-offs across multiple chip programmes. You will work with processor, SoC and system architects, plus design, verification, hardware and software teams. Together, you will evaluate IP, resolve integration questions and support silicon bring-up where needed.</p> <p data-start="890" data-end="1014">This is a rare chance to influence real AI silicon while Graphcore scales its contribution to SoftBank Group's AI ecosystem.</p> <h3 data-start="1016" data-end="1036">The team and culture</h3> <p data-start="1038" data-end="1261">The team owns SoC architecture, subsystem modelling and system-level trade-offs across future AI acceleration platforms. Work moves from requirements to specifications, models, reviews and guidance for implementation teams. People here are expected to take responsibility early and keep decisions moving. You will speak directly with adjacent teams to clarify constraints, challenge assumptions and close open questions. Decisions are made through technical evidence, clear specifications and direct cross-functional discussion. The team values people who think big, act fast and speak up when architecture needs sharper choices.</p> <h3 data-start="1671" data-end="1693">What we're looking for</h3> <p data-start="1695" data-end="2269">• Experience specifying or architecting complex SoC devices or subsystems.<br>• Strong understanding of computer architecture, SoC integration, RTL development and verification processes.<br>• Ability to turn product requirements into clear technical specifications and practical design trade-offs.<br>• Software development capability, ideally with Python, C++, Rust or architecture modelling experience.<br>• Knowledge of PCIe, LPDDR, DDR, Ethernet, high-speed interfaces or on-chip interconnect.<br>• Confidence working across design, verification, hardware, software and systems teams.</p> <p data-start="2271" data-end="2483">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.</p> <h4 data-start="2485" data-end="2493">Benefits</h4> <p data-start="2495" data-end="3375">· Flexible working: Balance your work and personal life with greater flexibility<br>· Generous leave: Take time to rest, recharge and enjoy life outside of work<br>· Retirement planning support: Up to 5% matched pension<br>· Phantom equity: Share in Graphcore’s success<br>· Workplace experience: Enjoy thoughtfully designed office spaces for collaboration, with free food and an on-site barista to support your day<br>· Peace of mind protection: Income protection and life assurance to provide financial security for you and your loved ones<br>· Electric Vehicle Scheme: Choose an electric vehicle and lease it through salary sacrifice<br>· Flexible benefits: Tailor your benefits package with a choice of additional options, including private medical insurance and dental cover<br>· Optional benefits: Dental cover, health cash plan, private medical insurance, cycle to work scheme, give as you earn</p> <p data-start="3377" data-end="3739">We welcome people from all backgrounds and experiences and are committed to building an inclusive environment where everyone can do their best work.<br>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.</p> <p data-start="3741" data-end="3752">Sponsorship</p> <p data-start="3754" data-end="3910">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.</p> <h3 data-start="3912" data-end="3938">Join the Team at Graphcore</h3> <p data-start="3940" data-end="4219">Graphcore is one of the world’s leading innovators in Artificial Intelligence compute. It is developing hardware, software and systems infrastructure that will unlo